Diarrhea can severely disrupt everyday life. It occurs when you have liquid stools more than three times a day. Many home remedies can help quickly.
There are many reasons for diarrhea. These include infections, food intolerances and stress. Many people turn to natural methods for acute diarrhea.
Home remedies such as black tea and healing clay can help. They alleviate the symptoms and support recovery. It is important to compensate for the loss of fluids and electrolytes. If symptoms persist, you should see a doctor.
What is diarrhea and when is it called diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a common problem that affects many people. There are certain criteria that help to diagnose diarrhea. We take a look at what diarrhea means medically and how to distinguish acute from chronic diarrhea.
Medical definition of diarrhea
Doctors call diarrhea diarrhea when certain conditions are present:
- More than three bowel movements per day
- Pulpy to liquid stool consistency
- Increased stool volume of over 200 grams per day
These changes are caused by various mechanisms in the bowel.
Difference between acute and chronic diarrhea
Acute diarrhea comes on suddenly and usually only lasts a few days. It is often harmless and goes away on its own. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, lasts longer or keeps coming back. It can indicate serious illness and should be checked by a doctor.
Typical accompanying symptoms
Diarrhea often includes
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flatulence and bloating
- Fever (in the case of infections)
- General weakness and fatigue
If diarrhea is severe or persistent, you can become dehydrated. This is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and pregnant women. In such cases, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Causes and triggers of diarrhea
Diarrhea can have many causes. Some causes are infectious, others are not. A common cause is a gastrointestinal infection. This is often triggered by viruses, bacteria or parasites.
Many viruses, such as rotaviruses and noroviruses, cause diarrhea and vomiting. Bacterial infections are often caused by contaminated food or water. Traveler’s diarrhea is also one of them.
Non-infectious causes include:
- Food intolerances
- side effects of medication
- stress
- Chronic intestinal diseases
Acute diarrhea is characterized by more than three liquid bowel movements per day. Chronic diarrhea can mean serious problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
| Cause | Examples | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Viral infection | Rotavirus, norovirus | Sudden diarrhea, vomiting |
| Bacterial infection | Salmonella, E. coli | Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever |
| Food intolerance | Lactose intolerance | Diarrhea after eating certain foods |
| Chronic illness | Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease | Recurrent diarrhea, abdominal pain |
If symptoms persist, it is important to see a doctor. Blood in the stool is a sign of this. A precise diagnosis is necessary in order to find the right treatment.
Home remedies for diarrhea
If you have acute diarrhea, you need help quickly. Home remedies can bring relief and help you become healthier. Here are some methods you can try at home.
Black tea as a proven remedy
Black tea often helps against diarrhea. The tannins in the tea have an anti-inflammatory and constipating effect. They retain water in the intestines and soothe the mucous membranes.
Drink the tea brewed strong and lukewarm. This is how it works best.
Healing earth to bind liquid
Healing clay can bind excess fluid. It also absorbs toxins and bacteria in the intestines. Mix a teaspoon of healing clay in water and drink it several times a day.
The fine clay protects the intestinal mucosa like a protective film.
Heat applications for abdominal cramps
Heat applications can relieve abdominal cramps. Heat relaxes the intestinal muscles and promotes blood circulation. A hot water bottle or a cherry stone cushion on the stomach often helps after just 20 minutes.
| Home remedy | How to use | Effect of |
|---|---|---|
| Black tea | Strongly brewed, drink lukewarm | Binds water, soothes the intestines |
| Healing earth | Drink dissolved in water | Binds fluid and toxins |
| Heat application | Apply to the abdomen for 20 minutes | Relieves cramps, promotes blood circulation |
These home remedies can help with mild diarrhea. A visit to the doctor is advisable in the event of persistent symptoms or severe fluid loss.
Natural foods for diarrhea
Some foods can alleviate diarrhea. They help to normalize bowel movements and replace nutrients.
Bananas and apples as stool softeners
Bananas and apples are good against diarrhea. They contain pectin, which swells in the intestine and binds liquid. This makes the stool firmer.
Bananas are also rich in potassium. Potassium helps when you have diarrhea.
Potatoes and rice for intestinal relief
Potatoes and rice are good for the bowels. Rice becomes slightly stodgy when cooked. Potatoes are rich in potassium and easy to digest.
Both help to balance the electrolyte balance.
Healing carrot soup
Moro’s carrot soup is a tried and tested household remedy. It contains oligosaccharides that are effective against diarrhea. The recipe is simple: ½ kg of carrots, 1 liter of water and 3 g of table salt.
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| Foodstuffs | Effect | Important ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Bananas | Stool firming | Pectin, potassium |
| Apples | Stool firming | Pectin |
| Potatoes | Gut relieving | Potassium |
| Rice | Slightly constipating | Mucilage |
| Carrot soup | Anti-diarrheal | Oligosaccharides |
Correct fluid intake for diarrhea
The body loses a lot of fluid during diarrhea. To get well, you need to make up for this loss. The right fluid intake is the key to recovery.
Drink at least two to three liters per day. This corresponds to around 45 milliliters per kilo of body weight. At 65 kilos, that would be 2.9 liters. Still water or unsweetened tea are good choices as they do not irritate the stomach.
