Even after diarrhea has come and gone, you could be left with a lingering feeling of fatigue that is hard to shake. By following a few simple steps, you can be sure you are giving your body the support it needs to regain energy and get back to normal.
Why Does Diarrhea Make You Tired?
First and foremost it helps to understand why diarrhea can make you so tired. The number one cause of fatigue after diarrhea is dehydration. During a bout of diarrhea, important fluids and electrolytes are flushed from your system which can lead to dehydration. As you become dehydrated, your blood volume lowers, and less blood is sent to your brain which leaves your heart pumping harder than usual. Even just mild dehydration can leave you feeling lethargic and fatigued, as your heart is working overtime.
Another factor that can lead to fatigue after diarrhea is a lack of nutrients. Many people lose their appetite when they’re feeling sick, and going a day or more without any nutrient intake can leave your energy levels depleted.
Last but not least, an imbalance in gut bacteria could be influencing your feelings of fatigue. Research suggests that gut dysbiosis (the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and inadequate amounts of “good” bacteria) might play a role in chronic fatigue syndrome. It’s possible that an unhealthy gut microbiome could also contribute to fatigue after diarrhea.
How to Deal with Fatigue After Diarrhea
Now that we’ve covered the most common causes, let’s discuss some simple ways to help overcome fatigue after diarrhea.
- Stay Hydrated: Hands down, the most important factor in dealing with fatigue during and after diarrhea is staying well hydrated with. Water, broths (homemade bone and veggie broths are ideal), unsweetened coconut water, and OTC or homemade electrolyte drinks are all good options. If you are experiencing nausea alongside your diarrhea or are having a hard time keeping liquids down, try taking small sips as frequently as possible throughout the day.
- Take Probiotics: Probiotic-rich foods and probiotic supplements can help to restore the good bacteria in your gut which can be depleted by a bout of diarrhea. Probiotic-rich foods include unsweetened kombucha tea, dairy or coconut kefir, raw sauerkraut, and plain yogurt. A high-quality probiotic supplement can also be a good option. Opt for a wide spectrum probiotic (one that includes multiple strains) with at least 50 billion CFU (colony forming units) per dose. If you’re new to probiotics, you might need to begin with half of the recommended dose and slowly work your way up.
- Eat Nourishing Foods: Even if you’re not feeling up to eating much, choosing nutrient-dense foods can go a long way in fighting fatigue. Homemade bone broth, vegetable broth, soups, and stews are all great options. Once your diarrhea has passed and you’re able to eat a regular diet again, try to fill your plate with a healthy serving of vegetables, a serving of protein, and healthy fat.
- Choose DiaResQ for Rapid Diarrhea Relief: Along with hydrating beverages and healthy foods, keeping DiaResQ on hand can help you to recover quickly from diarrhea. Diarrhea is often caused by your body’s reaction to an unwanted microorganism in the gut – your body is trying to protect itself by flushing this unwanted intruder from your system. Many diarrhea relief products work by slowing down the movement of your gut and interrupting this natural flushing process. While this may help temporarily control some of the symptoms of diarrhea, it keeps the problem-causing microorganism in your body longer. DiaResQ is different – it provides nutrients and immune factors that work with your body to address the underlying issue quickly, so you can get over diarrhea and back to normal.
Sometimes fatigue after diarrhea is inevitable, but following these steps can help you bounce back in no time.
