Are There Spices That Help To Stop Diarrhea

You may be better off avoiding spices when you have diarrhea.

Image Credit: Joao Canziani/Photodisc/Getty Images While you might let a bout of diarrhea run its course, you may consider home remedies to help stop the loose, watery stools. There is some evidence that nutmeg may help alleviate diarrhea caused by rotavirus. However, for the most part, spices with heat, such as curry, chili powder or hot pepper, can make your symptoms worse. Consult your doctor to discuss treating diarrhea through your diet or if your diarrhea lasts more than two days.

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Nutmeg and Rotavirus

A study published in 2005 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology investigated the effects of nutmeg on rotavirus, a viral infection that causes diarrhea in children. The researchers found that the nutmeg helped inhibit the growth of the virus in the test-tube study and suggested the spice may serve as a form of treatment for the infection. However, human studies need to be conducted before claims can be made, and nutmeg may not be effective if your diarrhea is due to another cause.

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BRAT Diet

Because spices can cause more harm than good, you might want to consider adding binding foods to your diet instead. The Cleveland Clinic recommends the BRAT diet, which is an acronym that stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Eat small amounts often, and be sure to drink 8 cups to 10 cups of water a day to stay hydrated.

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  references
  
      Cleveland Clinic: Mom’s Advice Is Still the Best for Treating Diarrhea
    
      MedlinePlus: When You Have Diarrhea
    
      University Health Network: Eating Hints for People With Diarrhea
    
      Journal of Ethnopharmacology: In Vitro Anti-Rotavirus Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Brazil Against Diarrhea
       




  references
  
      Cleveland Clinic: Mom’s Advice Is Still the Best for Treating Diarrhea
    
      MedlinePlus: When You Have Diarrhea
    
      University Health Network: Eating Hints for People With Diarrhea
    
      Journal of Ethnopharmacology: In Vitro Anti-Rotavirus Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Brazil Against Diarrhea
    




You may be better off avoiding spices when you have diarrhea.

Image Credit: Joao Canziani/Photodisc/Getty Images

      Cleveland Clinic: Mom’s Advice Is Still the Best for Treating Diarrhea
    
      MedlinePlus: When You Have Diarrhea
    
      University Health Network: Eating Hints for People With Diarrhea
    
      Journal of Ethnopharmacology: In Vitro Anti-Rotavirus Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Used in Brazil Against Diarrhea