How to Use Cranberry to Treat Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by eating tainted food, viral infection, flu, medications, stress and fatigue. The type of treatment for diarrhea will depend on the cause. For many types of diarrhea, cranberry juice reportedly has a calming effect on the intestinal tract.

Instructions

How Cranberry Works

1. Reduce the effects of the stomach virus that causes diarrhea when you treat with cranberry juice. Studies are ongoing that indicate a component of cranberry juice prevents the virus from attaching to the cells in the intestine and causing diarrhea.

2. Eat cranberries or drink cranberry juice for the malic acid, which may provide some protection against diarrhea.

3. Use cranberry juice to treat chronic diarrhea. Vital nutrients are lost during episodes of diarrhea and must be replaced to maintain normal cellular activity. Cranberry juice has many essential nutrients, such as vitamin A, thiamine, vitamin C, niacin and carotene.

4. Control diarrhea that is a result of ulcers. Studies show that cranberry is effective in prohibiting the Helicobacter pylori bacteria from attaching to the lining of the stomach and intestinal tract. The H. pylori bacteria can lead to diarrhea.

5. Use cranberry to treat diarrhea for the proanthocyanidins present in the cranberry. The astringent and antibacterial properties are thought to be effective in the treatment of diarrhea.

6. Give cranberry juice to children with antibiotic-related diarrhea. Follow your physician's directive if the child is to remain on the antibiotic until it is finished. Cranberry juice can be effective in reducing the severity of diarrhea associated with antibiotics.

Soothe Diarrhea Discomfort

1. Place 1 banana, 1 cup of frozen raspberry low-fat yogurt, 2/3 cup cranberry juice and 1/2 cup each of frozen blueberries and frozen raspberries in a blender or smoothie maker.

2. Blend until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

3. Pour into a glass and enjoy the fruit taste while the cranberry juice goes to work on the intestinal tract to reduce the irritants causing the diarrhea.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink plenty of liquids during an episode of diarrhea to prevent dehydration.

• Drinking more than 3 liters of cranberry juice a day can cause diarrhea.

• Contact your physician immediately if the diarrhea contains blood.

• Call your health care provider if you suddenly begin running a high fever along with the diarrhea.