Ripe Bananas, a home remedy for diarrhea
Diarrhea is considered severe when you experience watery, loose stools more than three times a day. It can be accompanied by stomach cramps, nausea or bloating. Some of the most common causes nclude food intolerance, gastrointestinal virus or parasitic infection. Home remedies can alleviate severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Ripe Bananas
Bananas are delicious and have many nutritional benefits. Eating ripe bananas can help harden the stool and replace lost electrolytes. During bouts of severe diarrhea, potassium, an essential nutrient, is usually lost in great quantities. As a home remedy, eat two to three well-ripened bananas each day. Continue until the diarrhea subsides.
Apple
Apples are packed with many nutrients and are an excellent source of fiber, especially when eaten with the skin. Pectin, a soluble fiber, helps firm up watery stools. Thoroughly wash and grate an apple, leaving the peel on. Before eating it, leave the apple in a dish or bowl until it turns brown. When the apple is exposed to the air, oxidation occurs, resulting in the brown color. However, oxidation also causes the soluble fibers in the apple to increase, which speeds up the healing process of severe diarrhea. Repeat daily until the stool becomes firm. To further speed the healing process and to avoid dehydration, drink plenty of electrolyte-boosting beverages such as Gatorade. The electrolytes will replace essential fluids that were lost during the frequent bowel movements.
Yogurt
Dairy products normally are not recommended during severe diarrhea. However, yogurt is the exception. When purchasing yogurt, choose a plain variety that contains live cultures of "Lactobacillus acidophilus." These will balance the level of good bacteria in the intestine, reducing diarrhea. Eat one cup of yogurt daily. As the days go by, you should experience fewer bowel movements, and the stool should become more firm.
Nutritional Supplements
Peppermint supplements or dried peppermint can reduce the effects of diarrhea by calming the stomach. Take one to two peppermint capsules two to three times daily. You also can drink one cup of peppermint tea three to four times daily. Ginger is another home remedy for severe diarrhea, as it contains compounds that prevent stomach spasms during. Drink two to three cups of ginger tea daily, made from dried ginger or ginger powder.
When to See a Doctor
If after trying these home remedies, you see no improvement in your condition, see your doctor to prevent further complications. To be on the safe side, if your diarrhea lasts for more than three days, visit your doctor.
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