A food intolerance, a virus, or a bacteria may cause diarrhea. It may also result from a change of diet or anxiety. If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting and lasts for more than 24 hours, consult your doctor.

Prevention

When traveling abroad, particularly in hot countries where refrigeration is lacking, avoid eating meat, dairy produce, raw fish and ice cream. Ensure you peel all fruit and eat only cooked vegetables. Drink only bottled drinks or boiled water and avoid ice cubes in drinks. Eat plenty of unsweetened yogurt containing acidophilus (i.e. ‘live’ yogurt) before the trip to ensure healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

Treatment - Dietary

Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of food allergy. During an attack, do not eat solids. To replace lost salt and water and to avoid dehydration (this is particularly important in infants and the elderly) add a teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of sugar to 1 litre (2 pints) of boiled water and a half a litre (1 pint) of orange or lemon juice. Drink half a litre of the mixture per hour until symptoms subside. Grated apple which has been left to go brown is an effective folk remedy to settle the stomach. Live yogurt which contains Lactobacillus

acidophilus should be taken as a preventative measure and is an effective treatment for diarrhea. Alternatively, take 1/2 teaspoon of Lactobacillus acidophilus, with 1 teaspoon of Bifidobacteria powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of Lactobacillus bulgaricus (available from health food shops) in a glass of spring water, 3 times daily.

Herbal

Golden seal infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of the dried root, leave to infuse for 15 minutes. Drink 3 times daily. Caution: not to be used during pregnancy or by those with high blood pressure.

Homeopathy

To be taken every 30 minutes for up to 4 doses and repeat if necessary:

Profuse diarrhea accompanied by burning and colicky stomach, restlessness, anxiety and chilliness: Arsenicum album 6c. Vomiting and diarrhea with profuse cold sweats: Veratrum album 6c. After rich foods, stomach feels like a stone, thirstless: Pulsatilla 6c. After stimulants (coffee, alcohol, spices) diarrhea alternating with fruitless urging: Nux vomica 6c.

Chinese Medicine

For acute diarrhea, dandelion, golden thread or skull cap root would be recommended.

Orthodox

Diarrhea is nature’s way of getting rid of harmful bacteria or an infection, so antidiarrhea drugs are no longer recommended, as they may prolong the problem. Recurrent, persistent or bloody diarrhea should be investigated by your doctor.