What to eat and what to avoid when you have Diarrhea | Ayurvedic Home remedies for Diarrhea, Acidity

Diarrhea is a common digestive issue characterized by frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. It can be caused by infections, dietary habits, stress, or underlying medical conditions. Proper dietary management is crucial in alleviating symptoms and preventing dehydration. Additionally, Ayurveda offers a range of natural remedies that can help manage diarrhea and its related symptoms, including acidity.

 

What to Eat When You Have Diarrhea? 

1. Hydrating Fluids: 

1. Water: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

2. Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These can help replenish lost electrolytes.

3. Coconut Water: Naturally rich in electrolytes and very hydrating.

4. Clear Broths: Chicken or vegetable broths can provide hydration and some nutrients.

 

2. Bland, Binding Foods: 

1. Bananas: High in potassium and easy to digest. They can help bind stools.

2. Rice: Plain white rice is gentle on the stomach and can help solidify stools.

3. Applesauce: Contains pectin, which can help firm up stools.

4. Toast: Plain, white bread toast is easy on the digestive system.

 

3. Probiotic Foods: 

1. Yogurt: Contains live bacteria cultures that can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut.

2. Kefir: Another good source of probiotics, which can help in recovering gut health.

 

4. Cooked Vegetables: 

1. Carrots: Cooked carrots are easy to digest and can help in firming up stools.

2. Potatoes: Boiled or mashed potatoes without butter or cream are gentle on the stomach.

 

5. Herbal Teas: 

1. Ginger Tea: Can help reduce inflammation and soothe the digestive tract.

2. Peppermint Tea: Known for its calming effect on the stomach.

 

Foods to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea 

1. Dairy Products: 

Milk, Cheese, and Butter: These can be difficult to digest and may worsen diarrhea, especially in lactose-intolerant individuals.

 

2. Fried and Greasy Foods: 

Fast Food and Fried Items: High-fat foods can irritate the digestive system and worsen symptoms.

 

3. Spicy Foods: 

Chili Peppers and Hot Sauces: Spices can exacerbate diarrhea and cause further irritation to the intestines.

 

4. High-Fiber Foods: 

Raw Vegetables, Beans, and Whole Grains: While normally healthy, high-fiber foods can be hard to digest during an episode of diarrhea.

 

5. Sweet and Sugary Foods: 

Sweets and Sugary Drinks: These can draw more water into the intestines and worsen diarrhea.

 

6. Caffeinated and Alcoholic Beverages: 

Coffee, Tea, and Alcohol: These can irritate the digestive system and lead to dehydration.

 

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Diarrhea 

1. Ginger and Honey: 

Mix a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice with a teaspoon of honey. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in digestion, while honey soothes the stomach.

 

2. Fenugreek Seeds: 

Swallow a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds with a glass of water. Fenugreek seeds are high in mucilage, which helps in firming up stools.

 

3. Buttermilk and Cumin: 

Mix a pinch of roasted cumin powder in a glass of buttermilk. Buttermilk contains probiotics that help restore gut flora, and cumin aids in digestion.

 

4. Bael Fruit: 

Mix the pulp of bael fruit with water and drink it. Bael fruit is known for its ability to soothe the stomach and firm up stools.

 

5. Pomegranate Juice: 

Drink fresh pomegranate juice. Pomegranates have astringent properties that can help reduce diarrhea.

 

6. Mint and Lemon Juice: 

Mix a teaspoon of mint juice with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey. This mixture helps soothe the stomach and reduce symptoms of diarrhea.

 

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Acidity 

1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry): 

Consume fresh amla juice or amla powder with water. Amla is rich in vitamin C and has cooling properties that help reduce acidity. 

2. Cumin Seeds: 

Boil a teaspoon of cumin seeds in water, strain, and drink. Cumin seeds aid digestion and reduce acid formation. 

3. Basil Leaves: 

Chew a few basil leaves or make a tea with basil leaves. Basil leaves have soothing properties that can help with acidity and gas. 

4. Fennel Seeds: 

Chew a teaspoon of fennel seeds or drink fennel tea. Fennel seeds help in reducing acid levels and improve digestion. 

5. Cold Milk: 

Drink a glass of cold milk. Milk neutralizes stomach acid and provides immediate relief from acidity. 

6. Banana: 

Eat a ripe banana. Bananas are natural antacids that can help in reducing acid reflux.

 

Bottom line: 

Managing diarrhea and acidity requires a careful approach to diet and lifestyle. Incorporating the right foods while avoiding irritants can significantly improve symptoms. Additionally, Ayurvedic home remedies provide natural and effective ways to treat these conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or trying new treatments, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.