CHICKEN SOUP - AN EXCELLENT CURE FOR DIARRHEA

via Los Angeles and The New Outlook - 1993

The protein and starch in chicken and rice soup can notably increase the body’s ability to absorb water, making it an excellent cure for diarrhea. A team of doctors working in Bangladesh and India, documenting and testing home remedies used for generations to treat diarrheal Illness, reported the benefits of protein and starch. Doctors have known that sugar increases the body’s ability to absorb salt and water during digestion, but did not realize that starches and grains can do the same early in the digestive process. They found that the Indian and Bangladeshi traditional remedies contained a grain such as rice or wheat, as well as sugar and water. In developing countries, oral rehydration therapy (replacing fluid orally) is common. In the U. S. doctors usually hospitalize dehydrated patients and feed them intravenously, and effective but much more expensive therapy. In addition, intravenous feeding carries the potential for blood-stream infection. Getting an IV can be frightening to a child, diarrheal illness can be fatal, especially in small children in impoverished countries because it robs the body of water and salt essential for life, Dr. Richard Cash, Harvard UN., believes that pediatric hospital admissions for diarrheal illness could be reduced if parents learned re-hydration therapy.

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YOGURT CUTS DOWN ON DIARRHEA

via Re-Route, Evansville, IN Chapter

Many people suffer from stomach upset and diarrhea while taking antibiotics. Fortunately, relief may entail a simple trip to your supermarket’s dairy case. A study reported at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology followed 202 hospitalized elderly people who were taking antibiotics.

Researchers found that patients who consumed two eight-ounce servings of yogurt daily for eight days reduced their incidence of diarrhea by half, compared with those who ate no yogurt. Although the research has been divided on the yogurt phenomenon, bacteria cultures in yogurt may help replenish those in the gut that have been depleted by antibiotics. There cultures have also been found to break down the lactose in yogurt, making it more digestible for people who are lactose intolerant.

Editors Note: Plain Yogurt is more effective that flavored varieties.

2nd Editors Note: Please check with your Doctor to make sure you can use this method.

SOME HINTS FOR DIARRHEA

- Fat meats or fats of any kind should be kept to a minimum by ostomates. Fats induce an increased flow of bile into the intestines and make the body waste more liquid and harder to control. Fats also tend to produce gas. (and think of your waistline too). Plus, fats make the discharge greasy, so appliances are harder to keep clean.

- To control mild diarrhea, eat strained bananas, applesauce, boiled rice, tapioca, or peanut butter. If diarrhea persists, consult your doctor. Sometimes rice cereal will do the trick also.

Some of the foods that may contribute to diarrhea:

Moist Green leafy vegetables (Spinach), Broccoli, Beans, Raw fruits, Highly seasoned foods (Pizza), Spaghetti Sauce, Goulash, etc.) Beer, Several liquids, in some cases, like coffee, colas, orange juice.

Some of the foods that may help control diarrhea:

Bananas, Applesauce, Rice, Creamy Peanut butter, Marshmallows.

Ed’s Note: Some of us can take an over the counter medication called IMODIUM, however, as usual consult your own doctor before you try this, AND, do no use too much of it......