Natural ways to support diarrhoea

Loose stools (AKA diarrhoea)! Not the most glamorous of topics but something most of us experience at some point or other. Most people recover with no ill effects within a few days. But how can you minimise the misery?

What causes diarrhoea to occur?
Diarrhoea may be caused by bacterial, viral, yeast or protozoon infections, irritable bowel syndrome, overuse of laxatives, anxiety, antibiotics or inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.

What is diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is a loose consistency stool plus increased frequency of bowel motions. It occurs when the bowel secretes increased amounts of fluid and the speed at which contents pass through the intestines increases. The problem is usually intermittent and associated with other classic symptoms such as distention, bloating, and excess wind.

Five natural ways to support diarrhoea and digestive complaints
1.    Rehydrate
Replace lost fluids and minerals with water and an electrolyte solution.The focus should be on water, or herbal teas if you can stomach them. Avoid fruit juices and prunes, milk and dairy products as sometimes temporary lactose intolerance (to milk sugar) can occur.

Diarrhoea causes large amounts of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium as well as water to be washed out through the bowels, causing dehydration and low blood pressure.

Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes including sodium and potassium.  Coconut water is the liquid in the cavity of the coconut when you crack it open. Luckily for us, brands such as Vita Coco and Biona do this for us, (Cocoface even allows you to drink straight from the nut itself) so you don’t have to be lounging by a beach somewhere exotic to enjoy the health benefits. A trip to your local health food store will suffice.  

Over the counter electrolyte mixes (example Dioralyte) contain saccharin – a synthetic chemical sweetener, so look for one without. 

2.     Avoid caffeine
When you have gastric irritation it's best to eliminate caffeine (tea and coffee) as it is highly acidic and will irritate your stomach.  Switch to herbal teas or water. 

Mint contains an essential oil that has antiseptic and painkilling properties. It aids digestion by increasing gastric emptying stimulating secretion of digestive juices and bile and also relaxes excessive spasm of the smooth muscle lining the digestive tract.

Drink mint tea to relieve indigestion, intestinal cramps and spasms, flatulence and mild IBS and to aid rehydration.

3.    Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm, the inner bark of the slippery elm tree, holds amazing soothing properties, thanks to its ability to form a ‘slippery’ lining of the gut.  

Slippery elm forms a gummy, mucilage substance when it comes in contact with water and coats and soothes the stomach and intestines, reducing inflammation and irritation, when taken internally, either as a drink or in capsule form.

This curious brown powder is soothing to stomach ulcers, gastritis, acid reflux, heartburn, diarrhoea, IBS or any inflammation of the bowel.

4.    Saccharomyces Boulardii
Saccharomyces Boulardii (S. Boulardii) is a natural yeast, extracted from the lychee fruit. S. Boulardii has undergone years of clinical research, demonstrating its ability to bind to and flush out pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella; thereby naturally supporting your gut health in the case of diarrhoea.

S. Boulardii has also been shown to have considerable anti-inflammatory properties, helping to maintain gut health in those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 

Due to its immense popularity among scientific communities, it is in fact registered as a medicine in over 100 countries. A supplement cupboard essential for episodes of embarrassing tummy troubles. Studies show Saccharomyces Boulardii may shorten the duration of diarrhoea. Read more about Saccharomyces Boulardii here

5.    Probiotic supplements
Probiotic supplements containing healthy, digestive bacteria (e.g. Lactobacilli Acidophilus and bifidobacteria) help to keep the digestive system in balance and keep harmful bacteria at bay through a number of mechanisms, including the production of natural antibiotics (bacteriocins). Look for products containing a million to billions of bacteria per capsule (popular, big brand 'yoghurt drinks' do not qualify).

If you need digestive support please contact me for personalised advice.  

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It is always recommended to consult with your GP if you experience ill health and before supplementation in case of drug/nutrient interaction. 

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