What Natural Remedies Help With Diarrhea Caused by Junk Food

Are you a big foodie who can't say No to outside food? But this craving can get you in trouble!

Cravings for pizza or some other type of spicy, salty, fried or greasy foods, dairy, and sugar substitutes can upset your stomach and irritate the digestive tract. This can cause diarrhea.

When someone experiences diarrhea after eating outside food, they may have loose, watery stools or bowel movements accompanied by stomach cramps. While uncomfortable, this type of diarrhea usually doesn't indicate a serious health problem and typically resolves on its own.

Understanding the triggers and duration of diarrhea helps in managing symptoms effectively. It's essential to stay hydrated and consider dietary changes to prevent recurring episodes.

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What Causes Diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be classified as acute or chronic based on how long the symptoms last.

The below factors can contribute to both acute and chronic diarrhea, and identifying the underlying cause is crucial for appropriate treatment and management.

Acute Diarrhea

Acute Diarrhea (Lasting more than three days, typically due to viral or bacterial infection)

Viral infections (e.g., rotavirus, norovirus)
Bacterial infections (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella)
Parasitic infections (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium)

Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic Diarrhea (Lasting two weeks or longer, often due to underlying digestive issues)

Food intolerances or sensitivities (e.g., lactose intolerance)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis

Other Causes

Traveller's diarrhea (often due to consuming contaminated food or water)
Stress or anxiety
Malabsorption syndromes
Endocrine disorders (e.g., hyperthyroidism)
Chronic infections (e.g., HIV/AIDS)

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Identifying Cause of Diarrhea Due to Food Poisoning

Diarrhea usually develops within hours to days after consuming contaminated food. Food poisoning typically causes acute diarrhea that lasts 1-2 days, though it can persist longer in severe cases. Hence, look for additional signs such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.

Also, recall what foods you ate recently, such as incredibly raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy products, or contaminated produce. If others who ate the same food also became ill, it may indicate foodborne illness.

Quick Home Remedies For Food-Borne Diarrhea

Many of the conditions that cause diarrhea require medical treatment, but these four lifestyle treatments may help ease the problem:

Rice Water

Rice water can be another fast and effective home remedy for diarrhea.
Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes.
Strain the rice and keep the water for later use.
Rice water not only hydrates your body, but it also helps to reduce the duration of diarrhoea.
In the digestive tract, rice water has a binding action, resulting in firmer, bulkier stools.

Oral Rehydration Solution

Multiple motions can make you feel weak and dehydrated. ORS can be administered to maintain the salt level in your body while giving you the energy you need.

BRAT Diet

BRAT (Bananas Rice Aplesauce Toast) is a diet that can help you get rid of diarrhoea quickly.
It is effective because its foods are bland, starchy, and low-fiber.
These foods have a binding effect on the digestive tract, resulting in more giant feces.

Reduce Stress

The mind has a great deal of control over the stomach.
When you're stressed or worried, you're more likely to upset your stomach.
Learning to manage stress and anxiety is essential for mental and digestive health.

Medicine for Diarrhea Caused by Food Poisoning

Anti-diarrheal Medication

People should stay at home and drink enough fluids and electrolytes. But if you are not at your home, take an anti-diarrheal medication. This helps minimise or eliminate loose stools after the first dose.

Imodium (Loperamide): Slows fluid movement through the intestines, restoring normal bowel function quickly.
Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate): Kills diarrhea causing germs and reduces symptoms.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics may be required if bacteria or a parasite causes diarrhoea. This might occur after consuming contaminated food or water, which is common while travelling.

Home Remedies for Diarrhea in Babies and Adults

Home Remedies for Diarrhea	Babies	Adults
Fluid Replacement	Breast milk or ORS	Water, herbal teas, electrolyte solutions
BRAT Diet	Plain rice cereal, mashed bananas, applesauce	Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast
Probiotics	Pediatric probiotics	Yogurt with live cultures, probiotic supplements
Herbal Remedies	Chamomile tea (with pediatrician approval)	Ginger tea, peppermint tea
Avoid Irritants	Limit fruit juices and high-sugar foods	Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol
Rest and Monitor	Ensure adequate rest	Ensure adequate rest
When to Seek Medical Attention	Signs of dehydration	Persistent diarrhea (>2 days), severe abdominal pain, dehydration

When to See The Doctor?

It's important to know when to seek medical help for diarrhea. If you have diarrhea multiple times a week for more than three weeks or if it persists for three consecutive days with a fever over 102°F (38.8°C), it's recommended that you consult a doctor.

Dehydration signs like extreme thirst, confusion, muscle cramps, or dark-colored urine, along with significant abdominal or rectal pain during bowel movements, also warrant medical attention. Unusual stool colors such as black, grey, or bloody stools should be promptly discussed with a primary care doctor for evaluation and treatment.