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Oct01
Nutrients needed but usually deficient in our diet
Nutrients needed but usually deficient in our diet

Potassium: Lower Blood Pressure
Studies show that potassium can help keep blood pressure healthy. Potassium also supports fertility and muscle and nerve function. But while potassium is in lots of foods naturally -- like milk, potatoes, sweet potatoes, legumes, avocados, and bananas --
Magnesium: Prevent Disease

Low magnesium levels have been linked with health problems like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, muscle cramps, and heart disease. Some people, such as the elderly, people with stomach or intestinal problems, or those who regularly drink alcohol, are at risk for having low magnesium levels. So eat your spinach -- and your beans, peas, whole grains, and nuts (especially almonds). They could do a lot for your health.

Vitamin A: Up Your Beta-Carotene
There are two types of vitamin A: retinol and carotenoids, like beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid found in many orange and yellow foods -- like sweet potatoes, carrots, and winter squash -- as well as spinach and broccoli. Vitamin A is key in supporting good vision, healthy immunity, and tissue growth.

Vitamin D: Strong Heart and Mind
Vitamin D is important in the development of healthy bones, muscles, and nerve fibers as well as a strong immune system. Though our bodies can make it by exposure to sunlight, experts recommend getting vitamin D in other ways. A few foods naturally contain D, such as fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, mushrooms, liver, cheese, and egg yolks do. Milk, some brands of orange juice, and many cereals are fortified with vitamin D.

Vitamin C: Immunity Booster?
some studies suggest it can shorten the duration of symptoms of common cold. This vitamin, found in many fruits and vegetables, has other benefits, too. It boosts the growth of bone and tissue. As an antioxidant, it might also help protect cells from damage

Fiber: Bulk Up
Fiber from grains, beans, and produce has loads of health benefits. It helps lower cholesterol and improve bowel regularity. It might lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. And it's great for people trying to lose a few pounds. High-fiber foods are often filling and low in calories. Fiber supplements may, however, decrease the absorption of medications and supplements if they are taken at the same time

Calcium: More Than Strong Bones
You probably know that calcium is good for teeth and bones. But that's not all. Calcium helps maintain muscle function and heart rhythm. It might even help prevent high blood pressure. Dairy is a good source, but foods like salmon, kale, and broccoli are too. One tip: Without enough vitamin D, your body can't absorb the calcium you take in


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Oct01
TAKE CARE OF YOUR COOKING OIL
TAKE CARE OF YOUR COOKING OIL

The cooking oils like olive, canola, rice bran are really healthy oils and contain antioxidants. but these superheroes too are vulnerable foods as they get rancid easily as they are either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. they have the double bonds which when receives oxygen go for rancidity.

If you have noticed foods that are prepared in refined oils get a peculiar smell after a certain period of time, this is because of rancidity.
NOW THINGS YOU SHOULD TAKE CARE OF:
PROTECT THEM FROM:

LIGHT:These oils get rancid if exposed to direct light. always keep them in dark color containers or ceramic containers. light color bottles which allow light to absorbed don't provide provide needed protection.

HEAT:Heat is another factor that these oils cannot withstand. never keep your oil container near gas stove. keep them at cool place or dark dry cupboard. if they are the reused oil try them to keep in refrigerator. they sometimes emulsify during refrigeration but re liquefy at room temperature.

OXYGEN: They cannot withstand air or oxygen and get rancid very easily so its better to keep them in tight containers to avoid rancidity n that particular odor.

AGE: These oils have shelf life of maximum 3 months to use it within 3 months of opening the container.

QUIZ: THIS IS THE REASON WHY FOODS COOKED IN DESI GHEE STAY FOR LONGER TIME...
CAN YOU NAME ANY FIVE PREPARATIONS MADE FROM DESI GHEE AND KEPT FOR A LONG TIME?????


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Oct01
Raw Beet root Juice
Raw Beet root Juice

It cleanses the system and is a great beverage when a patient has experienced symptoms of Cholecystitis. Drinking approx. 100ml of beet root juice twice daily will help to reduce the possibilities of developing Acute Cholecystitis.


