Holistic Guide to Managing Diarrhoea Naturally - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Diarrhoea or Loose Stools?

Loose stools, commonly known as diarrhoea, are gastrointestinal conditions characterised by an abnormal frequency, volume, and liquidity of bowel movements.

It is essential to differentiate loose stools from irregular bowel movements to understand the significance of this condition.

Distinguishing Loose Stools from Regular Bowel Movements

Frequency and Volume

People with diarrhoea may have bowel movements several times a day, sometimes even urgently.

Consistency

Regular bowel movements are usually well-formed, soft, and easy to pass. In contrast, loose stools are watery, lack solidity, and may vary in colour and consistency.

Different Types of Diarrhoea: Acute and Chronic

Acute Diarrhoea

The said type of diarrhoea is often sudden and short-lived, lasting for a few days to a few weeks. Infections, such as bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or travel-related illnesses commonly cause it. Certain medications, stress, or dietary mistakes can also trigger acute diarrhoea.

Chronic Diarrhoea

Chronic diarrhoea persists for over four weeks and may indicate an underlying health issue. Several factors, including gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, IBD, celiac disease, or chronic infections, can cause it. Medications, food allergies, or intolerances can also contribute to chronic diarrhoea.

Why Should You Address Diarrhoea Promptly?

Addressing loose stools is crucial for several reasons:

Dehydration Risk

Diarrhoea can lead to significant fluid loss, resulting in dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations like children and seniors.

Quality of Life

Frequent and urgent bowel movements can disrupt daily life, causing discomfort and embarrassment. Addressing diarrhoea can significantly improve the overall quality of life.

Underlying Health Issues

Chronic diarrhoea may be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Prompt evaluation and diagnosis are essential to identify and manage potential medical conditions.

Preventing Complications

In some cases, untreated diarrhoea can lead to electrolyte imbalance or malnutrition. Early intervention can prevent these issues from arising.

Understanding the Common Causes of Loose Stools

Diarrhoea, a prevalent digestive issue, can have numerous underlying causes, including infections ( bacterial, viral parasitic), food poisoning, medications, etc.

Infections

Infections are a leading cause of acute diarrhoea, and they comprise;

• Bacterial infections: Pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, E. Colin, and Campylobacter contaminate food rainwater sources, triggering foodborne illnesses.
   
• Viral infections: Highly contagious viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus can lead to gastroenteritis, a condition characterised by diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
   
• Parasitic infections: Parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, typically transmitted through contaminated water or food, can result in persistent diarrhoea.

Food Poisoning

Consumption of contaminated or spoiled food, often due to improper handling or storage, can lead to acute diarrhoea. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Chronic diarrhoea may be a symptom of various gastrointestinal disorders, including:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause recurrent diarrhoea episodes, abdominal pain, and discomfort.
   
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to chronic diarrhoea due to inflammation in the digestive tract.
   
• Celiac Disease: A gluten-based autoimmune disorder, celiac disease may result in chronic diarrhoea and malabsorption of nutrients.

Medications 

Some medications, including certain antacids, antibiotics and laxatives, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria or irritate the digestive tract, leading to diarrhoea as a side effect.

Food Allergies and Intolerances

Individuals with intolerances or allergies to specific foods, such as lactose or gluten, may experience diarrhoea after consuming these triggers.

Stress and Anxiety

Emotional stress and anxiety can impact digestive health, potentially leading to diarrhoea in some individuals.

The Link Between COVID-19 and Diarrhoea

Covid-19 was a time when many people suffered from different sets of symptoms. One of them was loose stools or diarrhoea. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised suggestions on the relationship between the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and diarrhoea.

Is There a Link Between Covid-19 and Diarrhoea?

Faecal Shedding of the Virus

Research has shown that SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in the stool of infected individuals, indicating the virus's presence in the gastrointestinal tract.

Potential for Transmission

The virus in faeces has led to concerns about the potential for faecal-oral transmission, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation.

Recognising Diarrhoea Symptoms

Recognising the symptoms of diarrhoea is crucial for timely intervention and management. Here's a list of those uncomfortable symptoms for you;

• Watery Stools: The hallmark of diarrhoea is the passing of loose and watery stools. These stools lack the usual consistency and solidity of regular bowel movements.
   
