Home Remedy for Diarrhea
Acupuncture for Diarrhea
Acupressure for Diarrhea
Medical Measures for Diarrhea

Diarrhea causes dehydration and loss of essential electrolytes. While it seems that every drink would result to a trip to the toilet, this may make one thinks that the best way to halt diarrhea is to stop drinking. In fact, it is very important that while having diarrhea, it is highly recommended to drink a lot of fluids. Fluids like bouillon, Gatorade and other fluids that contain potassium and sodium is highly recommended.

Refrain from drinking coffee and other caffinated drinks such as cola sodas. Caffeine has been known to have a laxative effect.

According to Chinese medicine, diarrhea is a sign of the weakness of the Spleen that is often caused by toxins. Diarrhea according to Chinese medicine is the body’s reaction in purging the body from these toxins. Diarrhea is treated by using combination of herbs that includes fermented barley, rice, rice sprouts that enhances the formation of probiotic good bacteria as found in yogurts.

In China, acupuncture has been found to help treat diarrhea. However, it is not widely used in the United States. Nonetheless, acupuncture may be used when conventional treatment has failed. In this case, acupuncturists would examine both the nutritional value and the "energetic" qualities of food that might be affecting digestion. Acupuncture is also combined with conventional medicine in treating diarrhea in adults.

Acupressure may be used alternatively for acupuncture. Try apply penetrating finger pressure on the following points for 3 minutes.

Spleen 4, locate on the arch of your foot, one thumb-width behind the ball of your foot.

Spleen 6, located at the bottom of your rib cage, about ½ inch in from either nipple toward your rib cage.

Stomach 36, located four finger-widths below your knee cap and one finger-width toward the outside of your shinbone.

Conception Vessel 6, located three finger-widths below your navel.

 

There are many prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs that are available for the treatment of diarrhea. Over-the-counter drugs include

Adsorbents . These are drugs that help treat the symptoms of diarrhea by adhering to chemicals, toxins, and infectious organisms ( trade name: KAOPECTATE-pectin). Bismuth helps many people with diarrhea. It has a normal side effect of turning the stool black. Other drugs may include attapulgite.

Opioids derivatives. Prescription drugs used to treat diarrhea that relax the muscles of the intestines include loperamide (trade name: IMODIUM), codeine, and diphenoxylate.

Bulking agents used for chronic constipation, such as psyllium. (trade names METAMUCIL KONSYL) or methylcellulose (trade name: CITRUCEL) can also b used to help relieve chronic diarrhea.

When diarrhea persists or has caused dehydration, hospitalization and treatment with intravenous water and salts may be needed.