Diarrhea is one of those ailments that almost everyone has probably experienced.
Of course, it is not pleasant, it causes discomfort, and it makes everyday functioning more difficult, but there are fairly simple ways to deal with it. It is also worth identifying the cause of such a condition, because it may be a symptom of more serious problems.
What is diarrhea and what causes it?
Diarrhea is classified as
a digestive disorder. It is manifested not only by increased frequency of bowel movements, but also by loose stools. It is worth bearing in mind that the causes of such a condition can be truly very different. Moreover, the problem should not be underestimated, because persistent diarrhea can extend its effects beyond the realm of strictly gastrointestinal problems and lead to other ailments harmful to the entire body.
If it persists for a long time, it can cause digestive problems and absorption disorders, and thus deficiency states. In addition, a high frequency of bowel movements in this form, if appropriate action is not taken, can lead to dehydration.
The most common symptoms that accompany diarrhea are:
- abdominal pain,
- general weakness,
- nausea.
What is more, in some cases an elevated body temperature (a low-grade fever) can be noted. In extreme circumstances, not only fainting and a higher temperature have been observed, but also bleeding during bowel movements. While ordinary diarrhea is, in a sense, a signal and a state that allows the body to get rid of harmful elements, bleeding and severe fainting are a sign that it is time to contact a specialist.
Most often, diarrhea originates from digestive system ailments. It may also indicate more specifically intestinal problems. For example, it is a fairly common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (the so-called IBS). Although in this case diarrhea, constipation, or both conditions alternately may occur.
The course of IBS accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, frequent bowel movements, and loose, watery stools is also sometimes associated with food intolerances. The most important thing is to address the cause, although this is usually not as simple as it may seem. In IBS, proper dietary actions are important, that is, choosing good products, eliminating irritating ones, and
introducing probiotic therapy.
That is not all. Frequent trips to the toilet may be caused by viral or bacterial infections, as well as poisoning. After all, the body will try to expel harmful substances, so diarrhea will be a natural occurrence.
Of course, frequent bowel movements can occur in stressful situations, as a reaction to stress factors, which is by no means uncommon. Many of you have probably experienced this over the years. So much so that it seemed normal - "that's just how I am when I'm stressed, that's normal".
On the one hand, it may be nervous in origin. On the other, in combination with an improper diet, irritating products, or IBS. In any case, it sometimes happens that we eliminate products, rule out allergies and intolerances (although detecting hidden conditions does require tests), and the diarrhea does not go away. We may therefore be dealing with somewhat more serious gastrointestinal conditions. These include, for example,
intestinal dysbiosis or inflammatory conditions. Chronic inflammatory conditions may be the result of damage to the intestinal barrier, and this in turn does not necessarily cause strictly digestive symptoms (skin problems, migraine headaches, depressive states, weakness, and physical and mental fatigue). Of course, they may be the cause of symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. In such a case, appropriate steps should be taken, that is, to care for the integrity of the intestinal barrier, the intestinal microbiota, and intestinal permeability.
Intestinal bacteria in particular play an important role in persistent diarrhea that does not subside despite classic methods. There is a chance that we may be dealing, for example, with an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
What tests will be helpful for persistent diarrhea?
- assessment of the bacterial flora,
- intestinal permeability based on stool (zonulin and lactulose-mannitol),
- determination of inflammatory markers.
Diarrhea - ways to combat the ailment.
Let's start by noting that during diarrhea we excrete larger amounts of water. Especially if it is accompanied by an elevated body temperature and increased sweating. The body is trying to get rid of toxins that may be a potential source of the problem. Therefore, it is important to ensure optimal hydration. Water is the most easily absorbed liquid, and it will work best here. A good idea may be to add a pinch of salt to it, e.g. pink Himalayan salt. In some cases, it is worth reaching for additional electrolytes.
It should be remembered that if we already reach for any means intended to combat frequent loose bowel movements, they should be natural. Sometimes it is simply a stressful situation, so medicinal charcoal should do the job. Some experts also recommend oak bark.
As I mentioned, chronic diarrhea may be the result of microbiota disorders, so after making a diagnosis it is time for appropriate probiotic therapy. Well, it has been documented that Saccharomyces boulardii helps with diarrhea, although it may exacerbate IBS, unlike for example Lactobacillus reuteri, which alleviates irritable bowel syndrome, a symptom of which can be both diarrhea and constipation. Here, an assessment of the intestinal bacterial flora is all the more indicated.
However, if we are not dealing with IBS, Saccharomyces boulardii may prove helpful. Namely, it alleviates pain associated with diarrhea and shortens its duration.
However, dietary issues are the most important. Apart from eliminating irritating foods in cases of hypersensitivity, one should choose high-quality, minimally processed products and avoid hard-to-digest ones. Yes, digestion also needs to be taken care of. It will be a good idea to avoid spicy dishes and products, foods high in sugar, and fried foods.
In addition to probiotics, it is worth using colostrum (or
lactoferrin) and
sodium butyrate to improve intestinal peristalsis, bacterial flora, intestinal sealing, and the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Natural remedies with anti-inflammatory effects? Absolutely. In addition, a change in lifestyle and reduced exposure to stress.
