Diarrhea that lasts for more than 4 weeks is considered chronic. It can be due to treatable disorders (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome), but also to medicines, cancer, celiac disease, hepatitis and hyperthyroidism. Before trying to use a home remedy, you should see a doctor to see you and determine the cause. Do-it-yourself methods should not be given to children under the age of 2.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Change the Power
Step 1. Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids
When you have diarrhea, you need to recover the water lost in each episode. However, keep in mind that other substances, such as potassium, sodium, and chloride, also need to be replenished. Drink water, fruit juices, sports drinks, caffeine-free sodas, and salty broths.
- Children should drink pediatric rehydrating solutions, which contain mineral salts.
- To find out if you are getting enough fluids, pinch your skin, a method technically known as a "skin firmness test". Pinch a section of skin on the back of your hand, forearm, or abdomen and wait for a few seconds. Make sure you lift the skin well. After a few seconds, release it. If it quickly returns to normal, then you have optimal hydration levels. If it stays up and slowly returns to the starting position, you may be dehydrated.
Step 2. Eat foods containing soluble fiber, which help the body absorb water and harden stool, thereby fighting diarrhea
Soluble fiber is found in foods such as oats, bran, rice, steamed broccoli, and barley.
- There is another type of fiber, called insoluble, which is found in foods such as celery and citrus fruits. Insoluble fibers do not absorb water (imagine putting a handful of rolled oats in one bowl of water and a stick of celery in another: the former would absorb the liquid and take on a sticky consistency, while the latter would not would undergo any changes). This type of fiber would only exacerbate diarrhea, so it should be avoided.
- Cereals should be cooked with chicken broth or miso soup. Calculate proportions of 2: 1, so that the doses of the liquid ingredient are equal to twice those of the solid ingredient. For example, if you have 2 cups of chicken broth, measure 1 cup of barley.
- Insoluble fiber is found in bran, vegetables and whole grains.
Step 3. Try the BRAT diet, which helps harden stool and take in nutrients lost due to vomiting and diarrhea
The BRAT diet consists of:
- Bananas;
- Rice;
- Cooked apple puree;
- Toast;
- To combat nausea or vomiting, you can also eat salty crackers.
Step 4. Take probiotics such as Lactobacillus GG, Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, available at the pharmacy
These are "good" bacteria that promote proper intestinal functioning. If you take them when you have diarrhea, they will attack the bacteria responsible for bowel movements.
You can also eat yogurt to increase active bacterial cultures in the gut and counteract the bacteria responsible for diarrhea
Method 2 of 4: Drink a herbal tea
Step 1. Make ginger tea
Herbal teas can help calm the stomach or nausea due to diarrhea.
Ginger tea can be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Children over 2 years of age can drink less concentrated ginger tea or ginger ale without gas. The infusion has not been tested on younger children
Step 2. Try chamomile tea or fenugreek tea
You can use tea bags or calculate a teaspoon of chamomile leaves or fenugreek seeds for a cup of hot water. Drink 5-6 cups a day. These herbal teas help calm the stomach and digestive system.
Step 3. Try blackberry tea
According to researchers at the University of Maryland, herbal teas made from blackberry leaves, raspberry leaves, or bilberry leaves and drinks made with carob powder can help calm the stomach. They possess antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Avoid blueberry herbal teas if you are taking blood thinners or if you have diabetes
Step 4. Avoid caffeinated drinks
Try not to drink coffee, black tea, green tea, or carbonated drinks containing caffeine. Since they stimulate defecation, they can make diarrhea worse.
Avoid alcohol, as it can irritate the intestines and exacerbate diarrhea
Method 3 of 4: Using Medicines
Step 1. Try bismuth subsalicylate
Although it is best to let the diarrhea run its course and the body to rid itself of the bacteria, it is possible to take medications to combat it. For example, you could take a bismuth subsalicylate product, which has antibacterial properties and can improve the situation. Read the leaflet to know the dosage.
Step 2. Consume psyllium fiber, which can help absorb water from the intestines and harden the stool
- Adults can take a total of 2.5-30 g per day in different doses. It is possible to take psyllium while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Children between the ages of 6 and 11 can take a total of 1.25-15 g per day orally in different doses.
Step 3. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor
Chronic diarrhea can be caused by certain active ingredients. Examine the medications you are taking to see if this is the reason. Your doctor may suggest that you change them or reduce the dosage.
Method 4 of 4: See a Doctor
Step 1. If there is any blood or mucus in the stool, see a doctor
Chronic diarrhea may be symptomatic of a more serious condition. Go to your doctor or your child's pediatrician as soon as possible.
- You should also go to the pediatrician if your child has diarrhea and / or a fever that has lasted for more than 24 hours, is not drinking any fluids and is not urinating.
- The doctor will carry out a visit and take a stool sample, which will help determine if the diarrhea is due to a parasitic infection.
Step 2. Learn about the possible causes of chronic diarrhea
It can be due to a parasitic infection, food intolerance, or a chronic condition such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome.
- See an allergist to get tested and see if you are intolerant to gluten, high fructose corn syrup, lactose, or casein.
- Here are some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: abdominal pain and cramps, traces of mucus in the stool, bloating, feeling of incomplete defecation.
- Here are some symptoms of Crohn's disease: abdominal pain and cramps, weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, rash.
- It is also possible that you suffer from a malabsorption syndrome, such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, short bowel syndrome, Whipple's disease and various genetic conditions. Symptoms vary, so see a specialist to consider your specific situation.
Step 3. Talk to a specialist about the various types of treatments
If the diarrhea is due to food problems, your doctor will recommend that you avoid the offending foods.
- If the diarrhea was caused by a parasite, he may prescribe medications such as antibiotics and antiparasitics. If you can't drink enough fluids and hydrate yourself, she may also recommend administering fluids intravenously.
- A doctor may also recommend taking medicines for diarrhea. Over-the-counter drugs include loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate drugs. Those on prescription to treat chronic diarrhea include diphenoxylate and atropine medicines, loperamide, crofelemer, and rifaximin.
