activity such as regular walking. In almost all cases, these
habits will result in normal gut function (having at least one to
three bowel movements a day). However, if more remedies are
needed to treat constipation, it’s best to see your doctor.
Diarrhea is an abnormal looseness of the stools, usually with
increased frequency. Acute watery diarrhea, with symptoms of
gas, cramping and intestinal pain, is usually associated with
some illness. When severe it can lead to dehydration and dan-
gerous losses of electrolytes (including sodium, potassium, cal-
cium and magnesium). Acute diarrhea is often caused by a viral
infection, and sometimes by drugs, especially antibiotics.
Bacterial infections are sometimes the cause, especially when
blood is present. Artificial sweeteners, especially the alcohol
sugars sorbitol, xylitol and others, can also cause acute diar-
rhea. If you have acute diarrhea lasting more than 10 days or
two weeks see your doctor. When acute diarrhea becomes
chronic it may be associated with more serious problems.
NSAIDS, antibiotics and antacids can also cause chronic diar-
rhea, as can dairy foods and gluten-containing grains — espe-
cially wheat. Finding and eliminating the cause of the problem
is the best remedy. In the meantime, keeping well hydrated is
important, and pectin, best consumed from fresh apples or
applesauce, can be effective as well. The use of pre- and pro-
biotics, as discussed earlier, can also be helpful.276 • IN FITNESS AND IN HEALTH