Description Most people think of diarrhea as having frequent, loose, and watery stools (though this is a symptom of diarrhea). However, diarrhea is characterized by a significant increase in the total weight of stool passed in a single day. It is a problem that affects almost every person during their lifetime. Although diarrhea itself is not a major concern, there are often underlying causes that need to be dealt with. In the developing world, diarrhea is prevalent due to poor health conditions and a lack of health care and often leads to severe dehydration, even death. Infants and the elderly are more prone to dehydration from diarrhea. Acute diarrhea attacks suddenly and is not persistent, lasting for less than two weeks. Symptoms of acute diarrhea tend to alleviate without treatment. Chronic diarrhea lasts longer than three weeks. Typically, chronic diarrhea requires careful attention, especially in determining the underlying cause and treating complications such as dehydration. There are four major types of diarrhea. Osmotic diarrhea is caused by an excess of water-soluble molecules in the stool, resulting in increased fluids in the bowel. Secretory diarrhea is caused by excess secretion of ions into the bowel, also leading to increased fluid excretion. Exudative diarrhea, usually caused by digestive disorders and infections, results in intestinal permeability and loss of blood, mucous, pus, and serum proteins of the intestine. This type of diarrhea is often characterized by small, painful, evacuations. Inadequate-contact diarrhea is caused by inadequate contact of the intestinal walls and intestinal contents, leading to poor absorption. This is often the result of surgical removal of sections of the intestine.
Symptoms and Signs:Vomiting, cramping, thirst, and abdominal pain often accompany diarrhea, as do other signs of dehydration, such as dizziness and nausea. Other common symptoms of diarrhea include weight loss, loss of appetite, increased frequency of defecation, loose, liquidy stools, urgency to defecate, incontinence (leakage of stool), bloating, gas, and fever. The presence of blood or flecks of mucous in the stool is also a sign of diarrhea.
Causes: Diarrhea can exist alone, but is generally a symptom of other causes. Food poisoning and bacterial and viral infection are common causes of diarrhea. Incomplete digestion of food, consumption of contaminated water, and intestinal bacterial toxins are also common causes. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, malabsorption syndrome, hyperthyroidism, food allergies, bile duct obstruction, heavy metal poisoning, celiac disease (severe wheat allergy), irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease can all cause diarrhea. Diarrhea accompanied by fever and mucous or blood in the stool can be a sign of parasites. Stress, leading to what we often describe as a "nervous stomach", is also a common cause of diarrhea. Even small amounts of caffeine (one cup of coffee) can stimulate the bowel and can cause diarrhea. Unripe fruits, spoiled or rancid foods, and foods that you cannot tolerate can also lead to diarrhea. Chemical, "indigestible" fat alternatives, when excreted, tend to carry useful nutrients into the bowel as well, causing excess frequency of stools and diarrhea. Many people who have consumed such products have experienced violent and intolerable cramping and diarrhea. Consuming too much vitamin C, especially vitamin C supplements, is another frequent cause of diarrhea. Our thresholds for vitamin C vary. As a result, most health practitioners advise that supplemental vitamin C be taken in divided doses, so that you can become aware of your limits.
What to Expect: Most cases of diarrhea clear up without treatment. However, persistent diarrhea is not only uncomfortable, but can lead to serious health complications. Severe, bloody, diarrhea or diarrhea in a child under the age of six should be treated immediately.
Remedies
Food Supplements Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body to promote proper digestion, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or right before bed. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added.
Herbs Chamomile can help treat minor digestive problems that cause diarrhea, such as indigestion or a nervous stomach. Add 2 teaspoons dried herb to one cup hot water. Drink three times daily. Ginger is effective for the cramps, abdominal pain, and nausea that is associated to diarrhea. Add 2 teaspoons grated, fresh, ginger to one cup of hot water. Pau d'arco is effective in treating the bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections that cause diarrhea. Bring three teaspoons of herb and four and a half cups water to a boil. Simmer for 45 minutes, cool, strain, and divide into three doses for the day Red raspberry has high concentrations of tannin, a chemical that is effective in treating diarrhea. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of herb. Cover for 10 minutes. Drink 3 times daily.
Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Aloe: For morning diarrhea when the urge for bowel movement is sudden and drives the person out of bed. Involuntary passing of stool while passing gas. Stool is jelly-like with a lot of mucus. Rectal pain. Colocynthis: Cutting pain in the abdomen, causing the person to bend over. Stool is jelly-like and occurs each time by only small amounts of food or drink. Diarrhea is relieved by warmth and pressure. Gelsemium: Emotional excitement, fright, or bad news. Stool is light in colour and can come involuntary. Nux Vomica: Diarrhea alternates with constipation and comes from overeating. Constant urge to pass stool, but only small amounts are passed. Diarrhea occurs after alcohol abuse. Nux Vomica is also the classical remedy for food poisoning. Metallum Album (Arsenicum): Diarrhea from food poisoning or overeating. Stool is watery, very offensive, and covered by mucus or blood. All symptoms are worse at night and after eating or drinking. Mercurius: Caused by dysentery (inflammation of the intestines due to bacteria or parasites) Constant urge to strain and feeling is not relieved by passing the stool. Stool is greenish, bloody, and slimy. Pulsatilla: Diarrhea comes after eating rich, fatty foods or possibly fruits. Remedy may also be appropriate for dysentery diarrhea. Stool is rumbling, watery, may be green and covered by mucus and blood. Symptoms made worse from heat and eating towards evening. Symptoms made better with open air and cold drinks or foods, even though person is not thirsty. Veratrum Album: Violent, painful, watery, uncontrollable diarrhea accompanied by shooting cramps. Abdomen is sensitive to pressure and swollen. Diarrhea may also be accompanied by violent vomiting.
Lifestyle If the problem is acute, let a mild case of diarrhea run its course. This is often the body's way of ridding itself of harmful toxins. Chronic diarrhea, in most cases, is caused by an underlying disease or infection. To restore health, it is crucial to determine the cause and treat it appropriately. If your diarrhea persists, do not hesitate to consult your naturopath or other health practitioner, especially if there is blood in your stool. They will help you target underlying problems. Drink plenty of liquids. Diarrhea causes excess water loss and those liquids need to be replenished. Hot carob drink, carrot juice, and "green" drinks are most helpful. Drink plenty of water as well. Avoid excess citrus drinks however, which may disrupt your stomach. Try a 24 hour liquid diet to give the bowels a rest. Eat a well-balanced diet that is high in fibre. This will help cleanse your system and restore normal digestion patterns. Add fresh pineapple and papaya to your diet. They contain enzymes that help regulate digestion. Avoid dairy products while you are having diarrhea. Although you may not have allergies to dairy foods, diarrhea causes the temporary loss of enzymes that are needed to digest the lactose milk sugar. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine stimulates movement of your bowels while alcohol disrupts normal digestion.
Minerals Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are often depleted during prolonged diarrhea, due to dehydration. This can lead to electrolyte imbalance. If these minerals are not replenished, malnutrition can occur. Take 1,500mg calcium, 500g magnesium, and 99mg potassium. Zinc enhances repair of damaged tissues along the digestive tract. Take 50mg daily.
Miscellaneous Activated charcoal will prove useful if diarrhea is associated with food poisoning. Take 3 to 6 capsules at the first sign of poisoning. The carbon will attach to foreign molecules and aid in their elimination from the body.
Vitamins Vitamin B-50 Complex is needed to ensure healthy functioning of your digestive system. Digestive deficiencies often lead to diarrhea. Take 50mg 3 times daily. Vitamin E protects the cell membranes that line intestinal walls. It also helps strengthen immune function. Take 400 to 800 IU daily.
Actions and Remedies Listing
See also Digestive Problems, Food Poisoning
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