Navigating the Flush: When the Going is Too Much, Too Often

Few experiences are as universally recognised as diarrhoea. Often brushed aside as a fleeting inconvenience, diarrhoea is the leading cause of death in children under the age of five, especially in poverty-stricken areas where poor hygiene and malnutrition are prevalent.

Diarrhoea is a common gastrointestinal condition characterised by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual (typically, more than three per day is cause for concern). The body's rapid expulsion of stool disrupts the normal absorption of water in the intestines, resulting in the characteristic fluidity of diarrhoea.

Understanding the diverse causes of diarrhoea is crucial for effective management. Infections, whether bacterial, viral, or parasitic, are common culprits. Three clinical types of diarrhoea are recognised by the World Health Organisation, namely acute watery diarrhoea (such as caused by cholera), acute bloody diarrhoea (usually caused by bacteria and parasites but not viruses), and persistent diarrhoea (lasting 14 days or longer). Other factors that cause diarrhoea in the absence of infection are, for example, food intolerances and sensitivities, stress, and over-exertion (like runner’s diarrhoea). Additionally, chronic conditions such as IBS or IBD are frequently accompanied by episodes of diarrhoea.

Dehydration is a significant concern associated with diarrhoea, and in the past accounted for most fatalities in under-resourced communities. The rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes can lead to fatigue, weakness, and, in severe cases, more serious complications. Hydration is a cornerstone of managing diarrhoea, and replenishing lost fluids is essential for restoring balance to the body. However, it’s not just a question of drinking water – a mixture of electrolytes is required to replenish what is flushed out. An easy hydration solution you can make at home is to dissolve 3 g (half a teaspoon) of table salt and 25 g (2 tablespoons) of sugar in 1 litre of water, but your safest (and tastier) option is to purchase a ready-made solution like Rehidrat.

A rather unfortunate side effect of diarrhoea is the discomfort around the delicate tissue around the anus that results from frequent trips to the porcelain throne. A potential solution to this is to make a travel bidet using a clean squeeze bottle and give things a good rinse as required. A sitz bath can also help soothe the area – though specific sitz bath kits may be available, shallow bath or large basin could be used, using lukewarm water, or adding some Epsom salts – just be sure to clean things afterwards with appropriate soap and hot water.

While diarrhoea is often a self-limiting condition, its impact can be mitigated through dietary adjustments. The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is a well-known approach to ease symptoms and provide easily digestible nourishment. Our SmartHerbals Gut Health products are also clinically proven to assist with gently resolving diarrhoea, by restoring the balance of water in the gut. Avoiding irritating foods and beverages, such as spicy foods and caffeine, can also aid in symptom relief. In cases where diarrhoea persists or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, seeking medical advice is crucial. Healthcare professionals can identify underlying causes, prescribe medications when necessary, and provide guidance on managing symptoms effectively.

In conclusion, diarrhoea is something most of us will experience at some point since it is the body’s way of flushing out disease-causing organisms. The key approach with diarrhoea is to ensure you take in enough water and electrolytes, consume gentle foods that can help you gut get its normal flow back, and take appropriate precautions to prevent passing on that stomach bug.

Sources:

At Smart Biotech, we believe that it is important to provide reliable information, so you can trust what we say. We use sources like Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the United Kingdom National Health Service, and other sources that are reviewed by appropriately qualified specialists.