Causes of Diarrhoea

Stress and Anxiety

Stress has physical as well as emotional effects and many people suggest it is one of the main causes of their diarrhoea. Luckily, there are all sorts of things you can do to relieve your stress.

Eating habits

What you eat and how you eat can affect you if you tend to experience diarrhoea more frequently. Your eating habits play an important role in preventing stomach illness and can also help to treat the symptoms. Eating healthily helps to keep your life in its natural rhythm.

Food Allergies and Intolerance

A food intolerance can often be mistaken for an allergy. Food intolerances are quite common and are experienced by a significant number of people.

Menstruation

Many women suffer from symptoms of diarrhoea during their period. But it doesn't have to be accepted as just a normal part of the monthly cycle.

Stomach Infection

Many people around the world suffer from viral or bacterial gastroenteritis. The stomach bug can have a number of causes, be it diet habits or poor food hygiene.

Why Treat Diarrhoea?

If you suffer from diarrhoea, it's often better to treat it early. By treating diarrhoea you can feel better and get on with your day. Treating diarrhoea can help reduce the loss of fluids and salts.

• There are three key things you can do to lessen the symptoms of diarrhoea:
• Stay hydrated by drinking fluids
• Eat balanced meals regularly
• Use an IMODIUM® product*

*If symptoms last longer than 48 hours, you develop a fever over 38°C, or you have blood or mucus in your stools, you should seek medical advice.

Treat with an IMODIUM® product

Normally your digestive system works in a steady, natural rhythm, which allows it to absorb vital salts and water into the body. However, if something upsets the natural balance of your intestines, your system can go into overdrive and as a result, it absorbs less salts and water. This leaves your stools loose or watery. IMODIUM® works by helping settle the intestines back into their natural rhythm, to relieve diarrhoea and help you get back to feeling like yourself.

Eat Solid Foods

Eat solid food as soon as you feel able to. Small, light meals are better and avoid spicy, fatty foods.

Identify Your Triggers

Identify potential food or drink triggers for diarrhoea by keeping a diary of what you eat and drink every day, to highlight when your symptoms occur.

Follow the BRAT Diet

The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast) is suggested to help shorten episodes of diarrhoea. This involves eating bland foods to help you feel better. This should only be followed for a short period and you should resume a balanced diet soon after.

Take Time to Relax

Diarrhoea can be a symptom of stress. Create time to relax and recharge, be sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly or share your problems with a friend to relieve stress.