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What is diarrhea?

To understand diarrhea, it is helpful to know more about your digestive system and how it works. This will help you appreciate what it means to upset the balance of your digestive system.

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How digestion works

When your digestive system is in its normal rhythm, food and fluids pass from the stomach into the small intestine.27 Food is then broken down and nutrients are absorbed along with most of the fluid. The remaining waste and some water pass into the colon (large intestine) where more water is absorbed and finally the waste is passed in the form of stools.27 

When the cells in your small intestine or colon are irritated, the relaxed and regular movement of your intestines can become overactive. Essential salts and fluids, as well as nutrients from the food that you eat, end up being passed through the colon too quickly.10 With less fluid being absorbed by the body, the result is loose or watery stools, which is more commonly known as diarrhea.1

You can treat your diarrhea with IMODIUM®?

IMODIUM® products contain an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works to help restore the lower digestive system to its normal pace.3 If systems persist for more than two days or get worse, stop use and consult your healthcare professional.

Try to avoid diarrhea if possible

1. Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Web site. http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-dise.... NIH publication 11-2749. January 2011. Updated November 25, 2013. Accessed November 11, 2015.

3. Schiller LR, Santa Ana CA, Morawski SG, Fordtran JS. Mechanism of the antidiarrheal effect of loperamide. http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(84)80161-4/pdf. Gastroenterology. 1984;86(6):1475-1480.

10. Fine KD. Diarrhea. In: Feldman M, Scharschmidt BF, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 1998:128-152.

27. The digestive system and how it works. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Web site. http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Anatomy/your-d.... NIH publication 13-2681. September 2013. Accessed November 16, 2015.

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