Diarrhea is an unpleasant and sometimes embarrassing problem. Unless it is medicine related, it usually doesn't announce it's intention to pounce, it simply starts up. There are many causes, and it can strike anyone at any age. In the very young and the elderly it can become a serious problem, though it usually doesn't.
Food poisoning is one of the most frequent sources for diarrhea. It is sometimes mistaken for a flu bug, and titled the stomach flu. Prevention is always your best bet. Wash all of your fruits and vegetables carefully to remove bacteria and chemicals from it. Always cook meat and poultry to a minimum of 165 degrees and fully cook egg yolks.
There are foods that can trigger this problem as well. You've probably heard the phrase "green apple two step," and eating unripe apples can be a culprit. Eating a large number of grapes and/or unripened ones may also can a bout. If you are fond of these, remember to partake in small amounts to avoid spending an unpleasant amount of time in "the reading room."
There may be some warning for you where medications are involved, though you may have to read the accompanying literature to find out. Laxatives are well known to increase bowel movements and can cause diarrhea like symptoms. What might surprise you is that both antacids and antibiotics could cause the problem. Antacids with magnesium are most likely to do so.
Now for the remedies. Before getting into specifics, there are some general things to do. Make sure you remain well hydrated, as you will be losing a good deal of fluid over the course of the illness. Keep foods on the bland side and don't eat large amounts of food, as it will put added stress on your gastrointestinal tract. There are over the counter remedies for this problem, and they should not interfere with most of the remedies below.
Apples: You can use applesauce, but scraping the inside of a raw apple and eating it is even better. Don't eat unripened apples (see above) and don't eat a large number of them. If the patient is a baby or toddler, a small amount of apple juice could help, but don't go overboard as it could make the problems worse.
Blackberry Leaf Tea: The tannic acids and astringent qualities of blackberry leaves can help reduce the risk of diarrhea and calm the bowels during an episode. It also has antioxidants, adding health benefits to the brew.
Licorice: The root of this plant can coat your stomach and intestines, giving them a chance to calm down. Diabetics should use DGL, as that has the sugars removed. If you have high blood pressure, stick to marshmallow, as the licorice can cause it to go up.
Tea: Like blackberry leaves, tea contains tannins which can help reduce risks and calm the bowels. Black tea is the best, though any tea could help. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression or high blood pressure, either avoid tea or use decaf, as the caffeine content could make the other medical conditions worse.
With these tips, it is possible to resolve diarrhea in a fairly short amount of time. If it doesn't resolve quickly, go to the doctor as you may require something stronger to get over the problem. Ask your doctor before starting any new supplement program. Be sure to give information on all medical conditions you have as well as any medications or supplements you use. This will help you avoid dangerous side effects and herb/drug interactions.
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