If you have ever been to a tropical country, you have probably

experienced diarrhea: frequent and uncontrolled evacuation of liquid

stool caused by bacteria in local water, milk or food.

Diarrhea can also be caused at home by excesses in diet (a diet

that is too rich) or an allergic reaction to certain foods or medication

or even by stress.

To treat diarrhea, avoid all solid food on the first day. Drink

liquids like water, apple juice, meat or vegetable boullion and tea.

These will compensate for your loss of water - dehydration being one

of the main dangers of diarrhea - and will give your intestines a

period of rest.

If you have stomach cramps, rub your hands together for about a

minute. Then place both palms on your abdominal region. The heat

will soothe the pain.

On the second day, eat small quantities of solid food. Among the

least irritating are cooked cereals (especially rice), biscuits and soft

boiled eggs.

You can also try charcoal. It comes in tablet or capsule form (you

can also get it off burnt toast!)

Chinese medicine has always considered ginger one of the best

remedies for diarrhea. Dilute a tablespoon in hot water and

add honey.