Adirex®
What is good to know about diarrhea?
Acute intestinal infections are the second most common type of infection after upper respiratory tract infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose or mushy stools per day, often accompanied by changes in color and odor. This condition can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, disrupting the body’s acid-base balance.
Diarrhea can be classified based on duration:
• Acute: Lasting up to 14 days.
• Subacute or Persistent: Lasting between 2 and 4 weeks.
• Chronic: Lasting over 4 weeks.
Acute diarrhea is most commonly caused by infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites. In industrialized countries, 70-80% of acute intestinal infections are viral in origin. For children under the age of five, Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute diarrhea, whereas in adults, Norovirus is most common. Other viral causes include Adenovirus and Enterovirus. Bacteria causing diarrhea include enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio cholerae. Traveler’s diarrhea often results from the body’s stress and reduced resistance to local bacteria in the new environments.
Mechanisms of occurrence
Diarrhea is often a defense mechanism that helps the body eliminate harmful agents from the intestines or other organs. In the gastrointestinal tract, fluids are constantly secreted and absorbed. A healthy body typically absorbs about 99% of the fluids consumed and secreted by glands such as the salivary glands and pancreas. In such healthy state, bowel movements are regular and stools are well-formed. However, various causes disrupting the normal absorption and secretion processes can lead to diarrhea.
a) Osmotic Diarrhea: Undigested carbohydrates in the small intestine cause water retention, altering stool consistency.
b) Secretory Diarrhea: Impaired absorption of sodium and increased secretion of chloride cause the body to release water into the small intestine. This type of diarrhea is typically triggered by infections or certain medications.
c) Motility Diarrhea: Conditions such as hyperthyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can speed up intestinal movement, reducing the time for fluid absorption and leading to liquid stools.
d) Inflammatory Diarrhea: Diarrhea associated with inflammatory bowel diseases is a consequence of the loss of epithelial cells and the disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier which allows water, electrolytes, and proteins to leak into the intestinal lumen. This type of diarrhea can involve a combination of the mechanisms above.
Therapeutic agents
Diarrhea usually results from the complex interaction of the mechanisms described above. Therefore, effective treatments should target each of these mechanisms. Antidiarrheal treatments differ significantly in how they lead to resolution of the loose bowel movements.
It’s important to remember that diarrhea is a natural protective response to clear out harmful substances and agents.
Medications that stop bowel movements by suppressing peristalsis (the movement of the intestines) can trap these harmful agents and their toxins, thus delaying resolution and recovery. Therefore, this approach is not recommended for infectious diarrhea caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Infectious diarrhea should be treated with natural antidiarrheal agents that work through multiple mechanisms. These agents should not block normal intestinal passage or interfere with the body’s natural cleansing process. Moreover, they should avoid side effects such as secondary constipation or bloating. Clinically proven ingredients with antidiarrheal effects can neutralize harmful microorganisms and their toxins, protect the intestinal lining, prevent fluid and electrolyte loss, and restore the balance of intestinal microflora.
The European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, recommends the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and the trace element zinc as antidiarrheal agents which have shown the most significant benefits in reducing diarrheal episodes. A newer class of substances, known as mucosal protectors, also plays a role in protecting the intestinal lining, with albumin tannate being one such example.
Adirex® is a combination of 5 carefully selected and clinically proven ingredients that have beneficial effect on the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
Adirex® maintains the normal frequency of defecation and the physiological water-salt composition and consistency of stool. Maintains the natural balance of the intestinal microflora. Intended to be taken at the first signs of acute bowel discomfort.
Ingredients
Saccharomyces boulardii
A probiotic yeast that contributes to the breakdown of toxins and the maintenance of normal gut microbiota. This probiotic yeast is a highly resistant to environmental conditions and is not affected even by antibiotics. It was first isolated in 1923 by the French scientist Henri Boulard. In the intestine it produces enzymes that break down the toxins of disease-causing microorganisms. It supports the normal barrier function of the intestinal mucosa and its normal permeability to water and salts by strengthening the intercellular junctions. Contributes to the maintenance of normal intestinal microbiota.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
One of the best studied probiotic strains with clinically proven properties in maintaining normal bowel frequency. This probiotic strain contributes to the decrease of duration of diarrhea and is effective in diarrhea with viral etiology. Maintains the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa by strengthening intercellular junctions. By adhesion to the bowel wall it enriches the population of beneficial bacteria. It has a favorable effect on the local intestinal immunity.
Zinc
An important trace element with a pronounced antiviral and antibacterial effect in the digestive system. Zinc supports ion transport in the intestines. Maintains the normal barrier function of the intestinal wall. Effectively reduces the duration of diarrheal symptoms and is a key antidiarrheal treatment recommended by the World Health Organization.
Albumin tannate
Albumin tannate forms a protective layer over the intestinal mucosa, helping to preserve its natural barrier function. It shields the intestinal lining from harmful viruses, bacteria, and toxins, and also helps maintain the balance of water and electrolytes in the intestines.
Mannan oligosaccharides
Prebiotics, such as mannan oligosaccharides, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting local immunity in the digestive tract. Their structure helps prevent the adhesion of harmful bacteria to the intestinal lining, facilitating their quick removal from the body and further contributing to the balance of gut microbiota.
