Diarrhea Treatment: How To Stop Diarrhea Fast

Diarrhea can put you in extremely uncomfortable and awkward situations, apart from the physical discomfort you are facing already. Timely treatment of the symptoms is essential for effective recovery. Getting rid of diarrhea fast involves dietary modifications, pharmaceutical interventions and keeping yourself hydrated.

What Is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea refers to frequent, watery bowel movements, mostly accompanied by abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea comes in two main types, namely acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term). Acute diarrhea is the more common type, also known as non-inflammatory diarrhea. Symptoms usually include the ones described.

The cause of acute diarrhea is usually a bacterial or viral infection. For example, gastroenteritis, normally called "the stomach flu", is the most common infection of the digestive tract that results in diarrhea. Another frequent cause of acute diarrhea is ingesting food or water contaminated with bacteria. Apart from these, certain underlying factors, such as lactose intolerance, consumption of sweeteners, antacids, vitamin supplements and use of antibiotics can also cause diarrhea.

Treating Diarrhea

As unpleasant as it may seem, diarrhea is often not a very serious problem in healthy individuals. However, if the condition becomes chronic and the symptoms become worse, immediate attention is required. In addition, diarrhea in young children, the elderly, and in critically ill patients can take a turn for the worst. This is where consulting with a pediatrician and physician becomes important.

What Should You Do When You Have Diarrhea?

Remember that diarrhea is the body’s way of expelling toxins and pathogens from your system. This is why most treatment involves addressing the symptoms that accompany the diarrhea instead of trying to stop it. The two most basic precautions to take when diarrhea strikes are:

• Maximizing fluid intake: Keeping hydrated and compensating for the loss of electrolytes is the most important precaution in preventing diarrhea and your compromised health condition from getting worse. You should increase your consumption of fluids to at least two to three liters a day. Water and clear broths are among the best options. Sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions are recommend for replenishing the lost electrolytes and salts from the body. 
• Resting and relaxing: Rejuvenation is an essential aspect of recovery in any illness. Getting plenty of rest and minimizing stressors helps your body fight off infection and improve your condition. Furthermore, some people suffer from diarrhea due to psychological factors such as stress and anxiety. Limiting these triggers can also help in controlling and improving your symptoms.

Special Care For Children

Children suffering from diarrhea must be given extra care because they are more likely to develop severe dehydration. There is already lesser fluid in children's body as compared to adults. Even a few episodes of diarrhea in children may result in electrolyte imbalance which can cause trouble and can sometimes be fatal. 

Diarrhea Treatment: Tips For Quick Relief

Following these easy and basic tips can help improve your condition and speed up your recovery from diarrhea.

Do Not Overindulge At Mealtime

Your body might feel exhausted and hungry because of the loss of nutrients, but make sure that you do not overindulge in food. Putting additional burden on your already sensitive digestive system will certainly make matters worse. A liquid diet is usually preferred and better tolerated during episodes of diarrhea. Moreover, pace yourself when you eat: breakdown your meals into smaller portions and consume small quantities throughout the day.

The ‘BRAT’ Diet Is Best

The best diet to stick to is a bland diet, or more specifically, a BRAT diet. This includes bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and tea. These items are less acidic and easily digestible and help provide relief to the intestines. Other foods, such as mashed potatoes and charred toast, also help lessen the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and aid in neutralizing toxins.   

Go For Probiotics

Probiotics can do wonders in treating mild diarrhea, or that triggered by antibiotics. These fermented products, or artificially prepared formulations, contain strains of live bacteria. Probiotics help in stimulating the growth of healthy intestinal flora and restoring their optimum amounts. The best and most effective probiotic is yogurt.     

Avoid Foods That Make Matters Worse

Temporarily avoid foods that cause bloating and are rich in fiber. These include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-wheat products and beans. Eating these foods when you have diarrhea could increase abdominal cramping and frequency of stools. Greasy and fatty foods can also make your condition worse. Lactose intolerant individuals should avoid dairy products. Moreover, steer clear of caffeinated drinks and products, since these also produce gas and aggravate symptoms.

Herbal Remedies For Diarrhea

Before going straight to the pharmacy, try home remedies for relief. Among them are the following:

• Ginger – Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and assists digestion as well. Consuming warm water containing freshly grated ginger at least two to three times a day is highly effective. For those with a highly sensitive digestive system, ginger supplements are also available.
• Fresh Mint – Mint reduces abdominal cramping, and settles intestinal and stomach irritation. Add a few springs of fresh mint to your tea and sip periodically.
• Chamomile – Chamomile not only soothes the intestines, it is also a well-known remedy for reducing stress and anxiety. Tea prepared with chamomile leaves helps instantly.
• Lemon - Squeezing a lemon into warm water and sipping gently is also a effective remedy for reducing diarrheal symptoms. 

Use Prescription Drugs Carefully

This should ideally be the last call. If controlled in its early stages, allow the diarrhea to run its usual course and exclude the toxins and pathogens from your body naturally. However, if symptoms become worse, consult your doctor.

Over-the-counter drugs, such as Loperamide and Bismuth subsalicylate, are two very commonly prescribed anti-diarrheal medicines. Loperamide increases water absorption in the small intestine by slowing down their movement. This improves the consistency of the watery stools. Bismuth subsalicylate acts as an anti-inflammatory and antacid, providing relief to the infected intestines.   

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Avoid Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

The discomfort is irritating, but do not use Aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen for relief. These and similar painkillers can increase intestinal agitation and worsen abdominal cramping and diarrhea.