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Oct01
HYPOTHYROID AND HYPERTHYROID
HYPOTHYROID AND HYPERTHYROID

1.Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss

An unexplained change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly. This is known as hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is far more common

2. Symptom: Swelling in the Neck

A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. A goiter may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid. It can also be due to a cause unrelated to the thyroid.

3. Symptom: Changes in Heart Rate

Thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body and can influence how quickly the heart beats. People with hypothyroidism may notice their heart rate is slower than usual. Hyperthyroidism may cause the heart to speed up. It can also trigger increased blood pressure and the sensation of a pounding heart, known as heart palpitations.

4. Symptom: Changes in Energy or Mood

Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.

5. Symptom: Hair Loss

Hair loss is another sign that your thyroid hormones may be out of balance. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair to fall out. In most cases, the hair will grow back once the thyroid disorder is treated.

6. Symptom: Feeling Too Cold or Hot

Thyroid disorders can disrupt the ability to regulate body temperature. People with hypothyroidism may feel cold more often than usual. Hyperthyroidism tends to have the opposite effect, causing excessive sweating and an aversion to heat

Other Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can cause many other symptoms, including:
• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Numbness or tingling in the hands
• Constipation
• Abnormal menstrual period

Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can also cause additional symptoms, such as:
• Muscle weakness or trembling hands
• Vision problems
• Diarrhea
• Irregular menstrual periods


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Sep28
world heart day
HI ALL

AS TOLD YOU THAT WORLD HEART DAY IS COMING LETS TAKE PLEDGE THIS HEART DAY THAT WE WILL KEEP OUR HEART HEALTHY BY FOLLOWING TIPS..AND PROMISE TO YOURSELF THAT I WILL TAKE CARE OF MYSELF ...LOVE THYSELF AND DO THE BEST FOR KEEPING MYSELF HEALTHY.....

1. I WILL DO 30 MINUTES WALK DAILY EITHER CONTINUOUSLY OR 10 MINUTES WALK 3 TIMES A DAY. ALSO I WILL DO 10 MINUTES WALK AFTER EVERY MEAL.

2. I WILL GET MY BLOOD TESTS DONE WHICH INCLUDE
*WHOLE BODY CHECK UP OR AT LEAST
*BLOOD SUGAR-PP, FASTING
*BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR
*LIPID PROFILE
*THYROID PROFILE(IF HYPOTHYROID OR HYPERTHYROID)
*LFT
*KFT
EVERY SIX MONTHS

3. I WILL CUT DOWN MY SALT INTAKE TO 1 TSP PER DAY

4. I WILL CUT DOWN SUGAR INTAKE TO 2 TSP PER DAY

5. I WILL CUT DOWN MY FAT to 2 TSP PER DAY

6. I WILL TAKE ONE MEAL SALT FREE AND FAT FREE AS IDLI, DALIA, OATS,CORNFLAKES.

7. I WILL CUT DOWN MY EATING OUTS. IF POSSIBLE I TRY TO GO FOR SOMETHING HEALTHY RATHER THAN FAT LOADED OR SUGAR LOADED.

8. I WILL INCLUDE AT LEAST 3-4 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN MY DAILY DIET.

9.I WILL TAKE 6 ALMONDS EVERYDAY ALSO FLAX SEEDS 1 TSP EVERYDAY.

10. I WILL INCLUDE ALL THE HEART FRIENDLY FOODS (WHICH I MENTIONED IN MY PREVIOUS POST) IN MY DIET.

11. MOST IMPORTANTLY I WILL QUIT SMOKING...N LIMIT MY ALCOHOL INTAKE OR QUIT IT TOO...

12. I WILL LOVE MY SELF AND TRY TO BE STRESS FREE...TAKE A GOOD SLEEP.

BE HEALTHY LOVE YOUR HEART...LOVE YOURSELF...


