Combatting dehydration is your primary medical concern with diarrhea. If you are vomiting in addition to having diarrhea, be sure to take frequent, small sips of liquid instead of drinking lots of liquid at a time. Other liquids that you can consume to combat dehydration include chicken or beef broth, flavored mineral waters, or rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte. [5] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Caffeine-free liquids are best. Caffeine is a mild diuretic, meaning that it can have a dehydrating effect. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If suffering from diarrhea, stick to liquids that don’t have the possibility of dehydrating you even more.
The bananas in this diet also help replace potassium your body has lost through diarrhea. [8] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
Some people may also try yogurt. However, the lactose in yogurt can be hard on your stomach while you have diarrhea. If you turn to yogurt, choose a probiotic variety (with live bacterial cultures) to help return helpful bacteria to your stomach and assist with your recovery. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Gum with sorbitol. Sorbitol is a laxative. Spicy foods, fruits, and alcohol until at least forty-eight hours after diarrhea has subsided. [15] X Research source Anything containing caffeine can speed up your digestive tract and cause diarrhea. [16] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
The World Health Organization recommends taking zinc supplements by mouth—10 mg daily for children under six months, 20 mg daily for children over six months of age. [19] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source Adults should take according to the manufacturer’s suggested dosing.
Use common sense. Start with mild fish or chicken instead of a spicy plate of seasoned pulled pork.
If using an absorbent, it is important not to take any medication within several hours of taking the absorbent. Absorbents can cause the medication to bind to the intestine and colon, diminishing their medicinal power. For best results, take absorbents and medications separately.
Individuals with infectious diarrhea (such as from E. coli) should avoid anti-motility medications. [25] X Research source Domino, F. (n. d. ). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed. ).
It is very important to see your doctor if OTC options have proven ineffective because diarrhea from bacterial or parasitic infections can actually worsen due to these medications. [28] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor will determine the specific antibiotic to prescribe for your symptoms after using a stool culture to identify the bacteria causing the symptoms.
There are a lot of different probiotics out there designed to help with different issues. Some of them may work better for diarrhea than others. [32] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Probiotics are available as supplements, and they’re also found in probiotic brands of yogurt.
Note that chamomile can lead to reactions in those allergic to ragweed, and it can also interfere with some medications, including hormonal medications.
Speak to your doctor before taking psyllium husk if you have inflammatory bowel disease.
You can also cold brew this herb as a tea by putting two tablespoons in one quart of water overnight. Strain before drinking. This herb can interfere with some medications—such as lithium—so consult your doctor before taking.
Steep four grams of the powder in two cups of boiling water, and allow it to steep for three to five minutes. You can drink this up to three times each day while you have diarrhea. Some herbalists believe that slippery elm can lead to miscarriage. Consult with your doctor before taking slippery elm if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Blackberry leaf Raspberry leaf Carob powder Extract of bilberry Agrimony
