While we were gathered in a family gathering, enjoying good food and laughing, suddenly a relative walked out of the bathroom with a pale face. He whispered to me about his troubles: "Doctor, I've been having diarrhea lately, and no medicine has worked, and I've heard that probiotics work, but can I really take them? The doctor knew it wasn't just him. Many people feel helpless and lost when faced with diarrhoea, and do not know how to choose the right food and treatment.
Diarrhea, a seemingly trivial but sudden health nuisance in our daily lives, actually hides many details that we don't even notice. Can probiotics, a topic that has been widely discussed in recent years, really become our secret weapon in defeating diarrhea?
Probiotics: The invisible guard of diarrhea
Before diving into the problem of diarrhea, it is important to understand the concept of probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in the human gut, they help maintain the balance of the intestinal environment, fight harmful bacteria, and promote digestion and absorption. In the treatment of diarrhea, the role of probiotics should not be underestimated.
Diarrhea is usually caused by an imbalance in the intestinal flora. Probiotics help repair this imbalance by rebuilding the healthy flora in the gut. For example, a study of diarrhea in children showed that their recovery time was significantly shorter after using supplements containing specific types of probiotics. This not only demonstrates the direct effect of probiotics, but also proves their importance in the rapid restoration of gut health.
In addition, probiotics have also shown positive effects in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. While antibiotic treatment can destroy pathogenic bacteria, it may also destroy the beneficial flora in the gut. Supplementing with probiotics can help alleviate this adverse effect and restore the balance of intestinal flora.
However, it is important to note that not all probiotics are effective for all types of diarrhea. Different types of probiotic strains have different effects on different causes of diarrhea. Therefore, when choosing a probiotic product, it is best to decide on a case-by-case basis and the advice of a doctor.
Diarrhea is no longer a problem: eat scientifically and stay away from discomfort
Dietary modification is a key self-management strategy when faced with diarrhoea, a common digestive problem. A proper diet will not only relieve symptoms but also speed up the recovery process. However, not all foods are suitable for consumption during diarrhea, and knowing which foods can help with recovery and which may worsen symptoms is an important step towards a quick recovery.
Easily digestible foods are preferred during diarrhea. For example, bananas, boiled carrots, and white rice, among others, are not only rich in essential nutrients, but are also gentle on the intestines and help reduce the burden on the stomach. Studies have shown that the pectin component in bananas can help absorb excess water in the gut, thereby reducing diarrhea symptoms.
Maintaining adequate water intake is equally important. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so hydration and electrolytes are crucial. Water, broth, and sports drinks are good options that can help replenish lost water and salt in the body.
Greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods should be avoided as much as possible during diarrhea. These foods may exacerbate intestinal discomfort and prolong recovery time. For example, spicy foods may irritate an already sensitive digestive system, while fried foods can be difficult to digest and add to the burden on the stomach.
While some dairy products, such as whole milk, may worsen diarrhea, low- or lactose-free dairy products may be beneficial. Studies have shown that lactose intolerance is more common in people with diarrhoea, so choosing low- or lactose-free dairy products can reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Traditional Chinese medicine wisdom, a natural remedy for soothing diarrhea
TCM has a unique and in-depth view of the treatment of diarrhea, believing that diarrhea is not just a gastrointestinal problem, but a reflection of the body's overall balance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treats diarrhea, attaches great importance to reconciling the spleen and stomach, and emphasizes "regulating the spleen and stopping diarrhea". In terms of diet, TCM recommends not only certain foods, but also an overall dietary conditioning.
Foods that are easily digested are preferred in case of diarrhea. For example, millet porridge is considered to be one of the mildest foods, which can replenish the body and invigorate the stomach, and stop diarrhea. Millet is rich in B vitamins and minerals, which are very helpful for physical recovery after diarrhea. In addition, red dates and yams are also recommended foods by traditional Chinese medicine, which can not only provide energy, but also help repair damaged intestinal mucosa.
In addition to specific foods, TCM also focuses on how foods are cooked. Steaming and stewing are preferred because they retain the nutrients of the food while being easy to digest. Avoid cold, greasy and irritating foods as they can burden the stomach and delay recovery.
Traditional Chinese medicine also commonly uses certain herbs to supplement the diet to treat diarrhea. For example, herbs such as tangerine peel and atractylodes can not only regulate intestinal function, but also help improve appetite and digestion. These herbs are often cooked together with food, such as in porridge, so that medicine and food are homologous, so as to achieve the dual effect of healing and conditioning.
In practice, TCM dietary advice has helped countless patients alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea. For example, one study showed that patients who were treated with a TCM diet had significantly less diarrhea symptoms within a week, and recovered faster and more comprehensively than those who relied on Western medicine alone.