Diarrhea refers to the passage of loose, watery stools more often in a day than normal. Some people suffer from diarrhea especially after eating. Medically, diarrhea after eating is known as postprandial diarrhea. This can have several causes. The first reason may be food poisoning or viral gastroenteritis. Food poisoning is the stomach infection caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that occurs as a result of the consumption of contaminated food or drink. Viral gastroenteritis is a stomach infection caused by a virus, mainly norovirus.
The use of antibiotics and antacids can also be a reason for diarrhea after eating. The next common cause can be IBS, that is, irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is a functional disorder of the large intestine or large intestine, involving diarrhea, constipation or in some cases alternating diarrhea and constipation, abdominal cramps and abdominal bloating.
Diarrhea after eating can also occur in cases of lactose intolerance and celiac disease. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose (a type of sugar in milk) due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which eating gluten from wheat, rye and barley leads to damage to the lining of the small intestine.
Another cause is IBD, which refers to inflammatory bowel diseases, including two gastrointestinal diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, while ulcerative colitis leads to inflammation and ulcers in the colon and/or rectum. Other causes may include parasitic infections (for example, infection with parasites such as entamoeba histolytica and giardia lamblia), endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) and removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). In cases of diarrhea after eating, along with loose stools, other signs and symptoms may also occur. These may include cramps or pain in the abdomen, gas in the abdomen, bloated abdomen, a sudden urge to pass stool, mucus/blood in the stool, nausea and vomiting. This condition can be acute and occur suddenly and last a short time (one or two days), but it can also be chronic and persistent (more than four weeks) or recur from time to time.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathic medicines provide a very natural, safe and effective treatment for cases of diarrhea after eating. Homeopathic medicines gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of this complaint. These medications help by treating the underlying cause. Homeopathic medicines also treat associated symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas in the abdomen, bloated abdomen, sudden urge to defecate, nausea and vomiting. Homeopathic medicines are useful in managing this acute complaint and in overcoming the tendency to have recurrent episodes of this problem. Homeopathic medicines are prescribed for each case individually depending on the symptoms. So, it is recommended that any case of diarrhea after eating be assessed by a homeopathic doctor and take medicine as per the doctor’s advice. Self-medication should be avoided. Homeopathy is recommended for mild to moderate cases. In severe cases and cases with fever, blood in stool or dehydration, immediate relief through the conventional mode of treatment should be followed as homeopathy has limitations in helping such severe cases.
Homeopathic medicines for diarrhea after eating
1. Aloe Socotrina – the best medicine
Aloe Socotrina is a leading homeopathic medicine for the treatment of diarrhea after eating. The individuals who need this medicine have the desire to urinate immediately after eating or drinking something. They have a sudden urge to defecate and have to rush to the washroom for a bowel movement. The stool is watery and may sometimes contain mucus. There is pain in the abdomen. A constant downward feeling is felt in the rectum. Sometimes the stool passes involuntarily on its own while passing the gas. In addition to the above complaints, there may be fullness, heaviness and a bloated feeling in the abdomen. There may be excessive gas in the abdomen.
2. Croton Tiglium – For flowing stools after eating
Croton Tiglium is a well indicated medicine if there is flowing stool after eating. Gushing stool means a rapid and sudden passage of stool in one go with great force. Excessive gas disappears along with the passage of feces. The stool may be yellow or dirty green. It has a very foul odor. The stool may contain mucus or white flakes. When passing stool, there is pain in the abdomen and nausea. Passing stool is followed by weakness. In some cases, pain or a burning sensation in the anus is also felt.
3. Podophyllum – For yellow – Greenish watery, foul-smelling, flowing stools
Podophyllum is a well-known medicine for yellow-green, watery, foul-smelling, flowing stools shortly after eating or drinking. Although this complaint can arise from eating anything, the complaint is most clearly indicated when the complaint occurs specifically after eating sour fruit or drinking milk. There is also a sudden urge to pass stool. During the passage of stool, burning and pain are felt in the anus. The stool may contain undigested food particles. After passing stool, a sharp pain is felt in the abdomen and one feels weak.
4. Arsenic album – Along with vomiting
The use of Arsenic Album is highly recommended if loose stools are accompanied by vomiting. The stool is watery and there is a burning sensation in the navel region. A cutting pain is also felt in the stomach. Rumbling occurs in the abdomen. In many of the cases where this medicine is required, mucus is excreted in the stool. A chilly feeling is experienced before and during urination. There is intense weakness along with the above symptoms. Arsenic Album is the most prominently indicated drug for the treatment of loose stools and vomiting in cases of food poisoning.
5. Colocynth – With stomach cramps or pain
Colocynth is a useful drug when there is loose stools after eating even a small amount of food, along with stomach pain or cramps. The stool is yellow, watery and frothy. The feces have a sour odor. It may also contain mucus. Excessive gas is discharged from the anus together with the feces. After passing stool, a burning sensation is felt in the anus. Abdominal pain is better by bending double or by pressure. The pain is also relieved after passing stool.
6. China Officinalis – When there is weakness
This medicine is found to be effective in cases where there is weakness and diarrhea after eating. The stool is loose. The stool is brownish, foamy and may contain undigested food particles. The smell of feces is very foul. This involves excessive gas and bloating in the abdomen. Stomach pain due to excessive gas can be felt. This medicine is very important in treating cases where diarrhea is mainly due to eating fruits.
7. Pulsatilla – Urge to defecate as soon as one starts eating
Pulsatilla is a very valuable medicine for the treatment of cases where the urge to defecate arises as soon as one begins to eat. The stool is greenish-yellow and slimy. In some cases, pain in the abdomen may occur while passing stool. A burning and cutting pain can sometimes be felt in the rectum. Nausea is also felt. Pulsatilla is a leading drug for treating diarrhea caused by eating fatty foods or ice cream.