Diarrhea: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Diarrhea, defined as an acceleration of intestinal transit with frequent passage of liquid stools (more than three times a day), is a common symptom that can affect everyone at some point. It can be acute or chronic, of infectious, dietary, medicinal origin or related to intestinal disorders. Although generally benign, it can lead to serious complications, such as dehydration, especially in infants and the elderly.

Symptoms and Causes

The main symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and sometimes fever and vomiting. Common causes of acute diarrhea are bacterial or viral infections (such as gastroenteritis), taking certain medications, or consuming contaminated food. Chronic diarrhea can be a sign of an underlying pathology like irritable bowel syndrome or a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Phytotherapy

In phytotherapy, several plants are traditionally used to relieve diarrhea due to their specific properties. The main categories are: • Tannin-rich Plants Tannins have astringent properties that reduce intestinal secretions and tighten mucous membranes. For example, blackberry and oak contain hydrolysable and condensed tannins that act effectively against diarrhea. • Pectin-rich Plants Pectins, found in apples or quince, form a gel in the intestine, which helps absorb excess water and slow down the transit. They are particularly suitable for mild diarrhea. • Carminative and Antispasmodic Plants These plants, like marjoram, anise, or peppermint, soothe intestinal spasms and relieve abdominal cramps often associated with diarrhea.

Practical Advice

The management of diarrhea involves hygienic-dietary measures: • Rehydration: Drink plenty of water (1.5 to 2.5 L per day) and favor vegetable broths rich in minerals. • Diet: Consume starchy foods like rice, pasta, or semolina, and foods rich in pectins (apples, quince). Avoid raw vegetables, foods rich in insoluble fibers, alcoholic or iced drinks. • Hygiene: Careful hand washing is essential to prevent transmission, especially in cases of infectious origin.

Natural Treatments

• Infectious Diarrhea: Anti-infectious plants like thyme or savory can be useful. • Functional Diarrhea: Often related to stress or diet, it can benefit from antispasmodic plants and stress management. • Chronic Diarrhea: Requires a medical consultation to identify and treat the underlying cause. Some plants and natural treatments require precautions. Tannins, for example, should be used with moderation in people suffering from chronic constipation or inflammatory bowel diseases. Diarrhea accompanied by fever, severe pain, or blood in the stools requires urgent medical consultation.