Cola and pretzel sticks in case of diarrhea?

Help coke and pretzel sticks with diarrhea?

08/05/2013

Grasp everyone has ever had a tip to grab on coke and pretzel sticks, if he has diarrhea. But is there something about this recommendation or is this just a myth? Actually, these are rather unhealthy foods.

Sometimes it is a salad that was not properly cleaned, sometimes a roll that was too long in hot temperatures in the sun. Often it is viruses that haunt us after a meal and spoil the meal afterwards. Diarrhea feels uncomfortable and deprives the body of important nutrients in addition to water. For many, coke and pretzel sticks are the first choice to make up for the loss. For our cells, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium are essential substances that ensure the functions. Sugar helps to transport the salts from the intestine into the body.

A myth
Tom Ganten, senior physician of gastroenterology at the University Hospital Heidelberg told "SPIEGEL", however, that this combination is not really suitable to fight diarrhea. Cola contains sugar as well as caffeine, which is at least problematic and more diarrhea-promoting for children.

The doctor states: „Furthermore, the high sugar content leads to an increased excretion of water via the kidneys. You may lose even more fluids and important electrolytes, such as potassium. "For example, a study in the Internal Journal of Clinical Practice found that large amounts of 2 to 3 liters of cola a day may cause potassium deficiency.

Uniform hydration helps
"Sodium and potassium are tightly regulated in the body," explains the physician. "The organism usually succeeds even in diarrhea, as long as all organs are working properly and the necessary substances are available." Salt pretzels, however, mainly contain sodium and hardly any potassium. "In diarrhea, both electrolytes are lost and should be taken up again evenly."

In case of severe and prolonged diarrhea, other handling can even have serious consequences, since potassium is responsible among other things for the stabilization of the cell membrane of the heart muscle cells and participates in the control of the heart rhythm. A deficiency can lead to paralysis in the body to cardiac arrhythmia. Sodium deficiency is manifested by tiredness and confusion. In extreme cases, water can accumulate in the brain tissue and cause edema.

Electrolyte-containing drinks instead of cola
"At home you can make yourself a drink like that," explains Ganten. For this, a teaspoon of salt is mixed into one liter of boiled water. This ensures the sodium supply. Also in pharmacies let find appropriate means for taking. The juice of four oranges ensures the potassium intake.

The last ingredient is added to seven teaspoons of glucose (glucose). The sugar provides energy and makes it easier for the body to absorb the electrolytes from the cocktail. If it is a mild diarrheal disease, soak tea with a bit of sugar and rusk the digestive tract. "Drinking is a top priority," says Ganten. "At least three liters a day in adults, depending on the severity of the disease may be much more necessary."

In order to be able to assess whether the water supply in the body is sufficient, a well-supplied nose and moist mucous membranes provide good clues. Tablets, on the other hand, are rather unsuitable for the treatment. They close the intestine and remove one of its most important functions from diarrhea: It flushes viruses, bacteria and toxins out of the digestive tract. Most of these affect the large intestine, which is responsible for receiving water.

Dry bread and apples
If the stomach begins to calm down slowly, you can start to eat dry bread. Add a little apple or boiled carrots. "Both contain pectins that are well tolerated and bind toxins," says Ganten. If you do not have an appetite for a solid apple, you can also grate it down and process it into mush.

"Not suitable for diarrhea, however, foods with high fat content," said the gastroenterologist. They overwhelm the irritated digestive system. Milk behaves similarly. "Many people do not tolerate the lactose lactose when the intestines are irritated." One reason for this is that the enzyme lactase, which cleaves the milk sugar in the small intestine, is not present in sufficient quantities in an inflammation - similar to a lactose intolerance.

If the diarrhea is accompanied by a strong feeling of weakness and l have not disappeared by itself after three days or if there is blood in the bowels, you should consult a doctor. This is especially true for children and old people, says Ganten. If you pinch the skin and the wrinkles stop, dark colored urine or lack of urine excretion are indications of extreme dehydration. "Then you need medical help directly." Conclusion: Lightly sweetened tea, rusks and electrolyte solutions help the body in diarrhea better than coke and pretzel sticks. (Fr)