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Sep26
FOODS TO SAVE YOUR HEART
FOODS TO SAVE YOUR HEART:

1. OATMEAL
2. GREEN LEAFY VEGGIES LIKE SPINACH
3. CARROTS
4. APPLE JUICE
5. ORANGES
6. BLUEBERRIES
7. OLIVE OIL
8. FLAX SEEDS
9. FISH
10. SOYBEAN
11. WHOLEGRAIN LIKE BARLEY
12. YOGURT OR CURD
13. TOFU
14. CINNAMON
15. BANANA
16. BEANS
17. ALMONDS
18. WALNUTS
19. SWEET POTATOES
20. BROCCOLI
21. TOMATOES


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May29
'Domestic remedy for Cough'
By Dr. Rakesh Aggarwal.

Rx:-1. Powder of root of yashtimadhu 3gm TDS water.
2. Gargle of 100ml of warm water with 1/2 gm of saphatika (Alum) many times a day.
3. Gargle of saline water.

Regimen:-1. Avoid smoking.
2. Avoid curd, milk, sour fruits, fried food ect.
3 hot fomentation of neck.


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May04
'Domestic remedy for Depression / Anxiety'
Rx:- 1. Powder of vach half to one teaspoonful with honey, for one year.
2. Powder of brahmi + vach + amla to be given 1TSF with milk twice a day.
3. Powder of ashavgandha + brahmi + vach to be given 1TSF twice a day.

Regimen:- 1. Open air exercises in the morning.
2. Constipation & indigestion should be checked.
3. Green vegetables, Fruit Juices & early digestible food should be given.
4. Yogic exercises


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Mar26
Hernia Repair,Incisional
What Is an Incisional Hernia?
An incisional hernia happens when a weakness in the muscle of the abdomen allows the tissues of the abdomen to protrude through the muscle. The hernia appears as a bulge under the skin, and can be painful or tender to the touch. In the case of an incisional hernia, the weakness in the muscle is caused by the incision made in a prior abdominal surgery. An incisional hernia is typically small enough that only the peritoneum, or the lining of the abdominal cavity, pushes through. In severe cases, portions of organs may move through the hole in the muscle.
Who Is At Risk For an Incisional Hernia?
Incisional hernias are most likely to occur in obese and pregnant patients. A history of multiple abdominal surgeries may increase the risk of an incisional hernia. If a hernia develops in the abdomen and the patient has not had surgery, it is not an incisional hernia.
A patient who gains significant weight after an abdominal surgery, becomes pregnant or participates in activities that increase abdominal pressure like heavy lifting is most at risk for an incisional hernia. The incision is weakest, and most prone to a hernia, while it is still healing. While incisional hernias can develop or enlarge months or years after surgery, they are most likely to happen 3-6 months after surgery.

Diagnosing an Incisional Hernia
Incisional hernias happen after an abdominal surgery and may seem to appear and disappear, which is referred to as a "reducible" hernia. The hernia may not be noticeable unless the patient is involved in an activity that increases abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, pushing to have a bowel movement, or lifting a heavy object. The visibility of a hernia makes it easily diagnosable, often requiring no testing outside of a physical examination by a physician. The physician may request that you cough or bear down in order to see the hernia while it is "out".
Routine testing can be done to determine what area of the body is pushing through the muscle. If the hernia is large enough to allow more than the peritoneum to bulge through, testing may be required.
Incisional Hernia Treatment
An incisional hernia may be small enough that surgical repair is an option, not a necessity. If the hernia is large, causes pain or is steadily growing, surgery may be recommended. Another option is a truss, a garment that is similar to a weight belt or girdle, that applies constant pressure to the hernia.

When Is Incisional Hernia Surgery Necessary?
An Incisional hernia may require surgery if:
It continues to enlarge over time
It is very large
It is cosmetically unappealing
The bulge remains even when the patient is relaxed or laying down
The hernia causes pain

When Is Incisional Hernia an Emergency?
A hernia that gets stuck in the “out” position is referred to as an incarcerated hernia. While an incarcerated hernia may not be an emergency, medical care should be sought as it can become an emergency quickly. An incarcerated hernia becomes an emergency when it becomes a “strangulated hernia” where the tissue that bulges out is being starved of its blood supply. Untreated, a strangulated hernia can cause the death of the tissue that is bulging through the hernia.
A strangulated hernia can be identified by the deep red or purple color of the bulging tissue. It may be accompanied by severe pain, but is not always painful. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal swelling may also be present.