• Frequent Urges: Diarrhoea often accompanies an urgent need to use the restroom. Individuals may need to make multiple trips to the loo within a short period.
   
• Abdominal Cramps: Many people with diarrhoea experience abdominal discomfort or cramps. The cramps can be mild to severe, and bloating may accompany them. 
   
• Nausea: Nausea is a common symptom that may accompany diarrhoea. It can contribute to a feeling of general discomfort.
   
• Fever: In some cases, diarrhoea can lead to a mild fever, primarily caused by an infection. Other symptoms like chills and fatigue often accompany the fever.

How Do You Decide That It's Complicated?

Most cases of diarrhoea resolve on their own or with simple home remedies. However, there are situations where seeking medical attention is essential.

Some of the risky symptoms you should look out for are;

Severe or Persistent Symptoms

If diarrhoea is severe and persistent, lasting more than a few days, an underlying medical condition may require evaluation.

Dehydration

Diarrhoea can lead to significant fluid loss and is dangerous for vulnerable populations like infants, young children, and seniors. Some signs of dehydration are dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness, and excessive thirst. Seek medical attention promptly if dehydration is suspected.

Blood in Stools

Blood in stools, which can manifest as red streaks or a dark, tarry appearance, is a concerning symptom. It can indicate bleeding in the digestive tract and requires immediate medical evaluation.

High Fever

A very high fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C) accompanied by diarrhoea can result from a more serious underlying infection or condition that warrants a medical assessment.

Signs of Infection

If diarrhoea is associated with symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, high fever, and signs of infection like muscle weakness or confusion, medical attention is crucial.

Chronic Diarrhoea

When diarrhoea becomes a chronic or recurrent issue, persisting for more than four weeks

Diarrhoea After Eating

Running to the loo after having food is problematic if you have ever faced it. It can be personally and socially very inconvenient and negatively impacts life.

Several factors can contribute to the diarrhoea after meals. Some of them are;

Food Intolerances

Food intolerances occur when the digestive system has difficulty processing specific substances in certain foods. Common examples include lactose intolerance, where the body can't digest lactose found in dairy products, and fructose intolerance, which affects the absorption of fructose in fruits and some sweeteners.

Food Allergies

Unlike intolerances, food allergies involve the immune system's reaction to specific proteins. Allergic reactions can go from mild to severe. It may include diarrhoea as one of the symptoms. Mostly seen food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and eggs.

Dietary Habits

Consuming large, fatty, or spicy meals may sometimes lead to an upset stomach and diarrhoea. Additionally, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake may irritate the digestive tract and cause diarrhoea in some individuals.

Infections

In rare cases, eating contaminated or undercooked foods can lead to foodborne diseases, resulting in diarrhoea after a meal. Bacteria like Salmonella or parasites such as Giardia are potential culprits.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Chronic gastrointestinal conditions like Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), etc., can cause diarrhoea after eating, particularly after taking trigger food. 

Identify your Food Triggers 

Why does identifying your trigger foods become essential? Eating is an experience with various cuisines, tastes, flavours and whatnot. But once you have experienced this unfriendly guest after eating sometimes, it becomes crucial to identify what makes your bowel run for life.

Identifying your trigger is the first step towards your mindful eating.

Understanding the ingredients and composition of your food can help you a lot by saving you from being sick and social embarrassment.

What Can You Do?

Food Diary

Keep a detailed diary of what you eat or drink and when symptoms occur. A food diary can help identify patterns and potential trigger foods.

Look for Food Types

Pay attention to specific foods that consistently trigger diarrhoea. Types may include dairy products, certain spices, or high-fiber foods.

Suspect Food Allergies and Intolerances

If you suspect a food allergy or intolerance, consult medical care to run your intolerance tests. They can help confirm the diagnosis and provide recommendations for dietary adjustments.

Elimination of Diets

Try the method of elimination of diets. These diets involve temporarily removing suspected trigger foods from your diet and gradually reintroducing them to see if they cause symptoms. You have to do this under medical guidance.

