Diarrhea is one of the most common issues that almost everyone faces at least once in their lives. Some common symptoms that one can notice about this condition are bloating of the stomach, abdominal cramping, and watery and frequent stools.
Diarrhea occurs due to disruptions within the gastrointestinal system. It typically lasts for less than two weeks.
What are the causes of diarrhea?
Many sources can lead to this condition. Here are a few of them:
- Food poisoning
- Bacterial infection
- Viral infection
- Recent use of antibiotics
- Use of contaminated water
How to get rid of diarrhea?
You can try several remedies that can help with diarrhea. The most popular methods are probiotics that can provide relief from diarrhea.
Probiotics to get relief from diarrhea
Probiotics are one of the best ways of managing diarrhea. It is an excellent source of a bacteria which is good for the body. Probiotics are present in the intestinal tract and help create a healthy gut, which treats diarrhea as well. Probiotics may also refer to living microorganisms found in several foods. Here is a list of the best probiotics that can provide relief from diarrhea.
- Dark chocolate
- Cottage cheese
- Green olives
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Beet Kvass
- Kombucha
- Natto
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Pickles
- Yogurt
While you can get probiotics in their natural form from these foods, they are also available as pills.
How do probiotics provide relief from diarrhea?
The healthy bacteria present in the intestinal tract aid the gastrointestinal system and ensure that it functions normally. Probiotics play a vital role in protecting the intestine from infections. When there is a change in the system due to the use of antibiotics, or if you catch an infection from an unhealthy virus or bacteria, you can get diarrhea. At such times, taking probiotics from an external source can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut.
One of the most effective yeast probiotics is called Saccharomyces boulardii. It is not a bacterium but acts like one to treat issues related to diarrhea. It also helps treat traveler’s diarrhea. It aids the digestive system in fighting harmful pathogens and absorbs the nutrients effectively. However, as it is a yeast, it must be used with caution by those who have a weak immune system.
It is crucial to get the right treatment when you have acute diarrhea. You need to consult a doctor before you use any probiotic supplements to treat this condition.
The best probiotics that provide relief from each type of diarrhea
Depending on the cause of diarrhea, one may have to opt for different probiotics. Here are some tips that can help you find the right probiotics:
In children
Probiotics are very effective in treating diarrhea in children. When the cause is rotavirus, you can get instant relief from diarrhea by using probiotics. Some probiotics which may help are Lactobacillus reuteri, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. A mix of different probiotics can also prove to be very effective for children.
Diarrhea caused by antibiotics
Antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in the stomach. It can also affect the balance in the intestines and lead to this condition. Some studies show that by taking probiotics during and before the antibiotic treatment, one can prevent the condition. Few strains of Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces boulardii can help in this case.
Traveler’s diarrhea
It is hard to find the real cause of diarrhea when you are traveling. At such times, it is difficult to find the right probiotics. A few probiotics that may provide relief from traveler’s diarrhea are Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Diarrhea caused by colitis
Infection by the C. difficile bacteria can also cause inflammation in the colon and lead to diarrhea. One can prevent this life-threatening condition by using probiotics. Probiotics can also stop the recurrence of this condition. Saccharomyces boulardii is the most effective probiotic for this type of bacteria.
IBD
Inflammatory bowel disease is a common condition, and one can treat it with probiotics. Probiotics can also help in the treatment of Crohn’s disease which is a form of IBD.
Ways to manage diarrhea
Here are some tips that one can follow to recover from and manage acute diarrhea:
- Hydration
It is vital to stay well-hydrated when you have diarrhea. Severe dehydration could be fatal for seniors and young children. Babies should continue to receive the same formula or breastfeeding pattern as before. One should take hydration solutions as frequently as possible.
Adults should avoid milk, soda, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks as they affect the body’s hydration.
- Over-the-counter medicines
The most common medications you can find are loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate. They treat the symptoms of the condition but do not cure it. If you experience diarrhea for over 14 days, you should avoid these medicines and consult a doctor immediately.
Foods to eat when one has diarrhea
The best diet is one that is low on fiber. You can have rice, applesauce, toast, and bananas. You can also include chicken soup, oatmeal, and baked potatoes in your diet.
With the right probiotics and care, one can treat diarrhea effectively.
