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To stop diarrhea quickly, it is important to increase the consumption of fluids to replace water and minerals lost through the feces, as well as to consume foods that favor the formation of feces and that reduce bowel movements, such as guava, for example . Another excellent strategy is to consume probiotics, as they help to regulate and balance the intestinal microbiota faster, reducing and avoiding more liquid stools.
Diarrhea can be caused by bacteria or viruses present in the food that is consumed, causing infections such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning. It can also happen as a side effect of some medication, especially when it happens after the consumption of antibiotics, or be due to some allergy or food intolerance.
In general, diarrhea lasts between 3 to 4 days, however, if it lasts more days or other symptoms appear, it is important to go to the doctor, as the diarrhea may be caused by an infection, which must be treated with use of medicines.
So, to stop diarrhea faster it is recommended:
1. Have an easily digestible food
When you have diarrhea, it is important to consume foods that are easy to digest, that help to replenish the intestinal flora, and that keep the body hydrated, such as:
- Vegetable soups, vegetable cream and tubers, which should be low in fat and with natural ingredients;
- Unsweetened natural fruit juices, coconut water, apple tea or guava leaves;
- Fruits such as green banana, guava or apple with peel, since it has astringent properties;
- Puree of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, cassava, yams, zucchini or pumpkin;
- White rice, pasta, white bread, corn starch, porridge in water and pasta;
- Chicken, turkey and fish, preferably shredded;
- Gelatin or biscuit type cream cracker.
It is important that vegetables and fruits are cooked and peeled, to prevent fibers from increasing bowel movements and worsening diarrhea. Check out some home remedies for diarrhea.
Check out more tips on what to eat in the following video:
2. Avoid high-fat foods
Foods that should be avoided are those high in fat and foods that can irritate the gut, such as spicy, sauces, pepper, meat cubes, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, coffee, green or black tea, milk, raisins, plums, beans, ice cream and milk, for example.
In addition, it is also recommended to avoid foods that produce gases, as they can cause more discomfort, such as broccoli, cauliflower and corn, for example.
3. Take probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the intestine and can be obtained through the consumption of some foods, mainly fermented, such as natural yogurt, kombucha and kefir, and can also be obtained through supplements that can be obtained from pharmacies such as Lacteol fort, Bifilac and Floratil.
These bacteria help to improve bacterial flora, fight and prevent intestinal diseases, improve digestion and increase the immune system. Discover other benefits of probiotics.
4. Stay hydrated
It is important to replace mineral salts that are lost during diarrhea and, for this reason, it is important to consume homemade serum or oral rehydration solutions that can be purchased at the pharmacy. Ideally, the serum should be ingested shortly after liquid evacuation, more or less in the same proportion as liquid is lost through feces.
5. Remedies for diarrhea
There are several drugs that can be used to treat diarrhea, but they should only be used if they are prescribed by the doctor, who must take into account the cause that may be at its origin, the person's health status, the symptoms presented and the type diarrhea you have.
Some of the remedies that the doctor may recommend are:
- Racecadotril, such as Avide or Tiorfan, which contribute to the reduction of water secretion in the intestine, making stools harder;
- Loperamide, such as Diasec, Intestin or Kaosec, which reduce the peristaltic movements of the intestine, making the stool stay longer in the intestine, providing water absorption and making it harder.
It is important that the person avoids taking medications like racecadotril or loperamide without talking to the doctor, because if there is an associated infection, the situation can be aggravated. Learn more about treatment and possible side effects.
When to go to the doctor
It is recommended to go to the doctor when diarrhea is frequent, is accompanied by blood or pus, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain or significant weight loss.
In addition, it is also to be aware of the appearance of signs and symptoms of dehydration such as feeling of thirst, hair and dry mouth, drowsiness or changes in the state of consciousness, for example, being important in these cases that the person is taken to the emergency room.