Diarrhea may be either chronic or acute, depending upon the cause. Stress, laxatives, drugs (especially antibiotics), intestinal parasites, flu viruses, food allergies, and food poisoning can all cause diarrhea. Acute diarrhea is usually the result of the body's attempt to rid itself of toxins, irritants, or infections in the intestinal tract. Allow the body to do its cleansing work, drink plenty of fluids, and only intervene if debilitation occurs. Chronic diarrhea may present a serious health risk, since it can cause a significant loss of nutrients and dehydration. Warning signs that diarrhea is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition include fever, severe cramps, and blood in the stools. Dehydration from diarrhea is particularly dangerous for infants. Consult a health practitioner for infant diarrhea that persists for more than one day. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements Diarrhea is sometimes caused by dietary factors such as overeating (particularly too much raw fruit or spicy foods), food allergies including lactose intolerance, caffeine addiction, and overuse of sugar-alcohol based artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol. It may also be caused by consuming too much vitamin C or zinc. In addition to drinking plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration, eat bananas, rice, applesauce, and dry toast, all of which are binding. Avoid spicy and high-fat foods until stools return to normal. To restore healthy populations of beneficial intestinal flora, eat miso soup and yogurt daily. Supplements to take when suffering from diarrhea include: food-grade clay, 1 teaspoon with a glass of water: absorbs and binds wastes in the intestines, thereby helping stop an attack of diarrhea; clay is the active ingredient in the over-the-counter diarrhea remedy Kaopectate liquid multimineral supplements: to guard against the loss of large amounts of the electrolyte minerals (potassium and sodium) acidophilus, I teaspoon of powder three times daily: to reestablish a healthy balance of intestinal flora bromelain or papain, chew two to four tablets after each meal: for diarrhea caused by digestive enzyme deficiency Adding fiber to the diet can also help add bulk to stools and relieve diarrhea: pectin, 1 tablespoon three times per day: forms a protective coating over the irritated intestinal lining psyllium, 1 teaspoon of powder in a glass of water, followed by another glass of water, with meal BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies A tea, tincture, or capsules of any of the following herbs can help in the treatment of diarrhea because they all contain tannins, which have an astringent effect on the intestines. A common dose is 1/2-1 teaspoon of tincture, 1 cup of tea, or two capsules two to three times daily. mullein red raspberry leaf meadowsweet Two other effective antidiarrheal herbs that soothe and protect irritated intestinal mucus membranes are: slippery elm, made into a gruel by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of the powdered herb with 1 cup of boiling water (add the water gradually to the herb to keep it from becoming lumpy) marshmallow root, two capsules three times a day Taking herbs for a week before, during, and for a week after traveling to a foreign country can help prevent traveler's diarrhea. Take either of the following herbs for their active ingredient, berberine, which kills a broad spectrum of bacteria, stimulates the immune system, and has been proven to counteract diarrhea from food poisoning and intestinal parasites. A common dosage is 1/2 teaspoon of tincture one to two times daily. (Children under two years old and pregnant women should not use herbs containing berberine.) goldenseal barberry root (Berberis vulgaris) BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies To treat diarrhea, take one of the following single remedies, depending upon the specific symptoms: Arsenicum: for diarrhea with nausea, extreme thirst, and weakness Chamomilla: for childhood diarrhea, especially if the child is oversensitive and inconsolable Sulphur: for diarrhea in the morning, changeable stools, or diarrhea alternating with constipation Combination formulas for diarrhea include these single remedies as well as others such as Ipecacuanha. BACK TO MENU Essential Oils The primary method for using essential oils for diarrhea is the compress, applied to the abdomen for ten to fifteen minutes. Use either of the following essential oils, both of which have antispasmodic properties: peppermint chamomile PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use