Diarrhea (also spelled “diarrhoea”) is basically an increase in the regularity of bowel movements and/or a decrease in the form of the stool (i.e. more “looseness” and water content). It is almost always a symptom of a separate health issue, infection or some other external factor (such as stress or diet).  © Specialist Supplements Ltd 2011 Diarrhea   On average, healthy individuals have a maximum of three bowel motions every day. Therefore, “absolute diarrhea” can be described as any number of stools over and above three. On the other hand, “relative diarrhea” is generating more bowel movements than is usual for the specific person affected. Types of diarrhea There are two main types of diarrhea: • acute: which is short term diarrhea; and • chronic: where the diarrhea lasts for a month or more. The phrase “chronic” is used to describe conditions that typically worsen over time, come and go and persist for the long-term. Diarrhea that holds up longer than four weeks can be considered chronic. The two tend to happen for different reasons, but both work the same way. Many instances of diarrhea will resolve on their own. However, in some cases, where the diarrhea is chronic and therefore long-lasting, it can lead to dehydration and/or be a sign of a more significant problem, which may require some form of action. What may cause diarrhea? As everyone knows, having diarrhea is not a pleasant experience. It can have any number of triggers, as (as mentioned above) it is normally prompted by an external factor, such as another medical condition. Stools are usually “looser”, regardless of whether regularity has increased. In the course of normal digestion, food is kept liquid by the release of huge volumes of water by the gut, (including the upper small intestine), pancreas and gallbladder. Food that's not digested arrives at the lower small intestine and the colon in liquid form. The lower small intestine, and particularly the colon, take in the water, converting the undigested material into a more-or-less solid stool form. Greater levels of water in the stool may be present for three main reasons: 1. If the gut and/or small intestine secrete a high level of fluid 2. If the distal small intestine and colon don't take in a sufficient amount of water 3. If the undigested, liquid food progresses through the small intestine and colon too quickly for enough water to be extracted. Of course, one or more of these irregular actions may take place simultaneously, but what might cause them to occur? Food intake or psychological upset (mild acute diarrhea) Attacks of mild acute diarrhea are often linked to a straightforward dietary cause, for example eating a large quantity of rich foods or by eating an over-abundance of roughage. Mental upset can also affect bowel motions. This sort of diarrhea is fairly prevalent, typically only lasts for one or two days and goes away by itself without treatment. Infection (serious acute diarrhea) and vacationing abroad Serious acute diarrhea could be caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infection (including food poisoning, unsafe water and through certain respiratory infections) and will most likely need action, primarily to avoid de- hydration and to address electrolyte imbalances where the diarrhea goes on for several days. Many viruses, bacteria and parasites contribute to greater secretion of liquid, whether by entering and inflaming the cellular lining of the small intestine (inflammatory reaction stimulates the lining to secrete fluid) or by manufacturing toxic compounds that also stimulate the lining to release fluid, but without producing inflammation. Inflammation of the small intestine and/or colon from bacteria or from ileitis/colitis can enhance the rapidity with which food stuff moves through the intestines, reducing the period of time that is available for absorbing water. Those who visit foreign (and particularly developing) countries are at risk of what is often referred to as “traveller’s diarrhea”. This is brought on by eating food or drinking water contaminated by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Functional digestive disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) Chronic diarrhea is often connected to functional disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Potential treatments for diarrhea Re-hydration   In most cases, where only mild diarrhea is experienced for a short period (i.e. 1 - 2 days), and where instances of diarrhea of rare, restoring lost water to avoid dehydration is likely to be the only treatment required. Medicine and antibiotics Drugs that stop diarrhea could possibly be helpful in certain instances, but they're not normally suitable for those whose diarrhea comes from a bacterial infection or parasite. This is because halting the diarrhea could possibly serve to “trap” the organism in the intestines, thereby prolonging the problem. Viral causes are usually either treated with medication or left to run their course, dependant upon the seriousness and type of bug. In most cases, replenishing lost liquid to prevent dehydration is necessary. It is also worth noting that diarrhea can sometimes be caused by taking antibiotics that are taken for infections. These can often times have the unintentional consequence of altering the good bacteria (probiotics) living within your gastrointestinal system. Once the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria has been disrupted, it can cause various other imbalances in the digestive system, given enough time, and symptoms like diarrhea may start to appear. In such cases, many individuals find it helpful to supplement their diet with probiotic supplements, to help rebuild the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. *Before changing your eating habits or taking health supplements, always be sure to consult your physician or qualified health practitioner (particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medications).  Supporting a healthy digestive system  0845 094 3627 [IBS] [Colon Cleansing] [Future Nutrition Range] [Health Blog] [Health Information] [Organic Supplements] [Slimming Information] [Slimming and Nutrition] [Organic Food Supplements] [Web Design] [Health Product Links] [Health Articles] [Own Brand Supplements] [Trade supplements] [Wholesale Vitamins and Minerals] [Own Label Products] [Practitioner Supplements] [Digestion Health] [Diet Foods] [Candida] [Diverticulitis] [Bad Breath] [Colon Cleansing Products] [Constipation] [Sitemap] [Sitemap.html] [Home]  [Irritable Bowel Syndrome] [Diarrhea] [Digestive Disorders] [Coeliac Disease] [Bloating]