The stomach, without a doubt plays the most vital role in the digestive system process.  It basically holds the food that is being broken down by enzymes.  As your food move along the digestive tract, enzymes and other juices are there to absorb the nutrients from the food. Without enzymes, your stomach will not function properly even if you eat naturally healthy foods. There will be times however when these enzymes cannot work like they normally used to. This can be attributed to several factors such as diseases and aging.  Because of this malfunction, digestive enzymes and supplements enter the picture.

What are digestive enzymes? Digestive enzymes are proteins that your body uses to break down the food you eat into helpful nutrients and waste products. Some examples are pancreatic enzymes and natural enzymes, among others. Plant enzymes are found in raw food such as vegetables and fruits. Raw foods contain basically the four types of plant enzymes needed for better digestion. These are protease for protein digestion, amylase for carbohydrate digestion, lipase for fat digestion, and cellulose for fiber digestion. Fruits which are high in fat include avocadoes, while fruits which are high in apples include apples.

Digestive supplements are very popular nowadays because of the digestive advantage that it gives to the person taking them. Several factors affect the way the digestive process works. This includes old age and certain illnesses. Deficiency in digestive enzymes can lead to digestion problems which consist of constipation, indigestion, arthritis, obesity, and irritable bowel syndrome to name a few. Since digestive enzymes can no longer work well, supplements such as digestive probiotics are recommended for better digestion.

Beano, for example,  is a natural enzyme supplement that may either come in tablets or meltaways. It prevents gas, bloating, and other digestive problems caused by enzyme deficiency. It is usually used to prevent flatulence and abdominal discomfort caused by eating beans, but you can also apply it to cabbage, broccoli, onions, peppers, soy products and whole grains, among others.  You can actually eat all the healthy foods you want without being anxious of the effect that it will have on your digestion process.  Many people take digestive enzymes and supplements because they want to live better and healthier. There is definitely nothing wrong with aiming to have a hale and hearty life, as long as it involves taking in natural ingredients.

Loperamide is a medicine orally taken for the faster treatment of diarrhea. Immodium is a very popular brand choice of loperamide because it restores the balance in the way your digestive system works and works even faster than other leading brands. Imodium a-d comes in a tablet, capsule, liquid, or chewable depending on your choice and need.  Imodium advanced caplet however, cannot be bought over the counter. You will need your doctor’s prescription for this.

For diarrhea control to be safe and effective, you need to determine the proper dosage modicum for you.  Ask your doctor beforehand so he can give you advice on how to take Imodium correctly. You should also provide all the information your doctor may need regarding any allergies or health problems you are suffering from, which could be worsened by taking in medications like Imodium advanced. In addition to taking medicines, it is very important that you increase your fluid intake to prevent dehydration caused by your condition. Following a proper diet will also be helpful.  Just like any other medicine, you may also experience side effects. Some Imodium side effects include dizziness and lightheadedness. Some may experience these effects more than others. If you notice anything which you think is not normal and has become quite bothersome, consult your doctor right away.

When you have diarrhea, your stomach digests food faster than normal without absorbing the nutrients in the process. This can be caused by various factors including food and tension. You need to check on your diet from now on. Imodium AD works by slowing down the pace of the digestive process so your stomach can have time to absorb the nutrients needed by your body and you will ultimately have lesser frequency of bowel movements. Whether you’ll be having a client meeting or a hot date, don’t forget to bring this anti-diarrheal medicine with you. Be prepared all the time.

The symptoms and treatment for IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be quite hard to determine especially if you are not familiar with this particular illness. For starters, irritable bowel syndrome also called spastic colon and irritable colon, among others is a condition in which the muscles of the colon contracts abnormally.  This means that a person with IBS will most probably experience irritable bowel movement and bloating after eating more often than a person who doesn’t have this condition.

IBS symptoms usually includes digestive issues such as excessive gas, flatulence, abdominal pains and cramps, painful constipation, irritable bowel movement, bloating, and heartburn. Bowel infection and mucus in the stool can also be an indication of severe IBS.  The IBS syndrome will affect your life more than you can imagine. Most people who have this condition get upset easily which leads to extreme stress and nervous tension. Women can even experience more symptoms when they have their period. The only way you can get back your life again is to find IBS help.

