How to Prevent Watery Stools

Are your stools watery and painful with no definite shape? According to WrongDiagnosis.com, you probably have watery stools, a common condition that affects approximately 272 million Americans each year. Although watery stools clear up within a few days, it can occur regularly, causing mild discomfort. To prevent watery stools and the spread of bacteria, follow these three rules.

Rule #1: Use dairy products that are pasteurized to prevent watery stools.
Before you get your fill of your favorite dairy product, check the label. Pasteurization, a heating process that kills bacteria present in dairy products, is essential for protecting the body from bacteria that causes watery stools. Commercialized products are typically pasteurized, but homemade products run the risk of carrying extra bacteria. The solution? Buy pasteurized products to prevent watery stools-and stay away from homemade products that do not carry this seal.

Rule 2#: Wash your hands to prevent watery stools.
Bacteria spreads from hand to mouth, and if you neglect to wash your hands, you increase your risk of developing watery stools. Remember, bacteria causes watery stools, and you want to get rid of any lingering bacteria that could enter your body. Clean your body and your hands for increased protection.

To prevent watery stools, wash your hands vigorously with warm water and antibacterial soap. Dry your hands with a paper towel, not a cotton rag, to further prevent the spread of bacteria. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, before and after a meal, and after any activities that involve working with raw meat or outdoor materials. And whatever you do, avoid coming in contact with someone who also has diarrhea-they can easily pass it on to you.

Rule 3#: Never leave food out for too long to prevent watery stools.
Think leaving cooked meat on the counter is okay? Think again. According to the Mayo Clinic, even cooked meat accumulates bacteria if you do not refrigerate it. To prevent this, refrigerate food if you do not plan to eat it within the hour in a clean, closed container. You can also prevent watery stools by cleaning all surfaces that come into contact with food. Use a clean, soapy cloth and dry it with a paper towel to remove all particles.

Remember, the key here is to limit your contact with bacteria, which causes watery stools. Limit your contact by eliminating bacteria from places it likes to breed-meat at room temperature, dirty hands, and unpasteurized dairy products. Use your common sense too. If it looks suspicious, don't eat it. Clean your hands regularly and watch what you eat to prevent painful, watery stools.

Sources:
"Statistics About Diarrhea", WrongDiagnosis.com
"Diarrhea: Prevention", MayoClinic.com
"3 Ways to Prevent Diarrhea," Livestrong.com