13 things you must know about probiotics
Probiotics which are often called 'good or helpful bacteria', help maintain the right ratio of good to bad bacteria in the gut and help prevent a number of diseases.
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According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 5, globally. Characterised by frequent bowel movement, loose stool, nausea abdominal cramps and dehydration, diarrhoea is caused by mainly by viruses and bacteria. The most common culprit behind this gut issue is rotavirus. It can also be caused by bacteria like salmonella or E. coli, among others. Apart from these, there can be other underlying health conditions like hormonal disorders and inflammatory bowel disease that contribute to diarrhoea. Some medicines can also be the cause. To a large extent, diarrhoea caused by viruses and bacteria can be prevented if you maintain proper hygiene, avoid street food and drink purified water.
Diarrhoea can be classified under three broad categories. They include:
Acute diarrhoea: This is the most common form of diarrhoea, characterised by loose, watery bowels. Typically, it subsides on its own with sufficient fluid replenishment.
Persistent diarrhoea: This type of diarrhoea lasts for two to four weeks.
Chronic diarrhoea: This form of diarrhoea can trouble you for a long period of time, more than four weeks.
As already mentioned, the most common cause of diarrhoea is a viral or bacterial infection. However, there are several other factors than can be the culprit behind diarrhoea:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This is another gut issue that can cause diarrhoea symptoms like blood in the stool. This condition leads to ulcers in the innermost lining of your large intestine and rectum.
Malabsorption: When your digestive tracts fail to absorb nutrients from your food, you are likely experience diarrhoea symptoms.
Medicines: Laxatives and other drugs like antibiotics, can lead to diarrhoea.
Hormonal disorders: Hormonal issues can lead to irregular bowel movement and other diarrhoea symptoms. For example, people living with Addison’s disease have insufficient levels of the hormone steroid. They are likely to experience diarrhoea symptoms.
This condition comes with a combination of symptoms. You may go through one or more of these manifestations depending on the cause. Here are the common signs and symptoms of diarrhoea.
Usually, this condition doesn’t need medical tests for diagnosis. The symptoms are unmistakable. However, some tests may be suggested to figure out the underlying cause or in case the manifestations persist. These tests include:
The treatment for diarrhoea depends on the severity of your condition, your dehydration status, age, medical history and other factors. Typically, this condition necessitates fluid replacement and you need to drink a lot of liquids in the form of water and juices. In severe cases, it needs to be done through intravenous injections. The intention of the medicines is to control your bowel movement. If your diarrhoea has been caused by bacteria, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. In case it is the manifestation of any underlying digestive issue, the treatment modality will be decided based on that.
What you eat plays a crucial role in the way your diarrhoea symptoms manifest. Since this condition depletes you of water, make sure that you keep yourself hydrated. Drink lots of water and other fluids like juices to ensure that your electrolyte balance isn’t lost. Also, avoid dairy products when suffering from diarrhoea because you may find it difficult to digest. Apart from these, fibrous veggies like cabbage and beans will also be hard on your stomach, leading to flatulence. Cut back on caffeinated drinks like soda, tea and coffee while experiencing diarrhoea symptoms. A low-fibre diet is particularly good for people suffering from this condition. Adding potatoes, white rice, fish and chicken to your meals will help.
There are various factors that can lead to diarrhoea. However, a few precautionary measures can help you prevent this infection.
Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water after using the loo. Also, it’s essential clean your hands before and after eating, cooking and handling utensils to keep the infection at bay.
Get vaccinated: The most common culprit behind diarrhoea is rotavirus. It can be prevented by the Rotavirus vaccine, which is administered to children (1 year) in various doses.
Store your food the right way: Make sure that your leftover foods are properly refrigerated. Wash raw fruits and vegetables well before eating and cooking them and do not eat anything that has gone bad. All these food safety measures are essential steps against diarrhoea infections.
Be careful about what you drink and eat: Street foods and tap water are the hotspots of germs that lead to diarrhoea. While eating out, choose trusted food joints and make sure that you drink bottled water when you are travelling. Using a water purifier at home will also protect you from this condition. Also, unpasteurised milk and juices could be the culprit behind this infection. Avoid them.
Probiotics which are often called 'good or helpful bacteria', help maintain the right ratio of good to bad bacteria in the gut and help prevent a number of diseases.
Kefir has over 30 strains of probiotic bacteria, which when consumed frequently helps maintain optimal digestive health. But it has some other incredible health benefits too.
Almost everything that changes or affects the natural food habits, physical routine, physical exercise, and surrounding environment leads to digestive diseases.
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Well, to begin with, they promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have a wide range of proven health benefits.
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Kefir has over 30 strains of probiotic bacteria, which when consumed frequently helps maintain optimal digestive health. But it has some other incredible health benefits too.
Almost everything that changes or affects the natural food habits, physical routine, physical exercise, and surrounding environment leads to digestive diseases.
The theme for Global Handwashing Day 2018 is 'Clean hands a recipe for health.' This is how WHO says handwashing and food are linked to each other. Follow these steps and make sure your kids learn them too.
Well, to begin with, they promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have a wide range of proven health benefits.
Along with the doctor's medication, few natural remedies like including ginger and lemon in your diet can also help. Try these fool-proof hacks to keep cholera at bay.
The aim of this campaign is to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five years of age by 2030 due to infections like measles and rubella.
Gastroenteritis, typhoid and diarrhoea are just of the some of the diseases that are commonly spread during flood-like situations. It is very vital for the state medical authorities to spread awareness among those rescued in Kerala.
A new study has revealed that when the condition has been at its worst 11% of people suffering from IBS-D have had suicidal thoughts.
Did you know that insects like crickets are fibrous? They can reduce inflammation and improve your gut health?
The catch of the season is that you don't feel thirsty even when your body has lost plenty of water in the form of sweat.
Take the precautions listed below.
For kids, summers just mean freedom from studies, school, teachers, homework and extra time for outdoor activities and sports and indulging in some gastronomic delights.
Having antibiotics packed in the bags allows their use - against recommendations - also for mild and moderate diarrhoea, i.e. cases not requiring medication.
Popular TV actress Sara Khan grabbed attention due to her viral nude bathtub picture which was accidentally posted by her sister who was reportedly drunk. Here an expert decodes the side-effects of getting drunk.
Monsoon can bring in food infections resulting in fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, and abdominal cramps.
Read this to tackle emergencies such as bleeding, fits, choking, burns, bleeding nose and diarrhea.
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