Diarrhea

A Person is considered to have diarrhea if a person has loose bowel movement three or more times a day. Diarrhea is a condition in which loose, watery stools (bowel movement) appear.

Acute watery diarrhea is a condition that lasts a short time. It is a common problem that usually lasts about one or two days. Then it goes away on its own. However, diarrhea can last for a week and a half.

A condition of diarrhea lasting more than a few days may be a sign of a more serious problem. Chronic diarrhea in elderly is a condition that lasts at least four weeks.

In a condition of the weakened immune system, chronic watery diarrhea may represent a life-threatening illness.

About 75 % of deaths are due to diarrhea occurring in the first two years of life. The main cause of death is from acute bloody diarrhea that results from the loss of fluids and electrolytes in diarrheal stools. Other important causes of death are dysentery.

Diarrhea is an important cause of undernutrition. This is because patients eat less during diarrhea and their ability to absorb nutrients is reduced.

What are the Causes of Diarrhea?

Acute diarrheal disease is commonly caused by a bacterial (Salmonella), viral (rotavirus), or parasitic (Giardia) infection of the bowels. Loose stool with mucus caused by any of these infections is called gastroenteritis.

The most common reasons for chronic diarrhea is following diseases and conditions:

• Bacteria born from contaminated food or water.
• Certain parasites, found in contaminated food or water.
• Use of certain medicines like antibiotics, cancer drugs, and antacids that contain magnesium.
• Gluten intolerance (e.g. Celiac disease)
• Lactose intolerance
• Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
• Chronic bowel infective diarrhea
• Bowel cancer

 What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diarrhea?

Diarrhea refers to watery stools, but it may be accompanied by other symptoms like

• Stomach pain
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Thirst
• Weight loss
• Fever

Diarrhea is symptoms of other conditions, some of which can be serious. Other possible symptoms are:

• Blood and pus in the stools
• Persistent vomiting
• Dehydration

What is the Ayurvedic view of Diarrhea?

In Ayurveda, it is called as “Atisara”. Some conditions like weak digestive power, impure water, toxins, and mental stress commonly cause diarrhea.

Depending upon which particular Dosha, Atisara has been classified in to vataj, pittaj, kaphaj, sannipatik, bhayaj, and shokaj types.

Atisara is mainly caused by vata dosha. Vataj atisara is marked by painful loose motion with gases and sounds. Pittaj atisara causes motion with a burning sensation that shows offensive odor.

Kaphaj atisara is sticky, oily, whitish motion with a foul odor. Sannipatik atisara is caused   by vitiation of all three doshas and have mixed characteristics. Bhayaj and Shokaj atisara are caused by fear and grief respectively.

What is the Ayurvedic Treatment for Diarrhea?

In Ayurveda, there are numerous herbs that deal with all the signs & symptoms related to diarrhea patients. This ayurvedic treatment provides the best results to diarrhea patients as all the signs & symptoms are treated with the use of the ayurvedic medicines mentioned below in detail:

1. Detox Standard Powder

The powder contains a combination of natural and pure herbo-mineral ingredients which is the best remedy for the treatment of diarrhea problems. The mixture contains ingredients like– Parwal pishti, Giloy satav, shankh bhasam, Sutshekhar ras, Sudhyog tab, shwet parpati, Akik pishti, Jahar mohra, & Moti pishti. It relieves the body from the condition like general weakness, loose stools, fatigue, abdominal pain, cramps, etc.

Recommended Dosage –Take 1 sachet twice a day with normal water.

2. Sheetdhara Syrup

It is a very good antacid that neutralizes stomach acidity and relieves heartburn, indigestion, or an upset stomach. This herbal syrup is used in health conditions like gastritis, belching, bloating, abdominal cramps, etc. This syrup commonly used to treat symptoms like hyperacidity, heartburn, abdominal cramps, and pain in abdomen conditions. It is used for extra gas and feeling of pressure, discomfort in the stomach or gut of your body.

Recommended Dosage: Take half teaspoon twice a day with four teaspoon of water on an empty stomach.

3. Kutaj Ghan Vati

Kutaj Ghan vati is purely herbal formulation. It is very useful in curing diarrhea, intestinal infection, and dysentery. These herbal tablets deal with all signs & symptoms related to diarrhea patients. Kutaj ghan vati contains ingredients like Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum) that manage the symptoms like abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, loose stools, general weakness, fatigue, etc. The herbs in these tablets show antioxidant, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, etc properties.

Recommended Dosage: Take two tablets twice a day before meal with water.

4. Liver care syrup

Liver Care syrup helps in balancing Pitta dosha. This Syrup enhances regeneration of liver cells, promote functions of liver, and improve blood flow from the liver. It helps in the treatment of fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, Hepatitis, and obstructive Jaundice. It contains Ingredients like Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kutaki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhumi amla( phyllanthus niruri), Giloy(Tinopora Cordifolia), Yavakshar( Hordeum vulgare), Imli Kshar( Tamarindus indica), Mukta Shukta pisti etc. These herbs shows Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, Hepato-protective, properties. This syrup improves digestion, enhances appetite.  All signs & symptoms related with diarrhea are treated with the regular use of this syrup.

 Recommended Dosage: Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

What is the Panchakarma Treatment for Diarrhea?

There is no panchakarma treatment for diarrhea patients. As already the patient is feeling weak & discomfort. So, only ayurvedic treatment is good in diarrhea.

The Ayurvedic treatment mentioned above is the best herbal treatment for diarrhea patients.

Healthy Tips and Diet for Diarrhea Patients

People with diarrhea should eat well-balanced food because spicy or complex foods can irritate the bowels. The foods that may help with diarrhea include:

• Bananas
• Apple
• Plain white rice
• Brown bread or toast
• Boiled potatoes
• Unseasoned crackers
• Curd
• Hot cereals such as oatmeal, cream of wheat, or rice porridge.

Eating many small meals throughout the day can help to keep the digestive system becoming overworked.

In this case, the body also loses minerals and electrolytes through diarrhea. People should try to drink liquids containing minerals and electrolytes to replenish those lost. Sources of electrolytes and minerals contain:

• Soup broth
• Coconut water
• Electrolyte water
• Fruit juices
• Lemon water

Foods to Avoid

Foods to avoid while experiencing diarrhea include:

• Spicy foods
• Pork and veal
• Fried, fatty, greasy foods
• Processed foods, especially those with addictive foods.
• Sardines
• Corn
• All citrus fruits
• Fruits like pineapples, cherries,  berries (seeded berries), figs, currants, and grapes
• Alcohol
• Coffee, soda, and other caffeinated or carbonated drinks.
• Milk products, butter, ice cream, and cheese. If the diarrhea isn’t caused by lactose intolerance: stay away from these foods when you are suffering from diarrhea.

Yoga postures and pranayama for diarrhea patients are:

Some yoga postures that help in curing diarrhea are the following:

• Vajrasana
• Sarvangasana
• Halasana
• Bhujangasana
• Mastsyendrasana

Do perform pranayama like omkar, sheetali, sheetkari, bhastrika are very beneficial in diarrhea conditions.

For More – HOME REMEDIES FOR DIARRHEA