Do Not Take Your Medications

If diarrhoea after eating is persistent or severe and you cannot identify the cause, consult a gastroenterologist or a dietitian. They can conduct tests and offer personalised guidance on managing your condition.

Understanding Coloured Diarrhoea

Coloured diarrhoea can be surprising and alarming. Your immediate reaction will be to Google what these coloured stools mean! 

We have got your back. We will help you understand what these shades indicate.

Yellow Diarrhoea 

Dietary Choices

Consuming foods rich in certain pigments, such as beta carotene (found in carrots) or yellow food colouring, can temporarily change stool colour to yellow.

Infections

Infections like viral gastroenteritis can lead to yellow diarrhoea.

Malabsorption

Conditions that affect the absorption of fats, such as celiac disease or chronic pancreatitis, may result in yellowish, greasy stools.

Green Diarrhoea

Dietary Factors

Consuming large quantities of green, leafy vegetables or foods with green food colouring can turn stool green.

Gastrointestinal Transit

Rapid stool transit through the digestive tract may allow sufficient time for the bile to break down and can result in greenish stools.

Infections

Some bacterial infections can cause green diarrhoea, especially when there is an imbalance in gut flora.

Black Tarry Stools

Black stools are problematic because they may be because of a high amount of bleeding into the digestive tract. Usually, this bleeding may be from your upper GI, like the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Never ignore black tarry stools.

Clay-Coloured or White Stools (Pale Stools)

Light-coloured or clay-coloured stools come with diseases of the liver or bile ducts. Lack of bile causes stool to lose its brown colour and leaves it pale.

Mucus in the Stool

Mucus in faeces may be because of some inflammatory changes inside your bowl. When mucus in stool is associated with severe abdominal pain, fever, etc., never ignore it.

When Should You Get Concerned About Coloured Diarrhoea?

Most of the time, diarrhoea can be harmless, but it's important to recognise when it becomes severe.

Blood in Stools

Severe gastrointestinal bleeding due to ulcers or piles can result in stool blood.

Associated With Severe Symptoms

If your coloured stools are associated with severe symptoms like abdominal pain, long-lasting loose stools, and high fever, then you should be concerned.

Pre-Existing Underlying Conditions

If you know you have a health condition such as pancreatitis or celiac disease, simple diarrhoea may require immediate attention.

Medication Side Effects 

If you take any medicine and think it may be due to them, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Seeking Professional Diarrhoea Treatment

Seeking professional treatment for diarrhoea is essential when it is persistent and long-standing. 

How Can Conservative Treatment Help?

Conservative or medical treatment is beneficial when your diarrhoea is mild and not associated with other symptoms.

Some of the conservative management you can adopt are:

• Hydration with Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or clear fluids like water, clear broths, and diluted fruit juices can help prevent dehydration.
   
• Diet modification with those that are gentle on the stomach and easily digestible.
   
• Probiotic supplements or foods containing beneficial bacteria can help rebuild your gut flora.
   
• Getting adequate rest allows you to heal and recover more efficiently.

Conservative Medical Treatments

If you opt to see your doctor, the primary protocol of management will be the following;

• Fluid replacement
• Over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal medications
• Antibiotics and antivirals
• Anti motility medications

Why Should You Consult a Medical Expert?

It is common to try self-medication from your kitchen, but sometimes, you need expert advice regarding your health. Severe and long-term diarrhoea can leave you very weak and malnourished. It can even harm your brain functions. Thus, it is essential to seek advice from a medical expert.

A consultation helps you in;

• Accurate diagnosis
• Tailored treatment
• Prevention of complications
• Effective symptom management
• Monitoring progress
• Preventing recurrences
• Safety
• Peace of mind

When Do You Need a Surgical Line of Treatment?

A chance of your doctor suggesting a surgical line of treatment is rare. But that does not mean that some conditions with diarrhoea as a symptom will not need surgery.

Surgery is the last option for some medical conditions, such as

• Inflammatory bowel diseases 
• Intestinal obstruction
• Diverticulitis
• Gastrointestinal tumors
• Intestinal fistulas 

A surgeon who thinks a conservative medical line of treatment is insufficient may opt for the surgical sequence. 

