Diarrhea :: Healthy Lifestyles and Natural Weight Loss Information

Diarrhea

Symptoms

Diarrhea is a strong signal of another problem in the system. Watery stools develop when mucus and fluids are released into the intestine and not enough water is absorbed into the body. *Fever signals an inflammation of the mucous membranes. The propelling action of the intestines is faster than usual and, if it is severe, it causes *cramping, abdominal *pain and urging. Gurgling is usually heard from the abdomen. Intense thirst is normal with any form of diarrhea, since water and minerals are lost in the process. Diarrhea is often a symptom of gastroenteritis, a general term that means any inflammation of the intestinal tract, but often refers to the stomach *flu. A flu is characterized by a sudden onset of diarrhea with urging, cramping, and often fever and *vomiting. It usually resolves itself within a day or two. If accompanied by blood and mucus, *dysentery is the cause.

Dehydration is always a concern in severe diarrhea, especially in infants, children and the elderly, or in those too weak to notice their need for thirst. Danger signs are excessively dry mouth and eyes, leg cramps, sunken eyes and a sharp-looking nose. A test for dehydration is to pull the skin between two fingers and let go. If water is lacking, the skin will not snap back. Dehydration can be serious and require immediate medical care.

Causes

Diarrhea is a natural reaction of the bowels to purge the body of toxins, irritations, infection and other unwanted substances. Diarrhea can be caused by unclean water, spicy food, eating too quickly, unripe fruit or undigested vegetables. Mixing too many foods, such as vegetable and fruit salads, pickles, drinks and other snacks, or eating too much heavy, creamy food, can cause the digestive tract to react adversely and expel the overload. Only persistent diarrhea is cause for concern. The acute symptoms of gastroenteritis are usually due to viruses, bacterial or parasitic *infections, particularly in *traveler’s diarrhea or *food poisoning. *Parasites can cause long-term or repeated diarrhea.

Chronic cases of diarrhea are sometimes due to improper *digestion, which is caused by *allergies or food sensitivities. Chronic *pancreatitis and *alcohol abuse can also cause constant problems with diarrhea. Recurring attacks of diarrhea signal illnesses like *Crohn’s disease, *irritable bowel syndrome or *colitis. Children with persistent diarrhea who do not gain weight or grow well should be checked for *celiac disease. Symptoms of alternating diarrhea and constipation indicate a candida infection or *diverticulitis in some people. Medications can be the source of problems too. Taking large dosages of vitamin C can cause loose stools if the vitamin C is no longer being absorbed.

Nutrition

Acute diarrhea can be caused by contaminated foods or water. Eat foods freshly prepared whenever possible. Harmful bacteria, viruses, molds or *parasites can quickly multiply to spoil food which has been left to stand at room temperature. Potato salad is a prime example of a prepared food which does not keep for more than a few hours even in the refrigerator, especially if it contains mayonnaise. Undigested matter with the diarrhea indicates the food was not completely broken down. Eat slowly and chew well.

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Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche and Zoltan Rona

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