How To Cure Diarrhea Naturally
Bland, starchy, low-fiber foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help you get rid of diarrhea fast. You can also try probiotics, glutamine supplements, or home remedies like herbal teas and rice water.
- There are also over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can help stop diarrhea quickly.
- Eep in mind, though, that diarrhea caused by a virus or bacteria usually goes away on its own in two to three days.
- This article reviews what to eat and drink (as well as avoid) to help get rid of diarrhea.
It also discusses what medications and home remedies may help stop diarrhea. Yoshiyoshi Hirokawa / Getty Images
Contents
Can you heal diarrhea naturally?
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We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Home remedies for diarrhea include drinking plenty of water, avoiding fatty foods, and trying probiotics. But, a person should seek medical advice for severe or persistent diarrhea, or if there are other symptoms.
Diarrhea is a digestive problem that causes loose, watery bowel movements. It can be uncomfortable for a few hours or days, after which the symptoms should improve. In some instances, they last longer. While diarrhea often goes away on its own, several home remedies can ease symptoms and speed up recovery.
Hydrating the body is essential to recovering from diarrhea. Diarrhea causes a deficit of fluids, including water. This causes the body to lose electrolytes such as sodium and chloride. To support recovery, it is vital to restore fluids. Otherwise, a person may become dehydrated.
- Dehydration can be dangerous in children and older adults, so it is crucial to encourage them to drink water if they are experiencing diarrhea.
- Drinking water is the first step to rehydrating.
- A person can also to create an oral rehydration solution by mixing 1 liter of water with half a teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar.
Consuming sugar and salt with water helps the intestines to absorb fluids more efficiently. This solution more effectively rehydrates the body after a bout of diarrhea than water alone. Other drinks can also be beneficial. For example, drinking sports drinks can help rehydrate the body and restore potassium and sodium.
caffeinated drinksalcoholcarbonated beveragesvery hot drinks
A diet of small, frequent meals can be better than eating three larger meals a day when recovering from diarrhea. A good diet for someone with diarrhea may involve:
foods rich in pectin, such as fruitfoods high in potassium, such as potatoes and sweet potatoesfoods with electrolytes, such as miso soup and sports drinkscooked, soft vegetablesadequate amounts of protein
Some people find that having a liquid diet for the first 24 hours of diarrhea helps settle the digestive system. This may include salty broths, bland soups, and drinks. Adopting this diet for the first 24 hours may prevent the bowels from working too hard. Another option for people with diarrhea is the BRAT diet, This consists of:
B ananas R ice A pple sauce T oast
This diet combines bland foods that are low in fiber and high in starch, which may help produce more solid bowel movements. It also contains helpful nutrients, such as potassium and pectin. It is essential to note that the BRAT diet is highly restrictive and does not provide balanced nutrition,
high-fat foodsgreasy foodsspicy foodsfoods containing artificial sweetenersfoods with high levels of fructose
Some doctors recommend avoiding dairy products, as they may worsen diarrhea in some people. While general evidence for this claim is limited, people with lactose intolerance should avoid these products. Probiotics are microorganisms that can benefit the digestive system.
They can support the workings of the gut and help fight off infection. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts in some yogurts and other fermented foods. People can also buy probiotic supplements in health stores or online, In 2010, researchers conducted a large systematic review of 63 studies on probiotics, with over 8,000 participants.
They found that probiotics significantly shortened the duration of recovery from diarrhea. They also found probiotics to be safe, without any major side effects. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate probiotic supplements, so be sure to purchase them from a reputable source and ask a doctor or pharmacist if in doubt.
Share on Pinterest Over-the-counter drugs, such as Imodium, can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery time. Several over-the-counter medications are available for treating diarrhea. Antimotility drugs can help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery time. A common example of this type of drug is loperamide ( Imodium ).
However, these medications are not always appropriate. People with bloody bowel movements or a fever should refrain from taking antimotility drugs and speak to a doctor instead. In most cases, it is possible to treat diarrhea at home without consulting a doctor.
blood or pus in bowel movementsa feversigns of dehydration, such as extreme thirst and dry mouth chronic diarrheadiarrhea during sleepsignificant weight losssevere abdominal pain
People at risk of complications, such as young children and older adults, should also see a doctor for treatment if diarrhea does not improve with time and home remedies. Read the article in Spanish.
