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Diarrhoea is a relatively commonplace condition that is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections as well as parasites. Although it is easily treatable, in malnourished individuals severe and acute diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and can be life-threatening. Diarrhoea affects the bowels along with digestive system and causes severe stomach pains or cramps and frequent loose stools.
Neglecting diarrhoea can cause other complications and repeated bouts of diarrhoea often lead to dehydration and malnutrition. To minimize the effects of diarrhoea, make sure that it is treated at the earliest.
Avoid all fried, spicy, and processed foods as they are tougher to digest and will place a greater strain on the digestive system.
Foods containing artificial sweeteners, flavours and colouring should be avoided for the same reason. Ideally a patient suffering from diarrhoea should have a diet that contains whole grain breads and bran. This will aid the digestive system and help to solidify stools. Diarrhoea causes dehydration and so it is essential to replace lost fluids, salts and minerals. You can have either raw vegetables or raw vegetable juice. In more severe cases, where a patient cannot hold down solid foods, it is better to give them the juice. Instead of one large serving, try to break up meals into several continuous smaller servings. This will ensure that there is no strain on the digestive system as well as there is a reduced risk of the patient vomiting. Fresh orange juice should be diluted to half its strength with warm water and administered to the patient to curb the effects of diarrhoea. Bananas have a very high nutritional value and so you can serve the patient mashed banana. Make sure that this is always in small quantities to facilitate easy digestion.
Follow basic kitchen hygiene and wash all fruits and vegetables well to prevent outbreaks of diarrhoea.
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