Diarrhoea

 

Do You Have These Symptoms? Loose watery bowel movements Passing bowel movements more than three times daily Urgency to pass a bowel movement   If you are suffering with one of these symptoms, you may have Diarrhoea.   What Is Diarrhoea Exactly? Acute diarrhoea is usually related to a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection. It is a common problem, that usually only lasts for 1-2 days. Prolonged diarrhoea persisting for more than two days, may be a sign of a more serious problem and should be looked at by a professional for help. Symptoms that may accompany diarrhoea include: Nausea and / or vomiting Cramping Thirst Abdominal pain Some people run a fever also which is a body temperature over 38º C

What Types of People Get It and What Are the Risk Factors?

People of all ages can get diarrhoea. It is rarely a serious condition, except in young children and older adults. Diarrhoea causes the loss of both fluids and electrolytes (minerals), which can lead to dehydration.

Signs of dehydration:

• Thirst

• Less frequent urination

• Dark-coloured urine

• Dry skin

• Fatigue

• Light headedness

Signs of dehydration in children:

• Dry mouth and tongue

• No tears when drying

• No wet nappies for 3 hours or more

• Listlessness or irritability

• Skin does not flatten when pinched and released

• Body temperature over 38.8ºC

 

A child can die of dehydration within a few days.

Unhygienic food preparation is a major contributor to food poisoning. Read Food Safety Tips and remember washing your hands with soap and drying them thoroughly, is the single most important thing you can do to keep safe from germs.

Medical advice needs to be sort if:

• If your child has diarrhoea for more than 24 hours with no improvement of symptoms 

• If an adult has had symptoms lasting for more than 3 days

• There is severe pain in the abdomen or rectum

• Body temperature of 38.8ºC

• Blood or pus in the stool or black tarry stools

• Signs of dehydration

Approximately one person in every 300 in New Zealand is notified as having food poisoning due to Campylobacter each year, the highest reported rate in the developed world." 
 
_{New Zealand Food Safety Authority}


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How It Starts and Develops

Diarrhea can exist alone or as a symptom of other problems.

Among the possible causes of diarrhoea are:

• Incomplete digestion of food

• Food poisoning from contaminated food or water

• Food allergies

• Excess alcohol consumption

• Bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal or other infections

• Reaction to medication – antibiotics, blood pressure medication, cancer drugs, some antacids

• Bowel disorders – Inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome

• Stress

How Can You Get Over It?

Determining the cause of the diarrhoea is an important first step. This is important as it determines how it will be treated.

Dietary Considerations

• Increase intake of fluid and electrolytes

• Avoid coffee

• Carob powder is high in protein and helps halt diarrhoea

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Supplements

Probiotics

Repopulate the digestive system, particularly the bowel with helpful bacteria.

Activated Charcoal tablets

Charcoal absorbs toxins from the bowel and bloodstream, and aids in firming stools. It should always be taken with plenty of water to avoid intestinal obstruction. Activated charcoal can cause stools to appear black. Activated charcoal should not be used long term.

Kelp

Kelp contains many minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that can be lost through diarrhoea.

Vitamin B Complex

All of the B vitamins are necessary for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Diets high in refined carbohydrates are often low in B vitamins. B vitamins are needed in greater quantity in times of stress.

Herbs

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

Barberry is a strong antimicrobial herb, which has a strong effect on the gastro-intestinal tract. This makes barberry an excellent choice for most types of diarrhea, as it will kill the pathogen and improve digestive function.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

This powdered tree bark is very soothing to an irritated digestive tract. It is a nutritious food that is very easily digestible. Slippery Elm powder is an especially good choice for children, as it is bland in flavour and very nutritious.

Note: All herbs should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as there are many occasions when particular herbs should not be used.

Tests

Check for food sensitivities

This can be done by elimination, (the cheapest option) or via a blood test to test for immediate reaction as well as delayed reaction allergies. You will need to see a naturopath that does these.

 

Stool culture

This should be done to check for infection or the presence of parasites.

Lifestyle advice

Rest

The body needs time to fight infection, and recover. The immune system works best during times of rest.

Reduce stress

Stress plays havoc with the digestive system. When you are stressed it is much harder for your digestive system to function effectively. Consider some relaxation techniques such as meditation, walks on the beach, relaxing in a nice bath with bubbles and aromatherapy oils – try to do something for yourself at least once a week!

Getting the Help You Need to Feel Relief from Diarrhoea

If you would like help NOW with a treatment plan that is designed specifically to get YOU well, you can email us or phone 09 473 8283 to make an inquiry or appointment.

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