Diarrhea is one of the most common and uncomfortable digestive system disorders, especially if it is accompanied by severe pain. Although it usually resolves quickly, when it lasts for several days it can be dangerous, so it is recommended to consult a doctor. Along with treatment, there are home remedies that can help soothe diarrhea and stomach pain.
The main symptom of diarrhea is loose, liquid stools three or more times a day. It is often accompanied by cramps or pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and loss of control of bowel movements. When vomiting, fever, and blood in the stool also occur, the cause is most likely an intestinal infection, says Carlos Gutiérrez, a general practitioner.
There are many causes of stomach pain and diarrhea. However, the most common ones are bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections; food poisoning; and side effects of medications. When diarrhea lasts more than four weeks, it is considered “chronic” and could be caused by irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or malabsorption.
Diarrhea can cause dehydration, meaning the body does not have enough fluid to function properly. This can be serious, especially in children, older adults, or people with a weak immune system.
“It is necessary to consult a doctor when there are signs of dehydration, if there is severe pain in the abdomen or rectum, if the stool contains blood or pus, even if it is black, and if there is a fever. A specialist should be visited if diarrhea lasts more than two days in adults and more than 24 hours in children,” says Gutiérrez.
Home remedies for diarrhea and stomach pain
When diarrhea is not caused by an intestinal infection, it usually goes away on its own within a few days. To soothe this digestive disorder, as well as stomach pain, you can opt for home remedies that will help your intestines recover.
Naturopath Carolina Hernández recommends some natural and home remedies for diarrhea and stomach pain.
- Chamomile tea: This plant has antispasmodic, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help with stomach pain. It is best to drink it hot so that the muscles of this organ relax and spasms and cramps decrease.
- Ginger tea: The root is a natural remedy for digestive ailments because it contains gingerols and shogaols that are beneficial in counteracting stomach contractions. They also help calm nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You can consume it as an infusion or add it to your food.
- Mint tea: In addition to improving the bitter taste you may have in your mouth, mint prevents vomiting and diarrhea, as well as relieves stomach pain. It is usually consumed as a tea, although you can also make juice or mix the leaf powder with other drinks.
- Add cinnamon to your meals: Cinnamon contains antioxidants such as linalool, camphor, and eugenol that are beneficial for the digestion of food and reduce stomach irritation. It is recommended to add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to your meals or make an infusion with cinnamon sticks.
- Spearmint: Like mint, it helps to calm nausea, stomach and intestinal spasms, gastrointestinal infections, and diarrhea. The most common way to consume it is as an infusion, several times a day.
- Rice water: One of the most common remedies is rice water, as it is considered to add volume to the stool, and relieve cramps and stomach pain due to the magnesium and potassium it provides to the body. The way to make it is four parts water to one part rice in a pot until it boils. Drink it three times a day.
- Garlic tea: Although it is not the preferred remedy for many people due to its taste and smell, garlic tea has bactericidal and cleansing properties that will prevent intestinal infection from continuing. Add two cloves of garlic to half a cup of boiling water. Drink it two or three times a day.
- Clove and cumin: cumin seeds reduce intestinal inflammation and act as an antimicrobial, so it is advisable to mix a teaspoon of ground cumin with food. Meanwhile, cloves, due to their properties that reduce gas in the stomach and increase gastric secretions, help reduce pressure and cramps, as well as improve digestion.
- Guava leaves: due to their anthelmintic qualities, they help eliminate parasites. If the cause of diarrhea is an intestinal infection, it is recommended to drink guava tea.
- Cooked bananas: Bananas help to soothe stomach cramps and muscle spasms. They also add bulk to stool, which helps to soothe diarrhea. It is best to eat them cooked to avoid the fat.
It is also recommended to stay hydrated, either by drinking water or some type of serum. Also, try to follow a low-fat diet, or a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast), since these are soft foods rich in fiber and starch. Avoid lying down, so that stomach acids return and rise, causing heartburn; you can also place a heating bag on your stomach, to reduce inflammation and pain.