Archive for September, 2011
Treatment for Daily Diarrhoea
Chronic diarrhoea can be caused by a number of things. It can be a symptom of a serious disease, and therefore the first thing you should do when experiencing it is to consult your physician. You may find that you have a condition such as Crohn’s disease or a condition of the pancreas. However, more often than not diarrhoea is caused by an unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits. A few simple changes can typically control the symptoms of chronic diarrhoea and stop it from being a deterrent to your life.
A common cause of diarrhoea is having too much of one thing in your diet. For instance, having more than two or three cups of coffee a day will have a laxative effect. Since many people drink excessive amounts of coffee, it is worthwhile to eliminate it from your diet and see if the diarrhoea stops. Another culprit is alcohol, and if drank in excess will cause stools to become loose and more frequent. Stop drinking these substances all together, and if your condition improves, slowly reintegrate them back into your life in moderation.
Lactose intolerance is a worldwide problem and accounts for many doctors visits due to the chronic diarrhoea it can cause. The calcium found in dairy products is essential, particularly in older people, so it is not recommended that dairy be eliminated. If it is, a calcium substitute should be taken on a daily basis. Alternatively, a supplement like Lactaid can be added to the diet when consuming dairy products. This provides the body with the enzyme lactase which aids in the digestion of dairy products.
A long term solution to chronic diarrhoea that is not caused by an underlying illness is to gradually add fibre to the diet. Fibre adds water and bulks up the stool, and is not only useful for diarrhoea but for constipation as well. Adding fruits, green vegetables and other soluble fibre will help prevent chronic diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea is a common, worldwide problem, but by eliminating certain triggers and replacing them with soluble fibre it can be prevented.