DIARRHEA
Diarrhea, which is loose, watery stools, is one of the most common digestive disorders. In fact, most people will experience diarrhea several times every year. Diarrhea is considered acute if it lasts just a few days or chronic if it persists for more than four weeks.
During digestion, the food we eat is broken down and nutrients are absorbed through the intestine. The waste material passes through the colon where most of the fluids are absorbed, creating a soft stool. The most common causes of acute diarrhea are dietary factors and infection. The body secretes extra fluid and intestinal contractions propel the toxins out of the body. When diarrhea occurs, the food and fluids you eat pass quickly through the colon so that the fluids are not adequately absorbed, causing soft, watery stools. Chronic diarrhea can occur due to digestive disorders or use of medications that affect bowel function.
Aside from being unpleasant and embarrassing, diarrhea can lead to serious complications such as dehydration and nutrient deficiencies. In some cases it will clear up on its own, and in other cases treatment is necessary to get it under control and prevent complications.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Abdominal pain or cramps
Bloating and gas
Fever
Frequent, loose, watery stools
RISK FACTORS
Antibiotics and other medications
Diet: Fast foods, processed foods, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol and mannitol
Digestive disorders (Crohn’s disease, colitis, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome)
Infection with bacteria, viruses, or parasites
Lactose intolerance
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Acute diarrhea often clears up in a few days and rarely requires treatment. However, to prevent dehydration, your doctor will advise you to increase fluid intake. There are special rehydration solutions, such as Gastrolyte and Pedialyte, available in pharmacies, that contain electrolytes (salt, potassium, and other minerals) that are necessary for health and to prevent dehydration. If you become depleted in these nutrients, it can lead to heart problems and other consequences.
If you develop diarrhea while taking an antibiotic, contact your doctor and stop the medication. Antibiotics destroy both the good and bad bacteria, which can disturb the balance of your normal flora in your intestine, leading to overgrowth or potentially dangerous bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, which can cause very serious diarrhea and requires medical treatment.
If lactose intolerance is causing the diarrhea, you will be advised to avoid dairy products or to take lactase (enzyme needed to digest lactose) when eating dairy.
There are over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, such as Imodium (loper-amide), which can help to slow the diarrhea. However, these drugs should not be used if you have infectious diarrhea as they can prevent your body from eliminating the offending organism.
Dietary Recommendations
Foods to include:
• Carob contains tannins that have an astringent or binding effect on the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract. One study of 41 infants with diarrhea found that carob powder (at a dose of 1 g per kilogram per day) significantly improved resolution of diarrhea as compared to placebo. Carob can also be used for treating adult diarrhea. It is available in health food stores and some grocery stores.
• Drink plenty of fluids (water, vegetable juice, broth). Teas containing chamomile or blackberry, blueberry, or red raspberry leaves can be helpful in alleviating diarrhea because these herbs contain tannins, which have astringent properties. Ginger tea can help reduce intestinal inflammation.
• During an acute attack, avoid solid foods and consume liquids. As you start to feel better, eat foods that are nutritious and easy to digest, such as bananas, brown rice, and potatoes. When your bowel movements have normalized, add more fibre-rich foods back into your diet.
• Fermented milk products (yogurt and kefir) help to restore beneficial bacteria in the gut and suppress growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Foods to avoid:
• Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods (hot peppers) are too stimulating to the digestive tract.
• Dairy products (other than fermented dairy), fats, and oils can worsen symptoms and should be avoided until the diarrhea has cleared.
• Sugar should be avoided if you have a bacterial infection. Fruit juices (especially apple and pear) are high in sugar and should be minimized until you have recovered.
Lifestyle Suggestions
• Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover.
• See your doctor if diarrhea persists beyond five days or if you or your child develops dehydration.
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration rapidly, especially in young children and requires immediate medical attention. Signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark urine. Signs of dehydration in infants include dry mouth, crying without tears, unusual sleepiness, sunken eyes or cheeks, and skin that doesn’t flatten if pinched and released. If this occurs, see your doctor immediately.
Top Recommended Supplements
Multivitamin and mineral complex: Persistent diarrhea can lead to deficiencies of various vitamins and minerals, and taking a multivitamin can help prevent deficiencies. Certain nutrients (such as folic acid and zinc) can promote healing of the intestine. Speak to your pharmacist or health adviser for a recommendation as products vary depending on age, activity level, lifestyle, and gender.
Probiotics: Regular use of these beneficial bacteria can help prevent traveller’s diarrhea and also help treat infectious diarrhea. Over 1 3 clinical studies have shown that probiotics can reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea and help prevent it from occurring. They can also help prevent and treat antibiotic-induced diarrhea. Dosage: One capsule three times daily with meals. Look for a product that provides at least one billion live cells per dosage and is stable at room temperature, such as Kyo-Dophilus. To prevent antibiotic-induced diarrhea, take your probiotic when you start your antibiotic and for at least two weeks after the antibiotic is finished.
CAUTION: If you have diarrhea, avoid taking large doses of vitamin C or magnesium (more than 500 mg or 100 mg respectively), as these nutrients can cause loose stools.
Complementary Supplements
Brewer’s yeast: Some research has shown that this supplement can help relieve infectious diarrhea, particularly when caused by Clostridium difficile (associated with antibiotic use). Dosage: Three capsules three times daily.
Goldenseal: Has antibiotic properties and contains a chemical called berebine, which prevents infectious bacteria from attaching to the gut and blocks the action of toxins produced by bacteria. Dosage: 250-500 mg three times daily, or 1 ml_ of tincture three times daily.
PREVENTING TRAVELLER’S DIARRHEA
Travelling to developing countries and exposure to poor sanitation and contaminated food and water is a very common cause of diarrhea. To reduce your risk, avoid tap water and ice cubes and drink only bottled water and beverages; avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself; avoid raw or undercooked meats; use bottled water to brush your teeth; and keep your mouth closed while showering. Taking a probiotic (friendly bacteria) every day while away can also help reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhea. These beneficial bacteria (such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) normally live in the colon and inhibit the overgrowth of disease-causing bacteria. Look for a product that is stable at room temperature, such as Kyo-Dophilus.
FINAL THOUGHTS
To manage diarrhea, consider the following:
1. Drink lots of fluids (especially water and herbal teas).
2. Avoid dairy, fats, oils, spicy food, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
3. Get adequate rest.
4. Take a probiotic, multivitamin and mineral complex, and rehydration solution.
5. See your doctor if diarrhea persists beyond five days or if you develop dehydration.
