Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 65-year-old female. For about five years, I suffered from unpredictable fecal incontinence and diarrhea. Both afflictions were unpleasant and caused me considerable anxiety.
My 84-year-old aunt was not a bit shocked when I confided this to her. She simply told me to drink more water. Of course, my reaction was “Huh?” to which she said, “You’re dehydrated. Just do it!”
I can tell you that it really did work. Although I disdain the heaviness of so much water, I changed from iced water to room temperature, and the feeling isn’t so bad. I now drink about four ounces 12 times a day and have no more problems.
How could this be — more water curing me of both afflictions? I need to know the reason this works, because people don’t believe me when I tell them.
Dear Reader: Diarrhea is typically caused by an infection or functional bowel disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It can lead to dehydration, so it is important to take in additional fluids during an episode. Constipation often responds well to increased fluid intake. I am just as baffled as you are, but I am printing your letter with the request that if any of my readers have heard of or have had experience with this, they should write to me with their results.
As a matter of interest, I will briefly discuss dehydration. This condition occurs when the body loses more water than it takes in. This can occur for a number of reasons, including diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, decreased water intake and the use of certain medications.
Symptoms range from mild to severe and can include thirst, decreased sweating and urination, reduced skin elasticity, dry mouth, low blood pressure, shock, severe damage to internal organs, confusion, coma and death.
Treatment is simple: hydrate. This can often be accomplished by simply cooling down and drinking more fluids. In severe cases, IV fluids may be needed to replace not only lost water but also lost electrolytes. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs for more than three days, a physician should be seen to determine the cause and ensure that dehydration has not resulted.
To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Constipation and Diarrhea.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Dear Dr. Gott: I suffered from plantar fasciitis until my doctor told me about a simple home remedy. Simply place your hands against a wall, step back an arm’s length, and then bend your arms and learn forward while going up and down on your toes. It should be done several times a day. It stretches the heels. It does hurt a bit, but, with time, the pain from stretching and the pain from the fasciitis both go away.
Dear Reader: Thank you for sharing your simple remedy. Readers, give it a try and then send me your results.
To provide related information about other home remedies, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order per report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).
