Why does drinking corn silk water cause continuous diarrhea?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Drinking corn silk water without thoroughly washing the corn silk or using moldy corn silk may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and lead to diarrhea. Corn silk has a naturally sweet taste, but consuming too much at once can easily increase the burden on the digestive system, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. Corn silk water is generally recommended to be prepared and consumed immediately. If left overnight, it can breed large amounts of bacteria, and drinking it may also cause diarrhea.
Diarrhea usually refers to loose or watery stools. Continued diarrhea after drinking corn silk water may be due to unclean corn silk, consuming too much at once, or drinking it overnight.
1. Unclean corn silk
If the corn silk is not thoroughly washed or if moldy corn silk is used for brewing, bacteria can remain in the water. Drinking this contaminated water may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and cause diarrhea.
2. Drinking too much at once
Corn silk has a naturally sweet taste. Drinking moderate amounts typically does not cause adverse effects. However, excessive consumption at one time may overload the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
3. Drinking overnight-stored corn silk water
Freshly prepared corn silk water is recommended, especially during hot summer months. If left overnight, the water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and its taste may deteriorate. Consuming such water may result in diarrhea and other discomforts.
When diarrhea symptoms are severe, prompt medical attention is necessary. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as smectite powder may be prescribed to treat diarrhea.
