Health Tips for May 21

Health Tip: Drugs That May Lead to Diarrhea

Certain medications are more likely than others to aggravate the digestive tract and result in loose stools, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.

The agency says they include:

• Antibiotics, which often cause diarrhea because they kill bacteria -- even the good bacteria -- found in the intestines.
• Chemotherapy drugs, used to treat cancer.
• Immune system-suppressing drugs, such as mycophenolate.
• Some herbal teas that contain senna or other substances that are natural laxatives.
• A laxative is meant to relieve constipation. But taking too much of a laxative can lead to problem diarrhea.

Health Tip: Dealing With Diarrhea

Most cases of diarrhea clear up on their own, unless there's a more serious cause such as food or water contamination.

Dehydration often is your biggest concern. Here are suggestions for dealing with diarrhea, from the U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse:

• Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, unless you're traveling to another country. In that case, avoid tap water, ice, and foods washed in tap water at all costs. Drink and eat from sources that you know are safe for travelers.
• Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine, as well as dairy products.
• Avoid foods that are high in fiber.
• Don't eat foods that are very greasy or sweet.
• As you start to feel better, try eating bland foods such as rice, toast, crackers, bananas or boiled potatoes.