Diarrhea

[mjmel]

While sorting old magazines, I came across a brochure inserted in a 2001 issue of Lifetimes 2, a publication by ProCare Pharmacies. The brochure is entitled, Managing Diarrhea for the HIV positive--written by Harry Varav Pharm D., HIV Clinical Specialist, Asst. Clinical Professor, UCSF School of Pharmacy. It's an issue many of us deal with so I'm posting pertinent info from the brochure. Many of us are already familiar with some of the suggestions but newbies can use the tried and true recommendations.

Bulk forming agents:
Glutamine--available wihtout a prescription. Glutamine is an amino acide that is used by intestinal cells to stay healthy and block bacteria from entering the intestinal lining. Glutamine may also improve energy and may be particularly useful for patients who are experiencing wasting. Use Glutamine powder instead of capsules to derive maximum benefiit. Dissolve the powder n water or juice before consuming. Space the does out to three times per day with meals. Suggested dosage is 10 to 30 grams per day.
Shaman Botanicals--Normal Stool Formula. Originally developed as Provir and now marketed as a nutritional supplement. This product is extracted from the Amazon rainforest and acts differently from the other products by reducing fluids in the GI tract. Suggested dosage is one tablet every 6 hrs.
Calcium Supplements--available with or without a perscription. Calcium has a constipating effect which can help control protese inhibitor related diarrhea. Suggested dosage is 500mg. twice daily.
Psyllium Husk Fiber Bars--available without a perscription at most pharmacies. A low cost natural alternative, psyllium husk fiber bars are taken one hour before bedtime. Usually two bars are sufficient to alleviate diarrhea.

Over the Counter Medications*
Imodium
Imodium AD has an extra ingredient to control gas and bloating.
Kaopectate
Pepto-Bismol avoid this product if you have an allergy to aspirin.
Citrucel
Metamucil (psyllium) may cause more gas gthen Citrucel.
*always consult with health care provider if symptoms persist for more than 48 hrs.

Perscription Medications
Lomotil--helps to slow down movement of your digestive system and reduce the frquency of bowel movements. It can be taken several times per day to achieve the desired effect.
Pancreatic enzymes--available in several brand names (Ultrase MT-20, Pancrease MT-20). They contain enzymes which help to digest proteins, starches and fats. They act only in your digestive system and are not absorbed into your bloodstream which helps to minimize side effects.
Tincture of Opium--usually reserved for use when other approaches do not work, this medication slows down passage of contents within your digestive system by blocking normal digestive movement. It can cause sleepiness and nausea because the active ingredient is morphine, a powerful narcotic.

Dietary Changes
Try to decrease caffeine intake
Eat more frequent but smaller meals during the day
East less fatty or fried foods
Use lactose free dairy products
Eat foods high in soluble fiber such as oatmeal, plain pasta and potatoes and minimize insoluble fiber such as brown rice, whole wheat breads and muffins.
Remember:
Maintain adequate fluid intake, drink plenty of water.
Wash all fruits and vegetables with plenty of water before eating.

[Miss Philicia]

I take a pancreatic enzyme (Pancrecarb) since last year and it's been quite helpful (in addition to copious amounts of imodium daily, which I've taken for about a decade).

[lean2265]

Hi
Where can i get the shaman normal stool formula. The website seems went down....

[Roie]

I  take half a teaspoon of powdered INDIAN cinnamon 4 times a day which I mix into my coffee.

I swear by it that it keeps my stomache in check. Since I started to take cinnamon I do not suffer from diahrea or constipation. If I dont take my cinnamon i have diahrrea but the cinnamon clears it up and my stomach goes back to normal with normal firm bowl movements almost immediately.

As far as I am concerened its a mirical solution. I know that half a teaspoon in coffee is quite disgusting but it sure beats the alternative. I have gotten used to it and so I tollerate it well. If mixed with milk it is not so bitter. It can also be mixed into yoghurt.

It must be Indian/Srilankan Cinnamon obtainable in an Indian food grocery shop/market.
The Indian Cinnamon has a more subtle smell.


 
 

[denb45]

Glutamine never worked for me, so, I had to drop all of the Red meat,  and change some of my eating habits, and the Imoduim seems to help, if I'm not stressed-out, if I'm worried about something, than it's like a broken faucet, that I cannot seem to shut-down    that was one of the reasons (Diarrhea) I had to give up my career, my job was so stressful, I couldn't find a toilet to save my life, My employer did offer me
a office/desk job ( for the same pay) but I declined the offer  I figured , if I couldn't be on the streets arresting criminals ( and hooking them crooks)  doing what I was trained to do ,what was the point 

[denb45]

I  take half a teaspoon of powdered INDIAN cinnamon 4 times a day which I mix into my coffee.

I swear by it that it keeps my stomache in check. Since I started to take cinnamon I do not suffer from diahrea or constipation. If I dont take my cinnamon i have diahrrea but the cinnamon clears it up and my stomach goes back to normal with normal firm bowl movements almost immediately.

As far as I am concerened its a mirical solution. I know that half a teaspoon in coffee is quite disgusting but it sure beats the alternative. I have gotten used to it and so I tollerate it well. If mixed with milk it is not so bitter. It can also be mixed into yoghurt.

It must be Indian/Srilankan Cinnamon obtainable in an Indian food grocery shop/market.
The Indian Cinnamon has a more subtle smell.


 
 

Humm..............I'm gonna give the Indian/Srilankan Cinnamon a try, we have an international food market here in Albuquerque, where I can get that      Thanks