Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is defined as passing watery, liquid bowel movements containing no solids at all and often having a foul smell. The word diarrhoea comes from the Greek 'to flow through'. A one off liquid bowel movement is not usually cause for concern but if 3 or more occur in a day or last for several days this is classed as diarrhoea and should be taken seriously as a symptom of an underlying disease process. Diarrhoea can be caused by either bacteria, viruses or protozoa (microscopic creatures) and it is very easy to transmit the causative agent by hand, water and food. Its causes include infection with agents such as novovirus and rotavirus, E.coli, shigella, crytospiridium, cholera, salmonella, Giardia but can also arise from many other causes such as stress, food allergies and intolerance, heat exhaustion, appendicitis, irritable bowel, pancreatitis, teething in babies, colitis, crohns disease, hormonal changes and certain prescription drugs. If the diarrhoea occurs as a result of a mild infection it should not be surpressed but allowed to run its course as it is the body's way of cleansing the system. The biggest danger from diarrhoea is dehydration and loss of vital mineral salts due to excessive fluid loss via the faeces. If vomiting accompanies the diarrhoea then dehydration can set in very rapidly. Plenty of water should be taken, little and often, to prevent dehydration. Avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol as these will encourage dehydration. Fresh watery foods such as raw or lightly steamed fruit and vegetables should be eaten if possible but avoid heavy, rich, fatty and spicy foods. Spices that are beneficial in diarrhoea include ginger, turmeric and garlic. Potassium broth will help to replace lost salts and electrolytes. Make this by gently simmering a handful each of cleaned fresh organic potato peelings, green leaves (such as celery tops, chard or spinach), carrot peel, beetroot, onions and a pinch of sea salt in a pan of water for about an hour. Strain off the liquid and drink throughout the day. Grate a fresh organic apple and allow to go brown then eat with a spoon. The high pectin content in the apple will soothe inflamed and irritated intestines. The Russians eat this every 2 hours with no other food or medicine taken for the duration of the diarrhoea and swear by its effectiveness. Fresh tomato juice with a pinch of salt and pepper added can be beneficial in mild diarrhoea. Take in the morning on an empty stomach. Eating pomegranates or drinking the fresh juice can help.General characteristics
General characteristics
Diet and lifestyle
Diet and lifestyle
Useful herbs
Useful herbs
Natural healing
Natural healing
Comments