Ayurveda says diarrhea occurs when excess Pitta Dosha increases the digestive fire (Agni). The goal is to pacify the heat of this dosha and bring balance to the elimination process.
Diarrhea, loose stools, and watery stools occur when absorption and assimilation are slow. The intestines push the stool through the bowel before excess water is reabsorbed.
Diarrhea is the body's natural defense against a possible harmful virus or bacterium, an ingested toxin including medications, or disagreeable food. It 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.
Abdominal bloating, cramps, nausea, or possible vomiting often accompany diarrhea, and although unpleasant, these symptoms usually clear up with the diarrhea. More severe symptoms include ten or more watery stools within 24 hours, dehydration, blood mucus in the stool, black and tarry stools, weight loss, and fever.
Dehydration is one of the most severe dangers of prolonged diarrhea, and one of the best ways to support hydration is to drink small sips of fluid throughout the day. Some options are water with a pinch of mineral salt, natural sugar, and peppermint or chamomile tea, which is very calming and replenishes lost fluids.
The diet is one of the most effective ways to treat diarrhea. Begin by eating pure, grounding, nourishing foods emphasizing spices like cilantro, coconut, coriander, fennel, and mint. It is essential to avoid hot, spicy foods, especially salty foods, intensely sour foods, alcohol, caffeine, and fermented foods, as they can aggravate pitta. Also, steer clear of sugary drinks and some sugar substitutes (like sorbitol, often found in chewing gum), which draw more water into the intestines and can intensify diarrhea.
Below are some specific and easy food preparations that can help balance the digestion and elimination system and stop diarrhea.
Stewed Apples
Peel and slice or chop 1-2 apples. Place them in a small saucepan with about ½" of water. Add one teaspoon of ghee, a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and natural salt. Bring to a boil, boil to a simmer, and cook covered until the apples are mushy (about 30 minutes). If more liquid is needed, add it accordingly. This dish is delicious and easy to digest. Apples are astringent and help bind the stools.
Spiced Bananas
Chop 1-2 ripe bananas into bite-sized pieces, garnish with one teaspoon of warm ghee, and add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. This dish is delicious and nourishing; the bananas' potassium helps bind the stool.
Cooked Rice with Yogurt
You need one cup of cooked basmati rice, one tablespoon of ghee, and ¼ cup of plain, fresh (ideally homemade) yogurt. You can add grounding spices like fennel, cilantro, or fresh ginger. This dish is soothing and nutritive, and the yogurt's probiotics help restore the digestive fire (Agni).
Lassi (Diluted Yogurt)
If you prefer something lighter, blend ½ cup of plain yogurt with ½ water, a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom, and freshly grated ginger. This probiotic drink is easy to digest and gently kindles Agni.
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