The most common surgery associated with these conditions are-

Bowel Resection involves lengthening or modifying the intestines to improve nutrient absorption.

An in-depth discussion with your health expert is vital before deciding to have surgery.

Preventive Steps for Diarrhoea: Safeguarding Your Gut Health

Adjusting to dietary and lifestyle modifications becomes essential if you suffer from severe and long-term diarrhoea.

• Practice proper hygiene, like washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
   
• Safe food handling by avoiding cross-contamination, cooking meats thoroughly, washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, etc.
   
• Be aware of the water quality, especially when you travel to different places. It is best to carry your water.
   
• Vaccinating for cholera and rotavirus is crucial if you have any travel plans.
   
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fibre, fruits and vegetables.
   
• Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
   
• Avoid excessive caffeine and limit alcohol intake, as these irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
   
• Manage stress with the help of meditation and regular exercise, which can promote a gut-brain connection.
   
• Opt for probiotics whenever your diet or other factors upset your gut health. 
   
• When travelling, be cautious not to try new street foods. Also, carry a small medical kit with diarrhoea medications.

8 Natural Remedies for Managing Loose Stools

Natural remedies help in balancing the gut more than treating them. If your diarrhoea symptoms are severe and complicated, it's best not to try these remedies without guidance.

Natural remedies, especially those suggested by Ayurveda practitioners, are usually offered according to the individual needs and body constitution.

BRAT Diet 

Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps you replace the lost electrolytes during diarrhoea.

Rice: Plain rice with warm rice water is good when your gut is unhealthy, as this is an easy way to improve your weak digestive fire and metabolism.

Applesauce: Non-sweetened applesauce is very gentle on the stomach, and the pectin helps improve the bulk of the stools.

Toast: Plain white toast is rich in carbohydrates and helps provide good energy.

Ginger

Ginger has good anti-inflammatory properties, which can also help ignite your digestive fire.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea works well on abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.

Psyllium Husk

It is a natural source of fibre which can bulk up the stools and regulate bowel movements.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea or peppermint oil capsules may help relax the muscles of the GIT, thus reducing abdominal cramps and discomfort.

Honey

Raw organic honey has antibacterial properties.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is an excellent option to stop running stools as it has an astringent taste, is filled with flavonoids, and has anti-inflammatory properties. You can eat the fruit, make the skin into tea, and take small amounts.

Potatoes

Potatoes with skin peeled are rich in protein and can be boiled and taken. Avoid frying them and consuming them.

Are Probiotics Good for Diarrhoea?

Probiotics have a way of healing an unhealthy gut. These microorganism supplements help the weak gut microbiota boost their energy and play a role in maintaining a healthy gut.

Probiotics during diarrhoea work by:

• Balancing the gut microbiota.
• Aiding digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Improving the body's defense mechanism.
• Antibacterial and antiviral properties aiding.
• Improving bowel motility and preventing IBS and IBD.
• Preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea when given along with antibiotics.
• Enhancing mood and mental health, thus managing gut motility.

Do not consider taking probiotics mindlessly, as specific probiotics can vary based on the strain and individual's unique gut microbiota.

What are Natural Probiotics?

Fermented Foods are good natural sources of probiotics that can quickly replace the natural ones found in your gut, which vanish because of diarrhoea.

Some of the options you have are:

• Buttermilk
• Cottage cheese
• Green olives
• Yoghurt
• Miso
• Tempeh

It may be good to avoid some dairy products during diarrhoea, but not all. Some dairy foods with live probiotic bacteria, like yoghurt or kefir—both of which are also fermented—are highly beneficial.

To Conclude

Diarrhea is a common condition, but looking deeper into your gut health can give much evidence of your well-being. Even Though a glass of bitter tea can stop your diarrhoea for once, a severe and long-term condition needs prompt attention and immediate diagnosis.

It is essential to seek medical help to choose your treatment, from natural remedies to surgeries. Don't compromise your health; take proactive steps to understand the inner feelings of your gut.