is lemon good for diarrhea - #17694
I am dealing with this annoying bout of diarrhea that just won't quit, right? Like, I had some street food last week, which I regret now, and ever since then things have been pretty chaotic. I remember my grandma always saying that is lemon good for diarrhea, and I kinda thought that was just an old wives’ tale. But my stomach feels like a mess, and at this point, I'm willing to try anything. I’ve heard that citrus can sometimes help, but is lemon good for diarrhea or will it just make things worse? I mean, I don’t wanna add to the situation, right? Also, I read somewhere that it could be too acidic or something? I’ve been sipping on some lemon water today to ease the nausea, but I'm not sure if that was a good idea or if I'm like, really messing things up. Could this actually help, or is it just giving me false hope? I guess what I really wanna know is, when it comes to digestive upset, is lemon good for diarrhea, or should I steer clear of all things lemony? Would love to hear what the docs think, really appreciate any help!
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Doctors' responses
Lemons, like most citrus fruits, are rich in vitamin C and have been touted in folklore for their potential benefits in various conditions, including digestive issues. However, when it comes to diarrhea, especially if it’s caused by something like food-borne illness, things like lemon probably won’t do much to stop it. In fact, the acidity in lemon could potentially irritate your stomach further, potentially worsening symptoms like nausea or abdominal pain due to its acidic nature. While some cultures might use lemon to settle the stomach, there isn’t solid evidence in modern medicine to support its effectiveness for treating diarrhea.
For managing diarrhea, focus more on staying hydrated and maintaining electrolyte balance. Oral rehydration solutions are generally recommended over plain water or anything acidic to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through frequent bowel movements. You could try eating easily digestible foods like rice, bananas, and toast—the standard BRAT diet is often recommended during digestive upset. Avoid dairy, fatty, and spicy foods as these might exacerbate symptoms. If your diarrhea persists beyond a few days, or if you experience severe symptoms like high fever or blood in your stool, it would be crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions.
While home remedies can offer temporary relief or comfort, they shouldn’t replace what modern medicine advises for persistent or severe symptoms. Safety should always come first, so if your symptoms don’t improve, seeing a healthcare provider would be your best bet.
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