Are you suffering from diarrhea? Not fun. But diarrhea is actually
one of the most common health problems; the average adult experiences
about 4 episodes of diarrhea each year.1 Thankfully, in most cases,
diarrhea is fairly easy to control and will resolve completely within a
couple of days.
This resource is intended to help you understand the Ayurvedic
perspective on diarrhea, and to give you some practical tools in support
of healthy bowel movements, if you determine that they would be
appropriate for you. However, if your diarrhea is unusual in its
intensity or duration, or if it is occurring more often than very
occasionally, it is also important that you consult with your primary
health care provider. If your symptoms are due to a more complex
disorder such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Crohn s Disease, you might
benefit from reading our more comprehensive guide to healthy
elimination.
What Causes Diarrhea?
Loose or watery stools occur when the intestines push the stools
through the bowel to be eliminated before excess water can be
reabsorbed.1 Often, diarrhea is the body s natural defense mechanism
against a harmful virus or bacterium, an ingested toxin, or a food that
disagrees with the digestive system. Diarrhea can also occur as a result
of an inflamed bowel wall, which allows excess fluid to leak into the
stool, as in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.1 Or, diarrhea may be the side
effect of prescribed medication or an indicator of a more serious
illness.
When is Diarrhea Serious?
Diarrhea is often accompanied by abdominal bloating, cramps, nausea,
vomiting, or an urgent need to have a bowel movement.3 While these
symptoms are unpleasant, they usually clear up with the diarrhea. More
serious symptoms include:
10 or more watery stools within a 24 hour period
Signs of dehydration (e.g. dark, scanty urine; dry, sticky mouth;
extreme thirst; loss of skin elasticity skin doesn t rebound when it
is pinched into a fold)
Blood or mucus in the stool
Black, tarry stools
Weight loss
Fever
Worsening symptoms
These signs and symptoms can be an indicator of a more serious
problem and, if any of them develop, it would be a good idea to contact
your doctor