Diarrhea is a condition that everybody suffers from at some point. Factors that may cause diarrhea are viral or bacterial infections, digestive disorders, overeating, caffeine, food allergies, certain prescription medications, food poisoning or exposure to contaminated water. If you have diarrhea, some common symptoms you may experience are abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and a loose, watery stool. While there are over-the-counter products that may provide relief, you can also opt to make use of some alternative remedies to ease and stop your diarrhea symptoms.
Avoid extremely cold or hot drinks, fruit juices, high fiber foods and dairy products when you have a bout of diarrhea, as they will make matters worse. Eat foods like bananas, brown rice, toast, potatoes and applesauce, since they are easier to digest.
Drink blackberry tea prepared from blackberry leaves to ease diarrhea. You can drink as much as 6 cups a day. Add a little honey to taste.
Drink plenty of water, as diarrhea can cause dehydration. Try to drink at least 8 glasses daily while you are suffering from diarrhea.
Mix a tablespoon of apple cider with 8 oz. distilled water and drink it whenever you eat.
Take the appropriate homeopathic remedy at the first sign of diarrhea. Helpful homeopathic remedies include Chamomilla, Podophyllum, Argentum nitricum, Ipecacuanha, Colocynthis, Bryonia, Arsenicum album, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Gelsemium and Pulsatilla. Check with your homeopathic practitioner for advice on which remedy is the best to take for your individual set of symptoms.
Take grapefruit seed extract to destroy any parasites that may be at work. If you are on blood pressure medications, you cannot take grapefruit seed extract, however, because it can have a potentially dangerous drug interaction with your medications.
Take one garlic capsule 3 to 6 times daily to treat diarrhea. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and aids in getting rid of bacteria that may be hiding in your intestines.
Consider taking cayenne capsules 2 to 3 times per day until your symptoms are reduced. Contrary to popular belief, cayenne can actually stop digestive disorders in their tracks.