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome consists of a process which you need to willingly undertake. You may have to inject some changes in your life such as your diet and day to day activities, among others.  The first thing you need to do is to determine what seems to be the cause for you to find the proper remedy. If you are a chain smoker, then smoking could be the underlying cause of your IBS. The best thing to do is to stop smoking. Your choice of food can also be the source of this condition. Some foods to avoid are those which contain caffeine as well as fatty and yeast enriched foods. There are also numerous drugs available in pharmacies for instant constipation relief.

The Dr. Oz Show website has a lot of IBS info which you can read and use to determine IBS symptoms and treatment. You can also find various diets for IBS sufferers and natural treatments. Exercise and learning how to manage stress can also be great for long-term bloating remedy. When eating with IBS, you have to be choosy with the food you put into your mouth as some foods may worsen your condition.  While some foods can be bad for your health, there are also some supplements which can actually improve your stomach’s state such as those with probiotics.

Chicken with Rice for Dog

4 ounces of a low fat meat product that is boiled or baked.

8 ounces of white rice (white rice is preferred if treating active dog diarrhea, otherwise you can substitute cooked oatmeal or cottage cheese).

*Whatever total weight portion of rice and meat you use the ratio of meat to rice should be 1:2.

Combine these ingredients with 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, (or a pro-biotic powder made especially for dogs) and 2-4 heaping teaspoons of boiled or baked sweet potato.

Chicken and Rice for Dogs- Version 2

Soft boil 2 egg

Boil a pound of fresh chicken livers in 2 cups of chicken stock for 15 minutes. Drain the excess liquid and allow the livers to cool to room temperature.

Prepare a cup of cooked rice (white or brown).

Coarsely chop the chicken livers and eggs and mix these ingredients together with the rice. You can store this in a container in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours.

Feed 2 tablespoons of the mixture to your dog every 3-4 hours for the first 12-24 hours. Increase the amount of food at each feeding during the following 12-24 hours according to how well your pet is doing. Once his GI problems are eliminated you can restart your dog on his normal diet.

The Ralston Purina Dog Food Manufacturers have one type of dog food that is made with extra starches and protein that may help prevent dog diarrhea. The name of this dry dog food product is Purina’s CNM /HA Special Formula.

There are also some herbs that can be used to treat dog diarrhea. You can add these herbs to your dog’s diet or purchase some prepared formulas that contain a combination of natural organic substances that are known to help reverse diarrhea and restore normal function to the GI tract. I’ll write more about these herbs and dog blends specifically if there is enough interest.

And of course, although obvious I’d hope, I am not a licensed veterinarian, thus although this is my experience with my dogs through the years, be wise about it and smartly consult your own dog’s vet prior to changing your dog’s diet.

For a dog having a case of diarrhea often is nature’s way of helping them eliminate something disagreeable from their intestinal tract. This is especially true if you have a normally healthy dog that seems to be his usual happy self except for the loose, watery stools. Adding some rice to their meals might just provide your pet with a quick, healthy fix. Ironically, although this post does discuss dogs, the similarities between dogs and people in this case – - and why it is relevant on the brat diet site – - including those who feed Immodium to their pet, are strikingly similar.

Of course if you have a young puppy or an older dog with chronic health problems you should take them in to be checked by a vet because they are at higher risk from developing dehydration as a result of the diarrhea

The basic diet of a dog with GI upsets should focus on replacing proteins that they are losing through their loose stools. Providing your pet with a meal that contains equal amounts of cooked meat and rice can help soothe the irritable digestive tract while giving the animal bulk and fiber. If it seems as though you have a dog with an irritable bowel disease some ground flaxseed mixed with regular food will also prove helpful.

The Easy 5 Day Diet: Rice for Dog Diarrhea:

Day 1 – Provide your dog with plenty of water, but no food because it would only irritate his digestive system even more.

Day 2 – Cooked Rice can be given to your dog to eat and they are also allowed water to drink. In fact, make sure they have plenty of water, as rice absorbs it, and the point here is to push “the bad” out of your dog, regulating their upset stomach and diet.

Day 3 – Your dog’s meals should consist of equal portions of baked, stewed or grilled chicken (skinned) and cooked rice. Provide a portion that’s a bit less than their normal meal.

Day 4 - You can now feed your pet a meal that is made with equal portions of cooked rice and the regular dog food that you purchase. Dry is better than wet or soft. Serve mixed, so they don’t just eat one or the other. Rice is sticky, so mixing should be easy.

Day 5 – Advance your pet’s diet so that he is now restarted on his normal meals.

*If your dog is better by the beginning of the 3rd day, and the GI problems seem under control, you can skip the meal plan listed for Day 3. This changes the Rice Diet for Dogs to a 4 day plan instead.

