DIARRHEA

Natural Cure for Diarrhea - More Than Home Remedies

Diarrhea can be caused by a change in diet (including a change in the mother's diet of a breastfed baby), infection, antibiotic use, a number of rare diseases, or teething.

The natural cure for diarrhea caused by an infection or disease is to add yogurt to the diet as soon as possible. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus Acidophilus (or L Acidophilus), which is a good bacteria that fights bad bacteria. Lactobacillus Acidophilus can also be taken in supplement form. Some available are Acidophilus Tablets, Children's Chewable Acidophilus Tablets, Acidophilus Strawberry Liquid, and Children's Acidophilus Powder.

The home remedy for any kind of diarrhea for babies is for them to eat carrots, rice cereal, bananas, potatoes, and applesauce to help firm the stools. Fruit juices, peas, pears, peaches, plums, prunes and apricots should be avoided until the stools are back to normal. Adults and older children can also eat cheese, crackers, bread, rice and potatoes. During diarrhea outbreaks, it's best to avoid most dairy products, which tend to make diarrhea worse. This includes milk, butter, creams, and eggs. Yogurt is the exception; it will help to stop diarrhea.

If possible, allow the diarrhea to run its course as this is nature's way of ridding the body of toxins. If diarrhea continues too long for comfort, then use the measures below to stop it. The main concern with diarrhea is the possibility of dehydration from the loss of body fluids and electrolytes. Each year, 400 to 500 young children in the United States die from diarrhea, so it should be taken seriously. Drinks like Pedialyte or KaoLectrolyte can be given to replenish both in babies, and even in older children and adults. Pedialyte would be appreciated by toddlers and children of all ages, and even adults. Older children and adults could also use Alacer's Emergen-C (in flavors like Cranberry).

Apply heat to the abdomen to help relieve pain, cramps, and tenderness. Electric heating pads, moist heat wraps, and water bottles can all be used as needed.

Pepto-Bismol will help control cramping, pain, loose stools, gastrointestinal toxins, and abdominal contractions. But, Pepto-Bismol should NOT be used in children 16 or under since it contains aspirin. Aspirin taken with the flu or Chicken Pox could cause Reye's Syndrome, which can be fatal.

Kaopectate is an over-the-counter medicine that stops diarrhea. But, Kaopectate should NOT be used in children 16 or under since it contains aspirin. Aspirin taken with the flu or Chicken Pox could cause Reye's Syndrome, which can be fatal.

The leaves and fruit of blueberries and bilberries will help to naturally stop diarrhea.

Chamomile works well with adults suffering from mild to moderate diarrhea. Chamomile is a natural pain reliever which will help to rid your body of cramps and inflammation. Chamomile is available in tea, capsules, and liquid form. But, people with hay fever should not use Chamomile since it may cause a serious allergic reaction.

Take one tablespoon of natural apple cider vinegar every hour until diarrhea subsides. The vinegar not only helps stop the diarrhea, it replenishes potassium and magnesium which are essential to your body. Taking natural apple cider vinegar regularly can prevent diarrhea from "bad" food.

Eat one green banana every two to four hours until symptoms subside.

One tablespoon of Carob Powder will help to soothe and calm irritated intestines. The powder can be added to applesauce or plain yogurt.

According to Dr. Greene of American Baby, "If the diarrhea lasts longer than a week, or is accompanied by more than 72 hours of fever, get in touch with your pediatrician. Contact your pediatrician right away, however, if your baby won't drink or appears to be getting dehydrated (dry mouth, crying without tears, sunken soft spot, lethargic, or going eight hours without producing urine) or if your baby is younger than 2 months old and has diarrhea with a fever. Vomiting for 24 hours, eight stools in eight hours, or the presence of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool should also prompt a call to your pediatrician.

"Stool normally contains some of the enzymes that help us digest our food. When stool travels through the intestines more quickly, not only is there more poop, but the poop contains more of these enzymes, which can then start to "digest" the soft skin of your baby's bottom. Frequent diaper changes, rinsing the bottom with water, air drying, and protective ointments and creams can be a real help. Cut down on baby wipes."

Dr. Greene's advice is great for babies and should be considered for older children and adults.

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