lemon tea for diarrhea - #13072
I am totally confused and in need of some advice about lemon tea for diarrhea. Last week I got this awful stomach bug (totally not fun), and it brought on some really bad diarrhea that just wouldn’t quit. After a few days of it, I started googling for home remedies, and I kept coming across people raving about lemon tea for diarrhea. I was skeptical but thought, hey, what do I have to lose, right? So I tried making it — just squeezed lemon in hot water and some honey to make it taste better. I drank a cup or two, but I’m unsure if I felt any better, honestly. I've read that the acidity in lemon can sometimes upset the stomach even more. Has anyone actually found lemon tea for diarrhea to be helpful? Like, how does that even work? Is it the lemon or the warm water or what? I still had some loose stools after drinking it, but maybe it takes longer to kick in or something? My stomach's still not feeling great, and I’m frustrated with this whole situation. Anyone have real experience with lemon tea for diarrhea and can tell me if I should stick with it or ditch it?
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Doctors’ responses
Lemon tea, while popular as a home remedy, doesn’t have strong scientific backing for the treatment of diarrhea. It’s true that warm liquids like tea can be soothing. But lemon, being acidic, might not always be kind to an already upset stomach. Its vitamin C and potential antimicrobial properties could theoretically help, but these effects in treating diarrhea haven’t been well-proven. The honey you added could also have a soothing effect on the throat and might provide some quick energy, but it won’t address the root cause of your diarrhea. Normally, the first step in managing diarrhea should be ensuring you’re well-hydrated, as your body loses water and electrolytes quickly. Oral rehydration solutions, like electrolyte drinks, can be very effective. Sometimes, eating binding foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast can also help firm up stools. If there’s no improvement after a few days or if you’re experiencing severe symptoms like dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, or extreme thirst), high fever, or bloody stools, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as these could be signs of a more serious underlying condition. If your stomach continues to feel uncomfortable, consider reducing any food or drink that could be triggering additional irritation. If lemon tea doesn’t seem to give you relief and might be making things worse, it’s reasonable to stop drinking it and focus on more validated methods of care.
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