You can make healthy, easy to digest doggie meals at home. Here are some good recipes to use that include meat, rice and yogurt. These are simple and easy to prepare and they promote better digestive health for your pets, but in my experience, this is an especially advanced treatment that honestly I don’t do. I have found that herbs, although o.k. for people, often have adverse effects with my own dog. Even a chicken or beef broth with herbs, although not turned away by most dogs goes down easy, but the side effects can make it not worth their initial pleasure.

I’ll be adding some more rice recipes for your dog’s diarrhea in future posts, or as you let me know. This should give you a good place to start, however.

Sandy

Dogs can be your best friend, confidant and beloved member of the family. They cheer you up when you are feeling down and can even be good for a laugh or two if the muse strikes them. What is not so funny however is when your pooch has a decided case of diarrhea. Not only is it a mess if they are a house dog, but just like humans it can lead to dehydration and other medical problems

The first thing you need to do is try and determine the cause of your dogs diarrhea. When you have narrowed down the causes, you will be in a better place to provide your dog with adequate treatment.

Food

Your dogs food could be a big part of the problem, overeating, foreign material and even a change from one brand to the other can cause problems.

Sometimes dogs who are only fed once a day will woof down their food quickly and actually gorge themselves. They do this because they know it is the only feeding they will get until tomorrow. This influx of food can wreak havoc on the digestive system and leave you with a mess. The best idea is to feed them smaller meals several times per day or leave free choice food available at all times.

Some dogs are highly sensitive to the type of food they eat. This is generally a problem with purebred dogs, but can happen to any canine. If you have recently changed your dog’s brand of food to save money and notice bad results immediately, you will want to switch them back quickly.

If you have not changed your dog’s food or noticed any overeating, you may want to have your dog food tested. Unfortunately, the manufacturers sometimes have to recall their feeds because of foreign contaminants or even poison.

Illness

Dogs can also contract illnesses of the small or large intestine that will increase the number of times they have a bowel movement daily. This is usually marked by the presence of blood in the stool, vomiting, weight loss and listless behavior. It is a good idea to see your veterinarian quickly if you notice any of these symptoms.

Chewing

Dogs are like children they will put almost anything in their mouth, including batteries, make-up and chemical bottles they find at eye level, (and sometimes those on the counters!) Some dogs are worse than others about eating or chewing up foreign materials, nevertheless if your furry friend spends a lot of time indoors it might be wise to puppy proof your home.

Other possibilities

Pesticides, worms, common canine diseases and fungus are all things that can cause diarrhea in your pet. Canine parvovirus is especially bad about this and can cause death if not treated quickly. The best thing you can do for your dog, just to be safe is to take them to the vet immediately. The causes of dog diarrhea may be simple but there are so many serious causes you do not want to take chances.

I’ve been getting some questions as of late that have focused around “dog diarrhea” and how it relates to using the same healthy balance approach that we humans have (I’m assuming you are not a dog reading on your Master’s computer) with the B.R.A.T. Diet.

The fact of the matter is that when my dog is sick, (I have a Terrier that often eats anything and everything”) I use the same basic principals as expressed with the BRAT Diet, but do so with a couple added precautions that are dog-specific, dangers or warnings that people don’t have to worry about.

Of course, I am not a licensed vet, but do feed my dog human grade food and successfully can and do adjust his diet whenever his stomach is upset, or his mood is less than ideal, or he just is not behaving like himself. I’ll work on a couple dog specific BRAT Diet health articles to address some of your concerns. Give me a day or two and I’ll post them when they are ready.

Thanks for your Brat Diet questions – keep ‘em coming.

Sandy

First, understanding diarrhea: If you were to ask your doctor, they would characterize diarrhea as a noticeable increase in the passing of stools, usually on terms of weight. Between those who suffer from it, the increase in stools is on the right lines, but we may wish to add the urgency of needing the toilet and that our stools are very loose and more liquid as opposed to solid.

If caused by the onset of other illnesses, going without treatment can lead to dehydration, which is more serious than it initially sounds. In poorer countries where the necessary medication is less available, diarrhea and dehydration could and does lead to premature deaths.

You might get an upset stomach and diarrhea from simply eating something that didn’t agree with you. Your suffering may last a couple of days or weeks but it is highly likely that you will recover from it. This type of short-term diarrhea is commonly referred to as ‘acute’ diarrhea. On the other hand ‘chronic’ diarrhea may be the sign of other illnesses or diseases within the body. If you notice that loose stools is becoming all too consistent, a trip to the doctors would be advised to determine the rudimentary problem.