What should I eat to stop diarrhea?
‘It is best to eat thicker, bland foods, including oatmeal, bananas, plain rice, and applesauce,’ he says. Other bland foods that are easy to stomach include: Boiled potatoes. Toast.
What stops diarrhoea quickly?
Bland, starchy, low-fiber foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help you get rid of diarrhea fast. You can also try probiotics, glutamine supplements, or home remedies like herbal teas and rice water.
There are also over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can help stop diarrhea quickly. Keep in mind, though, that diarrhea caused by a virus or bacteria usually goes away on its own in two to three days. This article reviews what to eat and drink (as well as avoid) to help get rid of diarrhea.
It also discusses what medications and home remedies may help stop diarrhea. Yoshiyoshi Hirokawa / Getty Images
Is it better to stop diarrhea or let it go?
Since diarrhea is your body’s way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)
Why do I suddenly have watery diarrhea?
Watery diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection or food poisoning from eating undercooked meat or rotten foods. It can be serious if it causes dehydration. Keep an eye out for blood in the stool, and be sure to drink water and fluids with electrolytes.
How do you stop watery diarrhea?
Lifestyle and home remedies – Diarrhea usually clears up quickly without treatment. To help you cope with your signs and symptoms until the diarrhea goes away, try to do the following:
Drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken. Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days. Ask about anti-diarrheal medications. Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, might help reduce the number of watery bowel movements and control severe symptoms. Certain medical conditions and infections — bacterial and parasitic — can be worsened by these medications because they prevent your body from getting rid of what’s causing the diarrhea. Some of these medications are not recommended for children. Check with your doctor before taking these medications or giving them to a child. Consider taking probiotics. These microorganisms may help restore a healthy balance to the intestinal tract by boosting the level of good bacteria, though it’s not clear if they can help shorten a bout of diarrhea. Probiotics are available in capsule or liquid form and are also added to some foods, such as certain brands of yogurt. Further research is needed to better understand which strains of bacteria are most helpful or what doses are needed.
Should I eat if I have diarrhea?
Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stool. For some, diarrhea is mild and will go away within a few days. For others, it may last longer. It can make you lose too much fluid (dehydrated) and feel weak. It can also lead to unhealthy weight loss. The stomach flu is a common cause of diarrhea.
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of clear fluids every day. Water is best.Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement.Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals.Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks.Eat some high potassium foods, such as bananas, potatoes without the skin, and fruit juices.
Ask your health care provider if you should take a multivitamin or drink sports drinks to boost your nutrition. Also ask about taking a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil, to add bulk to your stools. Your provider may also recommend a special medicine for diarrhea.
Take this medicine as you have been told to take it. You can bake or broil beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey. Cooked eggs are also OK. Use low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt. If you have very severe diarrhea, you may need to stop eating or drinking dairy products for a few days. Eat bread products made from refined, white flour.
Pasta, white rice, and cereals such as cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, and cornflakes are OK. You may also try pancakes and waffles made with white flour, and cornbread. But don’t add too much honey or syrup. You should eat vegetables, including carrots, green beans, mushrooms, beets, asparagus tips, acorn squash, and peeled zucchini.
- Cook them first.
- Baked potatoes are OK.
- In general, removing seeds and skins is best.
- You can include desserts and snacks such as fruit-flavored gelatin, fruit-flavored ice pops, cakes, cookies, or sherbet.
- You should avoid certain kinds of foods when you have diarrhea, including fried foods and greasy foods.
Avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Limit or cut out milk and other dairy products if they are making your diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating.
The diarrhea gets worse or does not get better in 2 days for an infant or child, or 5 days for adultsStools with an unusual odor or colorNausea or vomitingBlood or mucus in your stoolA fever that does not go awayStomach pain
Diarrhea – self-care; Diarrhea – gastroenteritis Bartelt LA, Guerrant RL. Diarrhea with little or no fever. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases,9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 98.
- Schiller LR, Sellin JH. Diarrhea.
- In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds.
- Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease,11th ed.
- Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 16.
- Updated by: Neil K.
- Aneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Is it OK to ignore diarrhea?
Diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose, watery stools a day. It’s unpleasant and can also be dangerous if left untreated. So if you have it, it’s a good bet you’ll want to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
Is it bad to ignore diarrhea?