Incisional Hernia Surgery
Incisional hernia surgery is typically performed using general anesthesia and is done on an inpatient basis. The surgery is typically performed using the laparoscopic method, using small incisions rather than the traditional large open incision. Surgery is performed by a general surgeon or a colon-rectal specialist.

Once anesthesia is given, surgery begins with an incision on either side of the hernia. A laparoscope is inserted into one incision, and the other incision is used for additional surgical instruments. Dr. B C Shah then isolates the portion of the abdominal lining that is pushing through the muscle. This tissue is called the “hernia sac”. Dr. B C Shah returns the hernia sac to its proper position, then begins to repair the muscle defect.
If the defect in the muscle is small, it may be sutured closed. The sutures will remain in place permanently, preventing the hernia from returning. For large defects, the Dr. B C Shah may feel that suturing is not adequate. In this case, a mesh graft will be used to cover the hole. The mesh is permanent and prevents the hernia from returning, even though the defect remains open.
If the suture method is used with larger muscle defects (approximately the size of a quarter or larger), the chance of reoccurrence is increased. The use of mesh in larger hernias is the standard of treatment, but it may not be appropriate if the patient has a history of rejecting surgical implants or a condition that prevents the use of mesh.
Once the mesh is in place or the muscle has been sewn, the laparoscope is removed and the incision can be closed. The incision is typically closed with sutures that are removed at a follow up visit with the Dr. B C Shah, a special form of glue that is used to hold the incision closed without sutures or small sticky bandages called steri-strips.

Recovering From Incisional Hernia Surgery
Most hernia patients are able to return to their normal activity within two to four weeks. The belly will be tender, especially for the first week. During this time the incision should be protected during activity that increases abdominal pressure by applying firm but gentle pressure on the incision line. This is especially important for incisional hernia patients, as they are predisposed to an incisional hernia and can be at risk for another one at the new incision sites.
Activities during which the incision should be protected include:
Rising from a seated position
Sneezing
Coughing
Bearing down during a bowel movement. Contact Dr. B C Shah if you are constipated after surgery, a stool softener may be prescribed.
Vomiting
Lifting heavy objects


