Diarrhea is a change in normal bowel habits characterized by frequent passage of loose,
fluid stools. This is common with most gastrointestinal disturbances. Acute diarrhea is
marked by a sudden onset. Often, mild to moderate diarrhea is associated with antibiotics
when the antibiotics destroy normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea can also
be caused by emotional stress, laxatives (factitious, or self-induced), hormonal abnormalities
from such disorders as carcinoid syndrome or certain types of pancreative adenomas, or
E.coli, usually experienced by travelers. More commonly, diarrhea is caused by
the diet, inflammation or irritation of the intestinal mucosa, or gastrointestinal infections.
Additionally, dysenteric diarrhea (dysentery), characterized by mucous or bloody stools, is
generally caused by bacterial or viral infection or infestation by protozoa or parasitic
worms. Symptoms of dysentery include abdominal pain, tenesmus, and stools with blood or
mucous.
Helpful Links:
Diarrhea/Dysentery
here are many causes for
diarrhea and dysentery including food poisoning, laxatives, stress, antibiotics, viruses,
bacteria, and parasites. Even too much vitamin C can cause gastrointestinal disturbances.
The best way to handle diarrhea is to (1) drink lots of fluids so that the body doesn't
become dehydrated; (2) lay off solid foods for 12-24 hours or at least avoid raw fruit,
vegetables, and whole-grain cereals; and (3) eat bananas, yogurt, and white rice.
Clays
have a long history of traditional use. The active ingredient
in Kaopectate®, for instance, is kaolin. See also Microflora
Restore.
Certain herbal extracts, described
in our Phyto Rx pages, are traditionally used
as well.
Bilberry
is traditionally taken as a tea decoction.
Pau d'Arco bark contains
quinones. An infusion of Wild Cherry bark has been used traditionally as an astringent. Native
American peoples from Florida have traditionally used infusions of the berries from Saw
Palmetto. Saw Palmeto contains volatile oil,
fixed oil, glucose, and free acids. The fruit from
Yellow Dock is a traditional
astringent, while the root has mild laxative effects.
Because of its high astringency, Uva Ursi is also traditionally used.
Clays
have a long history of traditional use. The active ingredient
in Kaopectate®, for instance, is kaolin. See also Microflora
Restore.Certain herbal extracts, described
in our Phyto Rx pages, are traditionally used
as well.
Bilberry
is traditionally taken as a tea decoction.
Pau d'Arco bark contains
quinones. An infusion of Wild Cherry bark has been used traditionally as an astringent. Native
American peoples from Florida have traditionally used infusions of the berries from Saw
Palmetto. Saw Palmeto contains volatile oil,
fixed oil, glucose, and free acids. The fruit from
Yellow Dock is a traditional
astringent, while the root has mild laxative effects.
Because of its high astringency, Uva Ursi is also traditionally used.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.