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Diarrhea is characterized by frequent, watery bowel movements, often accompanied by stomach cramps, abdominal pain and gas. Diarrhea may be various colors and contain mucous, blood or pus. In general diarrhea is caused by a gastrointestinal problem, but may be a symptom of some underlying ailment such as: irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, bowel cancer, celiac disease, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, Crohn’s disease, dysentery, AIDS or ulcerative colitis, among others. It is important, therefore, to discover the cause of the diarrhea. Diarrhea is one of Nature’s defense systems used to help rid the body of toxins and poisons as quickly as possible.
It is important to know what diarrhea does to the body besides the obvious effects. The salivary glands in the mouth, the mucous membrane in your stomach, and the liver and pancreas produce saliva which is used in the digestive process to break down food. When diarrhea strikes the saliva is lost and the digestive process is interrupted. In addition, diarrhea depletes the body of important minerals, called electrolytes, needed for good health. They are: potassium, magnesium, chloride, sodium and calcium. Without these minerals you may feel weak, tired and depressed, have an abnormal heart rhythm, and become dehydrated. For these reasons it is important to drink plenty of fluids when you have a bout of diarrhea, especially those that can replenish your electrolyte balance. Your energy level will rebound quickly if you do. It is also important to eat a proper diet, as mentioned below, to regain proper digestion.
Other nutrients, as well, pass through the intestines without being absorbed into your system. Dehydration may result and makes diarrhea in infants and the elderly especially dangerous and should be taken very seriously. Oral rehydration fluids are available at pharmacies and grocery stores. Give them all they want, as the body will tell them what it needs. Two of the leading brands are Pedialyte and Rehydralyte.
