How to Stop Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency and fluidity of the stools; too much water in the intestine causes it. Normally the intestine processes an estimated 10 quarts (9.5 liters) of water daily, allowing only 3 to 4 ounces to reach the rectum. When water fails to be absorbed from the intestine or is drawn into the intestine, diarrhea results.
Here are several causes to this problem:
- A Lack of lactase that inhibits the digestion of lactose (milk sugar), draws water into the intestine, and causes diarrhea. Diseases of the pancreas and malnutrition are the underlying causes.
- Food sensitivities are also a problem e.g., the gliadin found in the gluten of certain grains has a toxic action on the villi of the intestinal mucosa, leading to, among other problems, diarrhea.
- Stomach flu or gastroenteritis may be due to viruses and bacteria in children, and usually to bacteria or parasites in adults. In enteritis, the inflamed mucosa pours out fluid, and intestinal contractions increase, propelling the fluid mass downward for evacuation. Salmonella and shigella frequently cause food poisoning, and girardia and ameba may be involved. Pathogenic colon bacilli and other organisms bring on traveler’s diarrhea. In some parts of the world cholera and typhoid fever cause diarrhea.
- The ingestion of poisonous mushrooms or other toxic substances may cause severe gastroenteritis and diarrhea.
- A number of medications act on the bowel wall. Antibiotics are among the most common. They frequently kill off susceptible microorganisms in the intestine, thus upsetting the balance of organisms and causing diarrhea.
- Anxiety and emotional stress excite the muscles and mucous glands in the lower colon. Causing increased mucus and strong contractions that result in severe diarrhea.
- Numerous diseases cause diarrhea, including ulcerative colitis, crohn’s disease, celiac disease, sprue, irritable colon, pancreatitis, and cancer of the large intestine. Symptoms of diarrhea may vary from mildly loose stools to violent purges, accompanied with cramping and abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and blood-tinged stools.
Things you can do for diarrhea.
What I usually tell people is that one should not try to stop mild diarrhea, because it is the body’s attempt to rid itself of infection or irritation. If the diarrhea is accompanied with vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in the stools, and fever, see your physician as soon as possible. If these symptoms are not present, preparations of kaolin with pectin or bismuth often bring prompt relief.
Another thing you can do is to use charcoal. Charcoal not only binds up the stool, but it also absorbs whatever toxins are inside the intestines.
Things you could expect your physician to do.
Your doctor may order a culture of the stool and do a rectal examination should he suspect some serious disorder. Depending on the severity of the problem, he may advise intravenous fluids, an antibiotic, or medication that will prevent the diarrhea. If an antibiotic causes the diarrhea, he may recommend that you take yogurt, cultured milk, or a powder of lactobacillus acidophilus to restore balance among the bowel microflora.
Copyright © 2007-2009 Natural Health News Articles And Resources