Having persistent diarrhea could also be a sign that a medication you’re on is upsetting your stomach or that something you’ve started eating regularly isn’t sitting well with you, Dr. Staller says. And, of course, long-lasting diarrhea could be a sign of one of the aforementioned conditions, like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, although you’ll typically have other symptoms as well, which we’ll cover further down the list.2.
- You’re experiencing signs of dehydration.
- Diarrhea can cause dehydration because you’re losing so much liquid.
- In severe cases, dehydration can be life-threatening if it’s not treated, according to the Mayo Clinic,
- But even if you don’t pass that threshold, being dehydrated feels awful and can be treated.
The biggest signs of dehydration to look out for: You’re incredibly thirsty, your skin and mouth are dry, you’re not peeing much or at all (plus your urine is a dark yellow color when you do actually pee), and you feel weak, dizzy, faint, or fatigued.
- If you have any of these signs along with your diarrhea, get to the emergency room, Dr.
- Farhadi says.
- You may need IV fluids to replace what you’ve lost.3.
- You’ve recently developed mouth sores.
- When this happens along with diarrhea, doctors generally think of Crohn’s disease, Dr.
- Staller says.
- In addition to causing diarrhea, the inflammation that comes with Crohn’s can create sores in your digestive tissue.
“Crohn’s disease can affect anywhere in the GI tract, from the mouth down to the anus,” he explains. This is as opposed to ulcerative colitis, which is limited to your large intestine and rectum. This can also be a sign of celiac disease, a condition in which eating gluten leads to an immune response in your small intestine, according to the Mayo Clinic,
- You might be tempted to chalk up your mouth pain to something like a canker sore, but if you’re also dealing with diarrhea, you should see your doctor to make sure something larger isn’t going on.4.
- You have severe stomach or rectal pain.
- Severe stomach pain with diarrhea can signal many issues, from something as simple as gas to a potentially life-threatening condition like appendicitis, Christine Lee, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic, tells SELF.
This could also be a sign of a more chronic condition like IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome where diarrhea is the main symptom) or, again, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, Dr. Staller says. “Any diarrheal disease can cause pain,” he says, because diarrhea inflames and irritates the area.
The rectum has very sensitive nerves,” he adds. Unless you happen to be a gastroenterologist, it’s going to be really hard for you to tell what’s behind this pain + diarrhea equation on your own. If you’re experiencing diarrhea and a lot of pain, a visit to the doctor is in order.5. There’s pus in your diarrhea.
Pus is a yellow-ish, mucus-y liquid your body produces when trying to fight infection, Dr. Staller says. “It’s a marker of inflammation,” he explains, adding that the inflammation is part of your body’s immune response to whatever it has deemed a threat.
Is watery diarrhea always a virus?
What causes diarrhea? – The cause of most self-limited diarrhea is generally not identified. The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects your bowel (“viral gastroenteritis “). The infection usually lasts a couple of days and is sometimes called “intestinal flu.” Other possible causes of diarrhea can include:
Infection by bacteria. Infections by other organisms and pre-formed toxins Eating foods that upset the digestive system. Allergies and intolerances to certain foods ( Celiac disease or lactose intolerance ). Medications. Radiation therapy. Malabsorption of food (poor absorption).
How do I get my diarrhea back to normal?
Diarrhea Medically Reviewed by on January 04, 2023 When you have, your bowel movements (or stools) are loose and watery. It’s common and usually not serious, Many people get diarrhea a few times a year. It normally lasts 2 to 3 days. Some people get it more often.
Allergies to certain foods Diseases of the intestines (such as or ulcerative colitis) Eating foods that upset the digestive system Infection by bacteria (the cause of most types of food poisoning) or other organisms Laxative abuse Running (Some people get “runner’s diarrhea” for reasons that aren’t clear.) Some cancers Surgery on your digestive system Trouble absorbing certain nutrients, also called “malabsorption”
Diarrhea may also follow constipation, especially for people who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You may have:
Bloating in your belly Thin or loose stools Watery stools An urgent feeling that you need to have a bowel movement Nausea and throwing up
Most cases of diarrhea are nothing more than a brief inconvenience. But sometimes, they warn of a serious condition. Talk with your doctor if your child has diarrhea for more than 24 hours. If you have it for more than 3 days, make an appointment. Also, be sure to let your doctor know about your diarrhea if you have cancer, or have had recent treatment for it.
