Our stomach is one of the most vital organs in our body and important for daily processing of our food intake. Upset stomach and diarrhea is something which we all have experienced in our lives on a fairly regular basis.
Diarrhea is a type of gastrointestinal upset or infection where there is frequent discharging of the bowels, multiple times a day. Diarrhea is also characterized by dehydration and malabsorption. People may also experience nausea, fever, cramps, vomiting, and abdominal pain when they have diarrhea.
To relieve an upset stomach and diarrhea, we bring to you some natural remedies along with some medical remedies, which are mentioned in this article.
Settle an Upset Stomach & Diarrhea With Natural Remedies
Ginger: A Popular Spice to Calm Down the Upset Stomach & Diarrhea
Ginger has been used since ancient times to cure an upset stomach. Ginger was an all in one medicine at that time. Recently, clinical studies have revealed that ginger can be effectively used to settle an upset stomach. You will have this natural remedy probably sitting at your kitchen waiting to be used to settle an upset stomach and diarrhea. You can chew on a raw piece of ginger or take ginger supplements or even ginger beverages to settle an upset stomach and diarrhea naturally.
Ginger can also be used to counter the associated symptoms of diarrhea and stomach upset like nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.
Chamomile: A Beneficial Herb to Settle Upset Stomach & Diarrhea Naturally
Chamomile is a useful herb to fight stomach upset and diarrhea. The dried flowers of chamomiles contain terpenoids and flavonoids that have many medicinal properties and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common form of consumption of Chamomile is in the form of Chamomile tea, which has been clinically proven to be effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and other stomach related ailments.
BRAT Diet: Dietary Way To Settle An Upset Stomach & Diarrhea Naturally
The BRAT diet consists of a diet supplement which contains bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. The BRAT diet also helps with nausea and diarrhea. The BRAT diet is devoid of any spices which may aggravate the stomach problems. The role of dietary fibre in diarrhea is to reduce the duration of liquid stools.
Banana in BRAT diet protects the gastrointestinal mucosa and improves symptoms of the peptic ulcer in humans. Rice based oral rehydration solutions have also shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea along with soothing an upset stomach naturally.
Peppermint: A Minty Way To Soothe Upset Stomach & Diarrhea
Peppermint is yet another natural remedy for treating upset stomach and the symptoms associated with it. Peppermint is also a natural pain reliever. Peppermint is also found to significantly reduce nausea associated with stomach aches and diarrhea. Peppermint can be consumed in many forms; peppermint tea is the most preferred one. Peppermint oil is also one alternative which is found to treat patients with irritable bowel syndrome and was found to significantly lower the effect of IBS symptoms in Individuals.
Apple Cider Vinegar to Relieve Upset Stomach & Diarrhea
Vinegar helps to cure stomach aches and also decreases starch digestion, which allows starch to reach the intestines and keep the organs healthy. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar is enough to neutralize the upset stomach naturally, but if that is too strong, you can mix it with water and honey.
Bed Rest & Diet Control
Acute Diarrhea symptoms can be reduced by taking proper rest and having a liquid diet. Application of heat to the lower abdomen usually helps if you have abdominal cramps. For children, an adequate diet is required so that the child’s body can go through intestinal mucosa regeneration. If children are taking solid food diet, it should have sufficient calories as well as macro and micronutrients.
Medicines to Settle Upset Stomach & Diarrhea
Whatever the case may be, hydration and nutrition are most impactful for treating stomach upset and acute diarrhea.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)
ORS solutions have a good impact in stopping the symptoms associated with diarrhea. ORS solutions have significantly reduced the risk of mortality from diarrhea in developing in underdeveloped countries. In children, oral rehydration therapy can be introduced immediately after stomach upset and diarrhea has started. Recent studies have indicated that oral glucose and salt solutions can help cure secretory diarrhea.
Medicines to Treat Upset Stomach & Diarrhea
Several drugs reduce intestinal motility; they can also be used to reduce diarrhea. A small dose of oral medication in the form of morphine or codeine can be given parenterally to settle an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Anti-emetics are also prescribed if the patient is having severe nausea and vomiting.
Antibiotics are prescribed if stomach infection is the cause of upset stomach and diarrhea. Moreover, probiotics can also be used for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Glutamine solutions can also be used to improve individuals from diarrhea.
Conclusion
While the causes of stomach upset and diarrhea are many, ranging from bacterial infections to severe diseases; most of the cases around the world are mostly related to indigestion and diarrhea. For most patients, stomach upset and acute diarrhea would not require getting medical help and the natural remedies mentioned above coupled with fluid intake will help you to get relief from the symptoms quickly. It should be noted that treatment for adults and children with different and appropriate medication is advised with infants if they are showing other symptoms associated with the stomach issues.
Home and natural remedies are effective in tackling stomach upset and diarrhea. Medication involves the use of several prescribed drugs and also following diet plans. Chronic diarrhea is a bit more serious, and medical help is required to cure it completely. Also, finding the underlying disease which has caused it is also essential. This can be done through clinical tests. Diet supplements like BRAT are also helpful if you are having a recurring problem. If there has been any use of substances like magnesium, stopping it would also help.
Also Read:
- Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies For Adults and Children, Prevention Tips
- Causes of Diarrhea after Eating Spicy Food & Ways to Prevent it
- What to Eat During Diarrhea?
- IBS & Diarrhea: What Causes IBS Along With Diarrhea & How is it Treated?
- Can You Get Diarrhea From Acid Reflux?
- What to Do to Stop Diarrhea Naturally?
- What is Burning Diarrhea, Know Its Causes, Management, Treatment