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Mar16
Diarrhoea
Introduction
Diarrhoea is passing loose or watery faeces more than three times a day. It affects almost everyone from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about.
A common cause in both children and adults is gastroenteritis, an infection of the bowel. Gastroenteritis may be caused by:
A virus, such as a norovirus or rotavirus
Bacteria, which is often found in contaminated food
A parasite
Bouts of diarrhoea in adults may also be brought on by anxiety or drinking too much coffee or alcohol. Diarrhoea may also be a side effect of a medication.
Recovery
In adults, diarrhoea caused by gastroenteritis will usually clear up in two to four days when the infection has cleared.
Taking antidiarrhoeal medicine is usually not necessary unless it is important that you shorten the length of time your diarrhoea lasts (for example, if you need to take a long-haul flight). Children should not take this medicine.
Diarrhoea in children usually passes within five to seven days, and will usually clear within two weeks. Seek medical advice if your child has diarrhoea for longer than this.
When to see Dr. B C Shah
Diarrhoea in adults that lasts for more than a few weeks may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as Crohn's disease. It should be investigated Dr. B C Shah – especially if you have blood or pus in your faeces. It may indicate other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
If your baby or child has had six or more episodes of diarrhoea in the last 24 hours, see Dr. B C Shah. Diarrhoea can be serious in babies because of the risk of dehydration.
Symptoms of diarrhoea
Diarrhoea can range in severity from slightly watery faeces and a brief upset stomach to longer term, extremely watery faeces and cramping tummy pains. Many people have a frequent, urgent need to go to the toilet.
Other common symptoms associated with diarrhoea are:
Nausea or vomiting
A temperature of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or higher
Headache
Loss of appetite
When to contact Dr. B C Shah
Babies
Contact Dr. B C Shah urgently for advice if your baby has had six or more episodes of diarrhoea in the past 24 hours.
Children
Contact Dr. B C Shah if your child has:
Had six or more episodes of diarrhoea in the past 24 hours
Diarrhoea and is vomiting at the same time
Diarrhoea that is particularly watery
Diarrhoea that has blood in it
Diarrhoea that lasts for longer than two weeks
Adults
Contact Dr. B C Shah if you have:
Recently been treated in hospital
Recently been treated with antibiotics
Diarrhoea that has blood in it
Diarrhoea and persistent vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Bleeding from your rectum (back passage)
Passed large volumes of very watery diarrhoea – you may be at risk of dehydration
Symptoms at night that are disturbing your sleep
Diarrhoea that lasts longer than a week
Symptoms of dehydration
If diarrhoea is severe or persistent, it can cause dehydration.
Dehydration in children
Symptoms of dehydration in children include:
Appearing to get more unwell
Being irritable or drowsy
Passing urine infrequently
Pale or mottled skin
Cold hands and feet
Dehydration in adults
Symptoms of dehydration in adults include:
Lacking energy or feeling tired
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Feeling light-headed
Dizziness, especially when standing up
Dry tongue
Sunken eyes
Muscle cramps
Rapid heartbeat
Causes of diarrhoea
Diarrhoea usually occurs when fluid cannot be absorbed from your bowel contents, or when extra fluid is secreted into the bowel, causing watery faeces (see How diarrhoea happens, left).
Conditions causing short-term diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is usually a symptom of gastroenteritis, an infection of the bowel. Gastroenteritis may be caused by:
A virus, such as norovirus or rotavirus
Bacteria, such as campylobacter, Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), Escherichia coli (E. coli), salmonella and shigella – these may all cause food poisoning
Parasites, such as the Giardia intestinalis parasite that causes giardiasis.
Diarrhoea caused by contaminated food or water from a foreign country is known as Travellers' diarrhoea.
Other short-term causes
Other short-term causes of diarrhoea include:
Emotional upset or anxiety
Drinking too much alcohol
Drinking too much much coffee
A food allergy
Appendicitis (swelling of the appendix)
Damage to the lining of the intestines due to radiotherapy
Damage to the intestines due to reduced blood supply, for example, because of a hernia
Medicines
Diarrhoea can also be a side effect of many different medicines, including:
Antibiotics
Antacid medicines that contain magnesium
Some medicines used in chemotherapy
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Statins (cholesterol-lowering medicines)
Laxatives – a type of medicine that can help you empty your bowels if you are having trouble going to the toilet
The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine should state whether diarrhoea is a possible side effect.
Conditions causing persistent diarrhoea
Conditions that can cause persistent diarrhoea include:
Irritable bowel syndrome – a poorly understood condition where the normal functions of the bowel are disrupted
Coeliac disease – a digestive condition where you are intolerant to the protein gluten
Crohn's disease – a condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system
Cystic fibrosis – an inherited condition that affects the lungs and digestive system
Diabetes – a condition caused by too much glucose in the blood
Diverticular disease – when small pouches (diverticula) form in the large intestine, causing symptoms such as diarrhoea
Gastrectomy – a surgical procedure to remove part of the stomach, for example, to treat stomach cancer
Lactose intolerance – lactose is a natural sugar that is found in milk
Microscopic colitis – a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes watery diarrhoea
Chronic pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ that produces hormones and digestive juices
Ulcerative colitis – a condition that affects the colon (large intestine)
Bowel cancer – cancer in the bowel can cause diarrhoea and blood in your stools
Diagnosing diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is likely to settle within a week and you may not need to see Dr. B C Shah for a diagnosis.
The below information explains what will happen if you need to see Dr. B C Shah.
