Mailbag: Diarrhea Remedies That Really Work
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 22, 2024
“I have had diarrhea for 6 months. I’m going crazy and don’t know how to stop it! Please help!”
– Can’t Stop Running
Dear Can’t Stop,
Few things disrupt life like battling a bout of diarrhea.
Diarrhea is typically defined as having three or more loose, watery stools daily. If you experience this for over four weeks, it’s considered chronic diarrhea and can quickly transform from frustrating into potentially harmful to your health.
When my patients come to me complaining of diarrhea, I typically recommend several different approaches that might help:
- Probiotics: An out-of-balance microbiome can be behind loose stools. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore gut balance. A high-quality supplement or eating more fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut could help.
- Herbal soothers: Chamomile tea, peppermint, and ginger can help soothe an angry digestive tract. Slippery elm bark is an effective anti-inflammatory that can help calm an upset gut.
- Fiber adjustment: While fiber is generally good for digestion, during bouts of diarrhea, reducing insoluble fiber and focusing on more soluble fiber sources like bananas, rice, and oatmeal can be helpful.
- Hydration and electrolytes: Diarrhea can quickly dehydrate you. So, replacing those fluids is critical. Coconut water, herbal teas, plain broth, and plain water are an excellent place to start. There are also simple homemade oral rehydration solution recipes online as well as commercial versions, such as Pedialyte, that can replace lost fluids and minerals.
- Eliminate triggers: Common diarrhea culprits include dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, corn, and artificial sweeteners. An elimination diet (removing one food or category at a time for a week) can help identify specific trigger foods.
- Stress management: Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your gut. Meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques are a fantastic way to blow off stress.
- Bone broth: Bone broth is rich in minerals and amino acids that can help heal the gut lining.
- Zinc: Some studies suggest zinc can help reduce the duration of diarrhea.
Any combination of these tips could be the key to ending a brief battle with diarrhea.
However, I also always warn my own patients that chronic diarrhea is a serious condition that can lead to severe dehydration, malnutrition, and other health complications.
In fact, if left untreated prolonged diarrhea can even be life-threatening, so it’s vital to seek medical attention promptly if you develop diarrhea and it doesn’t clear up soon.
P.S. Is your bathroom hiding a dirty secret?
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...
Study Pinpoints Foods That Send Disease Risk Soaring
We’ve all heard that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it’s been around for so long because it’s true. And it turns out your dinner plate could secretly stoke the fires of disease in your body. A new study revealed a shocking truth about the American diet. This time it’s not about calories...
Feast Without Fear of Packing on the Pounds
With all the festive feasts and indulgent treats this holiday season, many of us are already bracing for the inevitable battle of the bulge. But is holiday weight gain really as unavoidable as we think? Let’s unwrap the truth behind this seasonal struggle (pun intended). And I’ll share some simple strategies to keep those extra...
PLAY Your Way to Better Brain Health!?
Are you convinced video games are just for kids? Well, think again! A remarkable new study suggests that playing the RIGHT kinds of games could help turn back the clock on your brain, improving cognitive performance, memory, and more. The best part? You probably already have everything you need to get started—right in your pocket…...
'Tis the Season for A Tumultuous Tummy?
The holiday season is in full swing! And you know what that means… lots of festive food, drinks, and—indigestion. But you don’t have to let a bubbly gut crash YOUR Christmas party. I’ll share some simple hacks to help you keep the festivities going… The holidays are brimming with celebrations and plenty of rich food...
These Morning Rituals WILL Change Your Life
We’ve all heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm.” But what if the early bird could do more than just catch a worm? What if those first few hours of the morning could set you up for success, improve your health, and boost your overall well-being? Welcome to the world of transformative morning...