Blood or mucus in your stool Weight loss
If you have watery stools more than three times a day and you’re not drinking enough fluids, you could become dehydrated. That can be a serious problem if it’s not treated. Call your doctor right away if you have:
Blood in your diarrhea or black, tarry stools A fever that is high (above 101 F) or that lasts more than 24 hours Diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days Nausea or throwing up that prevents you from drinking liquids to replace lost fluids Severe pain in your belly (especially the right lower quadrant) or rear end Diarrhea after coming back from a foreign country
These can be warning signs of things like:
Infection Inflammatory bowel disease Colon cancer
Also, call your doctor right away if you have diarrhea and any of these signs of dehydration:
Dark urine Smaller than usual amounts of urine or, in a child, fewer wet diapers than usual Rapid heart rate Headaches Dry skin Crankiness Confusion
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and what medications you take, as well as what you’ve eaten or had to drink recently. They will give you a physical exam to look for signs of dehydration or belly pain. Certain tests can help pinpoint the cause of your diarrhea, including:
Blood tests to look for certain diseases or disorders Colonoscopy, in rare cases, in which your doctor looks inside your colon with a thin, flexible tube that holds a tiny camera and light. They can also use this device to take a small sample of tissue. Or your doctor might need to do only a sigmoidoscopy, which looks at just the lower colon. Stool tests to look for bacteria or parasites
If your case is mild, you may not need to take anything. Adults can take an over-the-counter medicine such as bismuth subsalicylate or loperamide, which you can get as liquids or tablets. You also need to stay hydrated. You should drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day.
- Choose electrolyte replacement drinks or soda without caffeine.
- Chicken broth (without the fat), tea with honey, and sports drinks are also good choices.
- Instead of drinking liquids with your meals, drink liquids between meals.
- Sip small amounts of fluids often.
- Liquid probiotics may also help.
- Your rectal area may become sore because of all the bowel movements that diarrhea brings.
You may have itching, burning, or pain when you go to the bathroom. For relief, take a warm bath or sitz bath. Afterward, pat the area dry (don’t rub) with a clean, soft towel. You may also try using a cream or petroleum jelly on the affected area. If this continues for several days, you should contact your doctor.
How long you’ve had diarrhea Whether your diarrhea comes and goes, or is continuous If you think certain foods and situations make things better or worse If your stool looks bloody, oily, fatty, or watery Other symptoms you have and how long you’ve had them If you have a family history of chronic diarrhea Places you’ve traveled to recently Unusual foods you’ve tried in the last little while Any medication or supplements you’re taking If you’ve lost a lot of weight
© 2022 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : Diarrhea
Can salt water stop diarrhea?
Here are some simple Home Remedies For Diarrhea: – Follow BRAT that helps in recovering from diarrhea: B-Banana R-Rice A-Apple Sauce T-Toast It is important to know that the brat diet does not provide balanced nutrition and should not be consumed for more than 2 days (you’ll feel better in 2-3 days in mild cases).
Raw Bananas: This one works wonders for most of the people. Raw bananas are rich in pectin, a fiber that helps absorb water from the intestines and firms up the stool, and oligofructans to nourish your gut. It is also a rich source of potassium. Low potassium is a major effect of chronic diarrhea.
Probiotics: At many times,the imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria can cause diarrhea. Probiotics are your best friends in such cases. These are nothing but a way of increasing your good gut bacteria and thus overcoming the negative effects of gut microbiota imbalance. Probiotics include curd, yogurt, and other fermented foods. In 2010, researchers conducted a large appropriate review of 63 studies on probiotics with more than 8,000 participants. From this research, they found that probiotics are capable of stopping any type of diarrhea in a very short time. Along with this, they also found that there would have been no ill-effects of this.
Home-made ORS: It is essential to hydrate the body to recover from diarrhea. Loss of fluids can cause a deficiency of sodium and chloride i.e., electrolytes in the body. It is therefore important to restore fluids for recovery. You can also make an oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home by mixing 5 tsp salt and 5-6 tsp sugar in 1 litre of water. Consuming sugar and salt along with water allows the intestine to absorb fluids better. This solution rehydrates the body more properly after diarrhea than water alone.
Mint, salt and sugar in lukewarm water: Mint is a traditional remedy for indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea. Sugar and salt help maintain electrolyte balance and water levels in your body.