Diagnosing the cause
To diagnose the cause of your diarrhoea, Dr. B C Shah may ask a number of questions, such as:
What your faeces are like – for example, if they are very watery or contain blood
How often you have had diarrhoea
What other symptoms you have, such as fever
Whether you have been in contact with anyone else who has diarrhoea (as you may have caught an infection)
Whether you have eaten out anywhere (as you may have food poisoning)
Whether you have recently travelled abroad (to rule out travellers’ diarrhoea)
What medication you are taking and if this has recently changed
Whether you have been stressed or anxious
How much alcohol you drink
Stool sample
Dr. B C Shah may ask for a stool sample to investigate for bacteria or parasites if you have:
Persistent diarrhoea lasting more than a week
Other symptoms, such as blood or pus in your stools
Symptoms that affect your whole body, such as fever or dehydration
A weakened immune system, for example because you have HIV
Recently travelled abroad
Recently been in hospital or been taking antibiotics
Blood tests
Dr. B C Shah may suggest blood tests if an underlying health condition is possibly causing your diarrhoea. For example, your blood can be tested for signs of inflammation, which may suggest an inflammatory bowel disease.
Rectal examination
If you have unexplained persistent diarrhoea, or if you are over 50 years old, Dr. B C Shah may suggest a digital rectal examination. During a digital rectal examination, Dr. B C Shah inserts their finger into your anus (back passage) and rectum. It can be useful in diagnosing conditions that affect your rectum and bowels.
Referral
Dr. B C Shah may need to refer you for further investigations to identify the cause. For example, you may have:
A sigmoidoscopy – a procedure that involves inserting a sigmoidoscope (a thin, flexible tube attached to a small camera and light) into your rectum then up into your bowel
A colonoscopy – a similar procedure that uses a larger tube, called a colonoscope, to examine your entire bowel
Treating diarrhoea
Diarrhoea often goes away without treatment after a few days, because your immune system (the body’s natural defence system) automatically fights the infection.
In children, the symptoms of diarrhoea usually pass within five to seven days. Most children's diarrhoea symptoms do not last more than two weeks.
In adults, the symptoms of diarrhoea usually improve within two to four days. The time that diarrhoea usually lasts for in particular infections can be:
Rotavirus: three to eight days
Norovirus: around two days
Campylobacter and salmonella bacterial infections: two to seven days
Giardiasis (infection with the Giardia intestinalis parasite): several weeks
In the meantime, you can ease your symptoms by following the steps below.
Drink fluids
You can avoid dehydration by drinking lots of fluids. Take small, frequent sips of water. You are more likely to be dehydrated if you are also vomiting.
It is especially important that babies and small children do not become dehydrated. Even if your child vomits, still give them frequent sips of water. A small amount of fluid is better than none. Fruit juice and fizzy drinks should be avoided, as these can make diarrhoea worse in children.
If your child shows signs of dehydration, contact Dr. B C Shah immediately. Signs of dehydration include:
Appearing to get more unwell
Being irritable or drowsy
Passing urine infrequently
Pale or mottled skin
Cold hands and feet
Children at risk of dehydration
Your child may be at increased risk of dehydration if they:
Are younger than one, particularly if they are younger than six months
Are less than two years old and born with a low birth weight
Have had more than five episodes of diarrhoea in the last 24 hours
Have vomited more than twice in the last 24 hours
Have not been able to hold down fluids
Have suddenly stopped breastfeeding
Continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
If you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your child and they have diarrhoea, continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding them as normal. Rehydration drinks should also be given if your child is at risk of dehydration.
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS)
Dr. B C Shah may suggest drinking an oral rehydration solution (ORS) if you are more vulnerable to the effects of dehydration, for example because:
You are 60 years old or older
You are frail
You have another pre-existing condition, such as cardiovascular disease
Rehydration drinks usually come in sachets that are available without a prescription from your local pharmacist. They are dissolved in water and they help to replace salt, glucose and other important minerals that you may be losing through dehydration.
Rehydration drinks do not cure diarrhoea, but can prevent or treat dehydration. Do not use homemade salt or sugar drinks.
Children and Oral rehydration solution (ORS)
Dr. B C Shah may also recommend an oral rehydration solution for your child if they are dehydrated or at risk of dehydration .
It is usually recommended that your child drinks an ORS each time they have an episode of diarrhoea. The exact amount of ORS they should drink will depend on their size and weight. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you. The manufacturer’s instructions that come with the ORS also give information about the recommended dose.
Advice about eating
Expert opinion is divided over when and what you should eat if you have diarrhoea, but most agree that you should eat solid food as soon as you feel able to. Eat small, light meals and avoid fatty, spicy or heavy foods.
If you feel you cannot eat, it should not do you any harm, but make sure that you continue drinking fluids, and eat as soon as you can.
Children and eating
If your child is dehydrated, do not give them any solid food until they have drunk enough fluids. Once they have stopped showing signs of dehydration, they can start eating their normal diet.
If your child is not dehydrated, offer them their normal diet. If your child refuses to eat, continue to offer drinks and wait until their appetite returns.
Medicines
Antidiarrhoeal medicines
Antidiarrhoeal medicines may reduce the diarrhoea and shorten how long it lasts by around 24 hours. However, they are not usually necessary unless shortening the duration of your diarrhoea helps you get back to your essential activities sooner.

