Diarrhea: Key Causes and Natural Remedies

Indulging in roadside pani puri or other street foods can sometimes lead to an upset stomach the following day, often due to a stomach infection. This discomfort can also increase if not managed properly.

Diarrhea is commonly caused by gastroenteritis, a stomach bug that typically resolves on its own within a few days. However, it can also result from contaminated food or be a symptom of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While most cases are mild to moderate, severe instances may require hospitalization.

Diarrhea in Gujarati

In Gujarati, diarrhea is referred to as "Jhada" (ઝાડા). It is characterized by having more than three liquid stools daily, more frequently than usual.

Major Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea, often considered an intestinal flu, can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Foods that disrupt the digestive system

• Intolerances or allergies (e.g., lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance)

• Bacterial infections

• Poor food absorption or overeating fried and processed foods

• Certain medications

• Radiation therapy

Other Contributing Factors

Diarrhea may also be caused by:

• Short-term issues such as waterborne parasites (e.g., giardia, cryptosporidium) and viral gastroenteritis (e.g., norovirus)

• Foodborne illnesses (e.g., E.coli, salmonella)

• Consumption of artificial sweeteners (e.g., mannitol, sorbitol) and natural sugars

• Dietary changes

• Excessive alcohol intake

• Anxiety and stress

Long-term causes include:

• Ulcerative colitis

• Chronic constipation

• Diverticulitis

• IBS/IBD

Statistics on Diarrhea

In India, it's estimated that diarrhea causes approximately 158,209 deaths annually among children aged 0-6 years, with a mortality rate of 9.1% in this age group. The National Family Health Survey-3 (NFHS-3) reported that 9% of children under five experienced diarrhea in the past two weeks.

In adults, about 15% experience diarrhea, with higher prevalence in rural areas (17%) compared to urban areas (9%). States with the highest rates include Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Rajasthan.

Symptoms of Diarrhea

Common symptoms include:

• Stomach pain

• Acidity

• Dehydration

• Nausea

• Fever

• Headache

• Bloating

• Weakness

• Vomiting

Severe Symptoms

In severe cases, symptoms may include:

• Painful bowel movements

• Lack of urination due to dehydration

• Continuous vomiting

• Presence of pus or blood in the stool

• Inability to keep fluids down

Diagnosis

Diarrhea is usually diagnosed based on medical history and symptoms. Severe cases may require further investigation through:

• Colonoscopy

• Stool test

• Blood test

• Biopsy

Foods to Eat During Diarrhea

To aid recovery, consume bland, non-spicy, and easy-to-digest foods, such as:

• Toasted bread

• Bananas

• Plain white rice

• Boiled potatoes

• Rice porridge

• Khichdi

• Oats

• Cereals

• Fish

• Chicken

Probiotic-rich foods like curd, buttermilk, and lassi can also help with digestion and reduce diarrhea.

Recommended Liquids

To manage inflammation and maintain hydration, consider drinking:

• Coconut water

• Clear soups

• Electrolyte water

• Lemon water

• Fresh fruit juice (unsweetened)

• Salty broth

Foods to Avoid

During diarrhea, avoid:

• Fried foods, which can aggravate the condition

• Spicy foods, which may irritate the digestive system

• High-fiber foods, which can exacerbate symptoms

• Sugary and artificially sweetened foods, which can worsen gut sensitivity

Additional foods to avoid include:

• Legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas)

• Packaged foods

• Nuts

• Raw vegetables

• Fatty meats

• Cruciferous vegetables

• Dairy products (except curd, buttermilk, and lassi)

• Coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco

Medicinal Treatment

For severe symptoms, consult a doctor rather than relying on home remedies. Stay hydrated with fluids like electrolyte solutions and coconut water. Electrolyte drinks are available in pharmacies. Your doctor may recommend anti-nausea medications, antibiotics, or intravenous fluids depending on the severity. Avoid antidiarrhoeal medicines if the diarrhea is caused by an infection.

Final Thoughts

Diarrhea is a common condition but can be serious if not managed properly. Avoiding certain foods and following a proper diet can help prevent recurrence. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, consulting a healthcare professional is essential.

About ToneOp

ToneOp is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.

Blog link - https://toneop.com/blog/Diarrhoea-Major-Causes-And-Natural-Treatment

Jayshri is a passionate Health & Fitness expert dedicated to helping others achieve their wellness goals.