Useful traditional remedies for healing diarrhea

Running to the toilet? Got runny stools? You don't have to live with diarrhea. Instead, follow these traditional remedies.

Whether the cause of your discomfort is yesterday's lunch special or a nasty viral infection, "Montezuma's revenge" can be most unpleasant. But it's also terribly effective at expelling whatever it is that ails you. In the past, people tried to put a halt to diarrhea immediately, but now we generally allow it to run its course for a day or two, then deal with it using proven home remedies. For the first 24 hours after diarrhea hits, drink plenty of clear fluids in order to replace the liquids and minerals you have lost. Note: Infants and small children with diarrhea should see a doctor. Adults should seek medical treatment if still running to the toilet after three days.

• Sip non-carbonated mineral water or black tea, flavoured with sugar and a pinch of salt.
• Buy a package of special glucose-electrolyte mixtures from a pharmacy to offset salt loss. These solutions are especially important for children, expecting mothers and older people, since major fluid loss is particularly dangerous for them.
• To make up a quick and inexpensive electrolyte solution of your own, 500 millilitres (16 ounces) of non-carbonated mineral water with 35 millilitres (seven teaspoons) of sugar, five millilitres (one teaspoon) of table salt, and 500 millilitres (16 ounces) of orange juice or herbal or fruit tea (to provide potassium and flavouring). Drink throughout the day.
• Drink at least 250 millilitres (one cup) of tea three times a day. Teas made from oak bark or mulberry leaves contain tannins that contract your blood vessels and have a soothing and antibacterial effect.
• Keep activated charcoal tablets on hand. Once the first line of defense for treating diarrhea, today they should not be used in the first 24 hours, since they trap harmful substances in your intestine. As a result, the pathogen will remain there longer. But this may be a good choice if you contract diarrhea while you are traveling.

People used to swear by pop and pretzels for diarrhea. In fact, cola contains lots of sugar which can intensify diarrhea, and the carbonation leads to flatulence and tummy pains. As for pretzels, they do provide your body with salt, but they lack the all-important potassium.