Home Remedies: Ten Cures for Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be your body's way of getting rid of undesirable substances that have found there way into your system. Among other things, diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and food poisoning, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and excessive alcohol consumption. Some medications, like antibiotics, can also cause diarrhea.

In healthy adults, diarrhea usually isn't a serious condition, and goes away on its own in a few days. But this condition can be quite serious in children. And, if it lasts for more than a few days, it can lead to dehydration, and the loss of vital nutrients.

Over-the-counter medications may seem to help with the symptoms of diarrhea. But they might also be disrupting your body's attempt to clean out your system. Home cures, on the other hand, can help you find relief, without interrupting your body's immune system.

Those suffering from serious bouts of diarrhea (those that last for extended periods of time, or are accompanied by vomiting, fever, or blood in the stool) should consult a doctor. If you are dealing with a less severe bout of diarrhea, try these home cures.

• One of the effects of diarrhea is that your body loses fluids, causing you to become dehydrated. So it's important that you drink plenty of fluids, like water, juice, and clear sodas (which don't contain caffeine).
• One home cure you should try is ginger tea. It can ease the cramps and abdominal pain that sometimes accompany diarrhea.
• Sports drinks, like Gatorade, are especially good. They help replenish vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes that can be lost in the stool.
• Some beverages, like carrot juice and ginger ale, can make stools less loose and watery.
• Not all beverages are good for someone suffering from diarrhea. For example, you should avoid drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine.
• Apple juice should also be avoided. It can make diarrhea worse.
• Milk and other dairy products can cause abdominal cramps, and can worsen diarrhea.
• The so-called BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples, and toast) is often recommended for children suffering from diarrhea. This diet is also good for adults. Other foods you could eat are cooked potatoes, carrots, pomegranates, and papaya.
• An effective home cure for diarrhea is brown rice. It contains B vitamins, and can help make your stool less watery. Boil half a cup of brown rice in three cups of water for 45 minutes. Eat the rice and drink the water.
• Avoid foods that are high in fiber. They can put undue strain on your digestive system.

Diarrhea can be an unpleasant condition. But these home cures can help decrease the length and severity of bouts of diarrhea, helping you feel like your old self faster.