Diarrhea – Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Diarrhea, as we all know, is a condition in which we experience frequent watery stools (loose stools) as against normal smooth stools, in other words its increase in the liquid substance in the stools accompanied with increase in stool frequency. Diarrhea can be looked at as one of the symptoms for many types of bowel/digestive system related diseases or itself is a disease under various conditions.
In general cases, diarrhea can last anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks (short-termed) and is not a serious condition. But you should be watchful if it is more painful, and lasts longer than 2 weeks, in that case you should see your physician for an expert advice.
What happens in the Colon?
As a part of digestion, liquid content (amount of water) in the food is needed to be at higher level for its smoother digestion. Food first enters into stomach and travels to small intestine and then large intestine, during this journey most of the nutrients are absorbed by these parts.
At the end of digestion process, when the food reaches colon, body finishes absorbing almost all the possible nutrients. Colon absorbs the excess amount of water from the stool that is then pushed towards the rectum, and stored until it is thrown out of the body.
5 Natural Ways To Relieve IBS Symptoms
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition that is prevalent in individuals worldwide. Yet, it is not as known as other health problems because research or studies regarding it have yet to progress. For one thing, its cause is still unclear. Many say it is because of a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract, while others think it is due to one’s immune system. Whatever it may be caused, it has not stopped IBS patients from seeking answers which hopefully will solve their problem.
IBS is not fatal. It will not also develop into a fatal disease. However, its symptoms interfere in one’s life. For example, constipation and diarrhea are so recurrent that they can get in the way even when you have important meetings or appointments. Other symptoms can hurt, too.
However, you don’t have to suffer from IBS for the rest of your life. There are medications that can ease the symptoms of this disorder, while there are natural cures to relieve or make them subside.
Natural Cure For Constipation
Natural cures for constipation require a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes. Unlike medicinal and other treatment methods, natural cures are simple and easy to practice, and also have less negative side effects. Often these natural cures enable one to completely eliminate infrequent and mild constipation.
However, constipation is not an ailment on its own. It is the symptom of the food and water not properly passing through the colon. The colon absorbs too much water, making the stool to be dry. This causes the muscles have difficulty in compacting and getting rid of the feces.
Firstly, a diet with enough fiber helps the body form soft, bulky stool. High-fiber foods include beans, whole grains and bran cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots. For people prone to constipation, limiting foods that have little or no fiber, such as ice cream, cheese, meat, and processed foods, is also important.