Loperamide is the preferred antidiarrhoeal medicine because it causes fewer side effects and there is more evidence of its effectiveness. Loperamide slows down muscle movements in your gut, which leads to more water being absorbed from your faeces. Your faeces then become firmer and are passed less frequently.
Some antidiarrhoeal medicines can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine to find out if it is suitable for you and what dose you should take. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you are unsure.
You should not take antidiarrhoeal medicines if:
There is blood or mucus in your stools
You have a high temperature
Contact Dr. B C Shah instead.
Children should not be given antidiarrhoeal medicines.
Painkillers
Although painkillers will not help the diarrhoea, you can take the recommended dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have a fever or headache. Do not take ibuprofen if you have asthma, or if you have stomach, liver or kidney problems.
Liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen can also be given to your child if necessary. Check the patient information leaflet to find out if it is suitable for your child. Children under 16 years old should not take aspirin.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not recommended for diarrhoea if the cause is unknown. This is because:
They do not work if the diarrhoea is caused by a virus
They can cause unpleasant side effects
Every time you use antibiotics to treat a mild condition, it is more likely that their effectiveness for treating more serious conditions is reduced
However, if your diarrhoea is particularly severe and a specific bacterial cause has been identified, antibiotics may be recommended.
Antibiotics may also be recommended if you have a pre-existing risk factor that makes you more vulnerable to infection, such as having a weakened immune system.
Treatment in hospital
Hospital treatment may be necessary if you or your child has serious dehydration caused by diarrhoea.
Hospital treatment involves administering fluids and nutrients directly into the vein (intravenously).
Preventing diarrhoea
Infection control
You can help prevent diarrhoea caused by infections by taking steps to prevent the infection spreading. These include:
Washing your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food
Cleaning the toilet, including the handle and the seat, with disinfectant after each bout of diarrhoea
Not sharing towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils with other household members
Not returning to work until 48 hours after your last bout of diarrhoea
How long should I stay at home?
If you or your child has diarrhoea, you should stay at home until at least 48 hours since the last episode of diarrhoea.
If it was suspected or confirmed that the parasite cryptosporidium caused the diarrhoea, you or your child should not go in swimming pools for two weeks after the last episode of diarrhoea.
Food hygiene
Practising good food hygiene will help you to avoid getting diarrhoea as a result of food poisoning. Some ways of doing this are:
Regularly washing your hands, surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water
Never storing raw and cooked foods together
Making sure that food is kept properly refrigerated
Always cooking your food thoroughly
Never eating food that is past its sell-by date
Preventing travellers’ diarrhoe
If you are travelling in a country where the standards of public hygiene are low and there is a risk of water contamination, such as in some African or Asian countries, you may need to avoid the following food and drink:
Tap water
Fruit juices (if sold by a street vendor)
Ice cream or ice cubes
Shellfish
Eggs
Salads
Raw or undercooked meat
Peeled fruit
Mayonnaise
Sauces
Food and drink that are generally safe to eat include:
Sealed bottled water that is produced by a recognised international manufacturer
Cooked food, such as soup or stir-fry
Canned food or food in sealed packs
Fresh bread
Unpeeled fruit
Tea or coffee
Alcohol


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