Probiotics (infectious diarrhea). Probiotics are beneficial bacteria which in particular constitute the intestinal flora. The most recent research syntheses agree that taking lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) supplements can reduce the risks get viral gastroenteritis, both in children and adults^{3-6 ,17}. Probiotics can also decrease its duration, after it is triggered.

Probiotics are also shown to be effective in preventing traveler’s diarrhea (tourista)¹⁵. According to the most recent meta-analysis¹⁸, daily doses of at least 10 billion CFU (colony forming units) of Saccharomyces boulardii or a mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG et Bifibobacterium bifidus offer protection against the tourista. The authors also confirm the safety of such use.

Dosage

See our Probiotics sheet for more information on probiotic types and dosage.

Contraindication

Do not use without medical advice in case of weakened immune system due to a disease (AIDS, lymphoma) or to medical treatment (corticosteroid therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy).

 Probiotics (antibiotics). The risk of diarrhea associated with taking antibiotics can be reduced with the concomitant intake of probiotics, according to a meta-analysis published in 2006¹³. These results confirmed those of previous meta-analyzes^7-10 . Among the species studied, only Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and some combinations of 2 probiotics had significant effects. In addition, taking a yeast type Saccharomyces boulardii during antibiotic therapy would reduce the risk of infection with the bacteria It’s hard, a possible complication of antibiotic therapy (especially in hospitals).

Dosage

Consult our Probiotics sheet.

 psyllium (Plantago sp.). Although this may sound contradictory, since it is also effective in fighting constipation, psyllium can be used to treat diarrhea. This is because, as the mucilage it contains absorbs water in the intestine, it allows liquid stools to become more consistent. Since psyllium also slows down the emptying of the stomach and intestines, it allows the body to reabsorb more water. Positive results have been obtained in people with diarrhea caused by taking certain medications or with fecal incontinence^25-30 .

Dosage

Take 10 to 30 g per day in divided doses, with a large glass of water. Start with the smallest dose and increase it until you get the desired effect. The dose may need to be increased up to 40 g per day (4 doses of 10 g each).

Warnings. Regular intake of psyllium may require medication adjustment antidiabetic. In addition, consuming psyllium would reduce the absorption of lithium, a medicine used to treat bipolar disorder.

 Blueberry (dried fruit) (Vaccinium myrtillus). Commission E approves the medicinal use of dried blueberries to treat all types of diarrhea. It is generally believed that its curative action is attributable to the natural astringency of the pigments (anthocyanosides) that the berry contains. It is assumed that these properties also hold for the blueberry dried, which contains the same type of pigments.

Dosage

Make a decoction by immersing 30 to 60 g of dried fruit in 1 liter of cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Filter while the preparation is still hot. Let cool and keep in the refrigerator. Drink up to 6 cups a day as needed.

Note that unlike dried berries, blueberries and blueberries frais have an action laxative if consumed in large quantities.

 Cassis (juice or fresh berries). Blackcurrant berries contain tannins and a very dark blue pigment. The presence of these substances could explain some traditional medicinal uses of blackcurrant juice, such as the treatment of diarrhea.³³.

Dosage

Take a glass of blackcurrant juice with each meal or consume the fresh berries.

 Hydraste du Canada (Hydrastis canadensis). The roots and rhizomes of goldenseal are traditionally used to treat infectious diarrhea. This is probably explained by their content in berberine, a substance with antimicrobial properties whose effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal infections has been shown in clinical studies in humans and in animal studies.^20,21. However, these trials were not always well controlled.

Dosage

Consult our Goldenseal sheet to know its dosage.

Cons-indications

Pregnant and breastfeeding women.

 naturopathy. According to the American naturopath JE Pizzorno, it may be interesting to discover the factors that make a person more susceptible to infectious diarrhea²³. According to him, people with difficult digestion, due to a lack of acidity in the stomach or an insufficient amount of digestive enzymes, are at greater risk. In these cases, taking hydrochloric acid and digestive enzyme supplements may be beneficial, he says. This type of process must be undertaken under the supervision of a duly trained naturopath. See our Naturopathy sheet.

 Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The preparation Bao Ji Wan (Po Chai) is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of diarrhea.