Acute diarrhea is the body’s attempt to rid itself of toxins, irritants, parasitic infections in the intestinal tract. Acute diarrhea usually self limiting, and may come with other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, but it can be serious in young children especially because it can quickly cause dangerous dehydration.

In order to prevent this from happening, increase the fluid intake. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of fluids daily. I found that diluting pure apple juice with the fiber still in it was great to resolve diarrhea in kids. This would also help in replacing the lost potassium and is easily absorbed.

Traveler’s diarrhea usually results in increased frequency and amount of stool. The stools tend to become very loose, and one can have four to five loose or watery bowel movements each day. Other commonly associated symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, fever, urgency, and fatigue. Most cases resolve in 1-2 days without treatment. 90% of cases resolve within 1 week. One can avoid getting traveler’s diarrhea by drinking bottled water when away from home, eating properly cooked foods, washing you hands before eating, and only eating raw foods that can be peeled.

Usually when traveling, I found the following quite helpful. Taking yogurt / kefir before and on the trip, along with herbal teas to minimize indigestion. Bananas are great to bind loose stools, so are apples.  Herbal teas such as peppermint tea works great for abdominal cramping. Talk to your naturopath before heading away to see if they can suggest certain natural or naturopathic supplements or homeopathic supplements that would help with prevention and treating diarrhea.

By: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, at Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.