There can be many causes to diarrhea, but the most likely of these causes are infections such as the virus ‘rotavirus’, bacterias including E. coli, salmonella and clostridium, not to forget several parasites. Some causes will be transferred from another infected person or even food and drinking supplies that have been in contact with any bacterias. Food poisoning can be brought on by consuming food that has been undercooked or contaminated, leading to the problem of diarrhea.

If its not an infection that has occurred, there are still other conditions that can bring on loose stools. Consider the following:

• An inability to digest some foods such as lactose products or an intolerance to wheat.
• If you have ’short-bowel syndrome’, a condition where a portion of your intestine had to be removed.
• If you have gone through surgery to take away the gallbladder.
• If you have any diseases linked to the hormonal system such as diabetes or adrenal disease.
• Inflammatory bowel disease or bowel cancer.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Alcoholism.

So whats the science behind it all? We are aware of some of the causes, but what actually makes a watery stool a watery stool? It is quite natural for the bodies digestive system to break down food into a more liquidized form in order to pass it out of the stomach and into the intestines. However, on reaching the lower part of the small intestine and colon, our body will start to reabsorb some of the water, forming the stool we are most used to.

When our bodies recognize a toxin, they pump more water through the body to get rid of it as quickly as possible. The excessive amount of water within the stool cannot be completely reabsorbed by the body and that folks – is why we get diarrhea.

Taking care of a sick child can be very frustrating. Not only are children unable to tell you what is wrong with them but they can become very ill in a short time. Infants and toddlers are more prone to sudden illness than older children. For this reason it is imperative that small children that become ill with the flu or stomach bug receive the right treatment. High temperatures and frequent vomiting will cause dehydration in a small child within hours. When the stomach is involved it is hard for toddlers to eat or drink. Depending on the age of the child, offering fluids and use of the Brat diet is often suggested by the pediatrician.

The BRAT diet has been recommended as the number one home treatment for small children suffering with stomach issues. BRAT (B.R.A.T.) stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Used for years to help those recovering with an upset stomach, it has proven to be well tolerated. This bland, low-fiber diet seems to help infants and toddlers reintroduce solid foods into their ailing digestive system.

Following the BRAT diet can help stomach problems for some medically sound reasons. Low fiber foods that have binding properties, help the stools to firm up. This is important when diarrhea has been an issue for days. Nutrients are lost during vomiting and bouts of diarrhea. Potassium is just one of those frequently lost nutrients. The bananas in the BRAT diet help to replace the potassium in the body.

Older children and toddlers alike can be fussy eaters even in the best of times. A sick child can bring this out causing great frustration to moms or caregivers. It is best to remember that keeping what is offered to the child on the bland side. Some extensions to the BRAT diet are the BRATY diet. This is thus named because of the addition of yogurt to the list of BRAT diet foods. The BRATY diet would suggest bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and yogurt. Another one is called the BRATT diet. It consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and tea. That would be the addition of sugarless tea as sugary foods eaten too soon after the symptoms have stopped, can cause the upset to return.

Transition back to a normal diet slowly after the stomach symptoms have stopped. Continue on a bland diet for the next couple of days. During this time, try to avoid dairy products, fried or greasy foods, rich desserts, raw foods, citrus and caffeinated drinks. The addition of these foods too early in recovery can renew the symptoms.

During the time of illness, remember to frequently offer water or ice chips to avoid dehydration. Pedialyte can help replace the lost electrolytes. It comes in a variety of flavors to entice the child to drink. Stomach viruses can get out of hand quickly in small children. Remember to contact your pediatrician if the diarrhea last for more than 3 days, the temperature reaches 102 or above, urine output stops or the child cries with no tears. Follow these few rules when dealing with infant, toddler stomach issues and your child will recover in haste.

I wanted to write a brief note about how this website may earn income – just so everybody is on the same page.  I think most readers probably know this with websites online, but just in case you didn’t, I wanted to set the record straight from the beginning.

Sometimes there are links that appear on our site that generate revenue for us.  Not all links, but there may be advertising that appears on our website that provides us income if you click on such links.  For the sake of simplicity, if you have any issue with such a scenario, it is your choice to recognize the value provided that I make a deliberate effort to provide you, my reader, and act accordingly.

Thanks,

Sandy