Health Issues Linked to
Diarrhea and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Description:
Diarrhea is not only the increase in frequency of bowel movements,
but also an increase in the wateriness of the stools. It is often
accompanied by gas, cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and an
urgency to move the bowels.
Diarrhea occurs when not enough water is removed from the stool as
it moves through the digestive tract. Diarrhea is sometimes caused by
irritable bowel syndrome. Stools normally contain 60-90 percent water,
and diarrhea occurs when the stools are over 90 percent water. There
are many reasons why this may happen including if food travels too
quickly through the digestive tract, certain medications, virus,
bacterial or parasitic infections, chemicals, stress and other
disorders (i.e., irritable bowel syndrome).
-- Causes of Diarrhea --
Stress, antibiotics, diseases and infections, and junk foods (fatty and sugary).
What to do:
Don't hold gas in. Don't repress bowel movements. Eat smaller more
frequent meals, eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly, eat
fiber-rich, varied foods and keep a regular meal time. Don't drink
alcohol or carbonated beverages. Drink a minimum of 6-8 glasses of
water per day. Take plant sourced digestive enzymes and probiotics
along with a good whole-food multiple vitamin supplement. Get regular
exercise (walking, gymnastics, swimming, hiking, cycling) to keep the
bowels in motion.
-- The Nutritional Approach --
Foods that have been proven to help with Diarrhea:
Cereals, bananas, rice, tapioca, root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, and all fermented foods.
Avoid gaseous foods, such as beans,
cabbage and onions, which cause discomfort, cramps and bloating.
High-fiber bulky foods, such as course fruits and vegetables, fruit and
vegetable peels. Milk, notably if you have any intolerance to
milk-sugar (lactose). High-sugar liquids, including soft drinks and
juices.
Avoid coffee and other
caffeine-containing beverages. Caffeine robs the body of needed fluids.
Very diluted soups. Although often recommended as fluids, they are not
nutritionally sufficient and are usually too high in sodium.
Nutrients that have been proven to help with Diarrhea:
Probiotics, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, zinc.
Excercises that have been proven to help with Diarrhea:
Exercise on a regular basis can improve your immune system along
with supporting a healthy gastrointestinal system. Yoga has its own
exercises to support regular digestion and reduce nervousness.
Relaxation techniques can support behavioral changes when symptoms
appear as a result of conflicts or excitement. |
