Watery stool or commonly called as diarrhea is a common issue that many individuals develop at some point in their lives. The exact cause of watery diarrhea tends to differ from one individual to another but the usual causes include an imbalance in the bacteria present in the digestive tract, infection, changes in the diet especially if large amounts of foods rich in fiber or water content are eaten as well as parasites present in the body.
In most cases, diarrhea typically runs its full course and the body attempts to heal itself naturally but you can hasten the recovery period and restore the normal functioning of the digestive system. If you want to learn how to quickly and effectively manage watery diarrhea, read here.
Increasing intake of fluids
The individual suffering from watery diarrhea must drink plenty of fluids including water and fruit juices. Remember that watery diarrhea will instigate the body to eliminate water and bodily fluids at a fast rate which will lead to dehydration if left untreated. Take note that this is risky for young children and the elderly. It is vital to drink plenty of fluids throughout the duration of the diarrhea in order to restore all the fluids and essential electrolytes lost.
Foods low in fiber content
Foods that are low in fiber must be eaten by the individual in order to supplement nutrients to the body while attempting to stabilize the digestive system. Take note that foods rich in fiber can cause disruption of the digestive system which forces the flushing of foods. The individual must stick with low fiber foods that contain carbohydrates and proteins such as noodles, crackers, chicken and rice.
Probiotic supplement
Taking a probiotic supplement on a daily basis can help restore the balance of bacteria in the digestive system. Remember that diarrhea develops due to the imbalance of the healthy bacteria and detrimental bacteria in the digestive tract. Today, you can easily find a number of probiotic supplements that can be taken to provide healthy bacteria to the digestive system. These supplements are usually available as capsules or powder form. If in doubt regarding the ideal probiotic supplement to use, a doctor must be consulted so that the suitable probiotic supplement can be given.
Over-the-counter medications
The individual can take an over-the-counter medication to help regulate the digestive system and fight the diarrhea. Bismuth sub-salicylate, loperamide and other medications for diarrhea are readily available and helps stabilize the functioning of the intestinal tract.
Once these measures could not alleviate watery diarrhea, a doctor must be consulted so that a prescription for a stronger medication can be given. These medications usually take some time to take effect on the body, but most prescription medications will help correct the diarrhea experienced by the individual.