Diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose, watery stools a day.
Its unpleasant and can also be dangerous if left untreated.
Although dehydration is the biggest worry with diarrhea, its not the only one.
White rice and water can be beneficial when you have diarrhea.
Dont consume beverages at extreme temperatures.Consume all liquids at room temperature, or slightly warmed, advises Dr. Ganjhu.
Anything too hot or too cold can cause nausea.
Oneresearch reviewcited the potential favorable effects of drinking a chamomile preparation that is combined with other herbs intreating diarrhea.
Sodas containinghigh-fructose corn syrupcan also cause trouble when you have an upset stomach.
Dilute your water with fruit juice.Water can sometimes be nauseating when you have diarrhea.
Dont eat fried food.
Cooked eggs are okay, too,according to MedlinePlus.
Do eat when hunger strikes.Listen to your body and dont force yourself to eat, which can worsen symptoms.
Trust your body to tell you when and how much it can tolerate, notes Ganjhu.
ensure to include the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Rinse with clean, running water and dry thoroughly.
An alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol can work, too.
(Note that bismuth products can cause dark or black stools that look like blood.)
Although loperamide (Imodium), another OTC antidiarrheal medication, is sometimes recommended, Ganjhu advises against it.
This is an anti-mobility, meaning that it stops your gastrointestinal tract from moving.
Its your bodys way of ridding itself of any toxins.
Ira Daniel Breite, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist.
Working in city hospitals helped him become resourceful and taught him how to interact with people from different backgrounds.