Electrolytes are important for diarrhea. Special electrolyte solutions are useful, especially for severe diarrhea, children and the elderly. You can buy them at the pharmacy or make your own. A recipe: Mix 4 teaspoons of sugar, 1/2 liter of orange juice, 1/2 liter of still water and 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
Avoid carbonated and sugary drinks. They put a strain on the stomach. Cola is also not good. Diluted apple juice spritzer is suitable for children, which they should drink in small sips.
Watch out for signs of dehydration such as dizziness or circulatory problems. Severe dehydration can be dangerous for young children and older people. If in doubt, seek medical advice.
Recommended diet during diarrhea
During diarrhea, the body loses a lot of energy and important nutrients. An appropriate diet helps you to recover. Light meals and easily digestible foods are very important.
Light and easily digestible food
Light meals help to relieve the gastrointestinal tract. Rusks, boiled rice and oatmeal are good. A grated apple provides pectin, which firms the stool.
Electrolyte-rich foods
Electrolyte-rich foods are important to balance the mineral content. Carrots, especially in the form of Moro’s carrot soup, provide pectin and vitamins. Oatmeal contains important minerals and B vitamins.
Still water and oral rehydration solutions help to compensate for fluid loss.
| Foodstuffs | Benefits of | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Grated apple | Pectin for firming stools | Freshly grated |
| Banana | Potassium, tryptophan | Ripe, pureed |
| Oatmeal | Minerals, vitamins | 2 tbsp to 250 ml water |
| Carrot soup | Pectin, vitamin A | 500g carrots, 1l water, 3g salt |
Avoid spicy, fatty and sugary foods. Cola and salt sticks can make diarrhea worse. Instead, choose easily digestible foods and drink enough fluids to help you recover.
Unsuitable foods and drinks
If you have diarrhea, it is important to avoid certain foods and drinks. Unsuitable foods put additional strain on the gastrointestinal tract. They can exacerbate the symptoms.
Drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee and energy drinks, should be avoided. Alcohol should also be avoided as it dehydrates the body. Cola is not a suitable drink for diarrhea. The high sugar content and low salt content have hardly any positive effects.
| Unsuitable foods | Drinks to avoid |
|---|---|
| Fatty foods | coffee |
| Spicy dishes | Energy drinks |
| Citrus fruits | Alcoholic drinks |
| Legumes | cola |
| sweets | Milk |
It is better to opt for easily digestible food. Boiled potatoes, pasta, rice and oatmeal are good alternatives. Cooked vegetables, soups and natural yoghurt can also help.
To compensate for fluid loss, you should drink more than two liters of fluid within 24 hours. Electrolyte solutions or self-mixed drinks with water, salt and sugar are suitable. Teas such as camomile, fennel and black tea can have an antispasmodic effect and provide relief.
Naturopathic approaches for treating diarrhea
Naturopathy can help with diarrhea. Medicinal plants, herbal teas and probiotics are good options. They can alleviate the symptoms.
Medicinal plants and herbal teas
Medicinal plants and herbal teas are tried and tested household remedies. Fennel tea soothes the stomach and intestines. Chamomile tea has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Peppermint tea has antibacterial properties. Blueberry tea can help in 2-3 cups a day. Black and green tea are recommended at 1-2 cups per day.
Probiotic support
Probiotics can speed up the healing process. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii are particularly effective. They support the intestinal flora.
Medicinal yeast binds pathogenic germs. It regenerates the intestinal flora. This support helps to restore the balance in the intestine.
- Fennel tea: soothing for the stomach and intestines
- Chamomile tea: anti-inflammatory and easy to digest
- Peppermint tea: antibacterial and disinfectant
- Blueberry tea: 2-3 cups daily
- Probiotics: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces boulardii
If symptoms persist, you should consult a doctor. Naturopathy can be a supplement to medicine. However, it should not be used alone in severe cases.
Warning signs and risks of diarrhea
Diarrhea can quickly become serious, especially if a lot of fluid is lost. If you have watery stools more than three times a day, this is a warning sign. An adult can lose up to three liters of fluid and important salts every day.
Signs of dehydration
Be aware of warning signs of dehydration due to diarrhea. A strong feeling of thirst, dry lips and mouth are signs. Dark, concentrated urine or no urine is also a sign.
In babies, a sunken fontanel can indicate too much fluid loss. Dizziness also indicates that too much fluid and minerals are being lost.
Groups of people at risk
Babies, small children and the elderly are particularly at risk. An infant can quickly become life-threatening. For these groups it is important to determine electrolyte levels quickly.
Special rehydration solutions with sugar and salt are good for infants and young children. They help to balance fluid and electrolytes.
FAQ
What is the difference between acute and chronic diarrhea?
Which home remedies are particularly effective for diarrhea?
What foods should you eat if you have diarrhea?
How important is fluid intake for diarrhea?
What foods and drinks should you avoid if you have diarrhea?
How can probiotics help with diarrhea?
When should you see a doctor if you have diarrhea?
Which groups of people are particularly at risk from diarrhea?
