Stomach cramps and diarrhea are two digestive symptoms that often go hand in hand. The pain can ruin your whole day, but there are ways to ease and prevent it.
The World Health Organization classifies diarrhea as three or more bowel movements in a day. It’s more than a waste of time, especially when accompanied by cramps, and you need quick relief.
One of the most critical steps in finding digestive relief methods is determining what caused your symptoms. Potential causes of diarrhea are widespread but may include:
What about cramping? The two conditions can be intimately connected. One of the most common causes of stomach cramps is an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the bowels.
Cramps can also come from food or drink, such as:
It also matters how you eat. Poor eating habits can lead to cramps. These may include:
Stomach issues can take up all your time and energy, but they don’t have to. There are useful home remedies and lifestyle changes to try. You can also take preventive steps to prevent them from showing up in the first place.
If you’re experiencing diarrhea or cramps, try slowly sipping on clear fluids such as:
It helps replace lost water and electrolytes.
You also need to replace the calories you’re losing. Try a bland diet such as the BRAT diet. BRAT is an anagram that stands for:
They aren’t the only things that you could eat. If you’re feeling up to it, you can also try other low-fat, low-fiber options. A few of the best include:
Herbs are also among the best home remedies for diarrhea. Try peppermint or chamomile tea. They serve as natural ways to relax your muscles and mind. They’re also easy ways to get fast diarrhea relief.
A recent BMC study found that lifestyle factors such as exercise and quitting smoking had a reduced risk of various stomach conditions, from gastric reflux to stomach cancer.
Be sure to move around. It can help expel the gas that often causes cramping. Running isn’t the best exercise choice because it can worsen diarrhea.
Try mind-body exercises such as meditation and deep breathing. Stress and gut problems are often intimately connected.
Get plenty of rest. Try a heating pad to ease the pain. Don’t lie flat after eating to avoid cramps. Use a nightlight so that you can get up and walk to the bathroom if necessary.
You can prevent stomach cramps and diarrhea by practicing food safety. Wash your hands before eating. Keep any spaces where you prepare food clean. Make sure that all your meals are clean and thoroughly cooked.
You should also identify any potential triggers that irritate your gut. These can be different for everyone, but a few common ones include:
Try over-the-counter diarrhea drugs such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol. They reduce frequency and urgency without dangerous side effects.
Probiotics help balance the levels of healthy and unhealthy bacteria in your gut. You can find them in supplements and in foods such as:
Soluble fiber sources such as psyllium or pectin help balance gut bacteria and firm stools in acute diarrhea.
If you have heartburn and diarrhea, try antacids or acid-reducing meds like H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors like Protonix or Nexium.
Certain medications serve as stomach pain solutions for conditions that often come with diarrhea and cramps as symptoms.
Try medicines like Pentasa for irritable bowel syndrome. The National Institutes of Health estimates that this condition affects approximately 14.1% of the global population.
Try to avoid over-the-counter painkillers. They tend to irritate the gut.
The answer to this question depends on the type you’re experiencing.
Diarrhea from food poisoning helps the body eliminate toxins. In this case, yes. Let it run its course until the toxins are gone. The same is true for diarrhea from conditions such as viral gastritis.
Keep letting it run its course unless you notice red flags or it lasts for more than a day or two.
Stomach cramps and diarrhea can be a sign of a much larger problem. Get urgent care if you have:
Diarrhea often causes dehydration. Look for signs that it’s becoming serious. These may include:
Pay attention to how long the symptoms last. It’s a major red flag if they go on for more than two or three days.
Certain patients may be at higher risk for complications from long-lasting or abnormal diarrhea. Children don’t have strong enough immune systems. It can harm a pregnant woman’s unborn baby. You’re also at risk if you have issues with your:
Stomach cramps and diarrhea can be incredibly painful and leave you begging for fast relief. Home remedies provide quick relief, and lifestyle changes keep it going. Medications from a trusted pharmacy are the final step.
Kiwi Drug is an international online pharmacy. We offer a broad selection of popular medications at competitive prices.
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See an online doctor from Kiwi Drug today.