How to stop diarrhea quickly (2023)

Mild, starchy, low-fiber foods like those on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can increase stool volume and help you get rid of diarrhea quickly. you can also tryProbiotics, glutamine preparations, or home remedies such as herbal teas and rice water.

There are also over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines that can help stop diarrhea quickly.

However, keep in mind that diarrhea caused by viruses or bacteria usually goes away on its own within two to three days.

This article explains what to eat and drink (and what to avoid) to beat diarrhea. It also explains which medicines and home remedies can help stop diarrhea.

food for diarrhea

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends against restricting your diet to treat diarrhea. However, that doesn't mean all foods are created equal in your situation.

Mild, low-fiber and fermented foods are best.

BRAT diet

aldultCan tryBRAT dietStop diarrhea naturally.

The diet consists of four light, low-fiber foods:

• banana
• Reis
• applesauce
• toast

These foods can help your stools become firmer. They are also helpful if you vomit, as their mild smell is less likely to cause nausea. Bananas are especially helpful because they also restore potassium lost during bowel movements.

The BRAT diet is extremely restrictive and may not provide adequate nutrition. that's why it isNot recommended for children。

Adults should only follow the BRAT diet for a whileshort termAs symptoms improve, add more bland but nutrient-dense foods.

boring diet

aldultYou can add other boring content,easily digestible foodWhen diarrhea symptoms improve. This includes:

• Grilled Skinless Chicken Breasts
• plain cereal
• baked beans
• Chicken Soup with Salt
  

KinderPatients with mild diarrhea and no vomiting can continue eating normally. If your child starts vomiting and their diarrhea gets worse, it's best to contact their doctor.

fermented food

fermented foodIs a natural source of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria can quickly replace the natural bacteria in the gut that are lost through diarrhea, helping to restore normal gut function.

These foods include:

• miso
• kombucha
• sauerkraut
• mature soft cheese
• cottage cheese
• green olives
• sourdough bread
• Tempe

Kimchi is another popular fermented food, but it contains spices that may worsen diarrhea.

If you have diarrhea, it's best to avoid certain dairy products, but not all. Certain dairy products that contain live probiotics, such as yogurt or kefir (both also fermented), are very beneficial.

avoid food

Certain foods can make diarrhea worse. Do not eat or drink any food or drinkcause gas,For example:

• fried and other fatty foods
• High-fiber cereal products, such as bran, whole grains, and brown rice
• carbonated beverages, such as soda or sparkling water
• Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower
• beans
• chili
• more
• berry
• Plum
• Foods sweetened with sorbitol
  

Anti-Diarrhea Beverages

One of the biggest problems with diarrhea is dehydration. Loose stools deplete your body's stores of water and electrolytes, as well as minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This affects the normal functioning of the body, which can have serious consequences, especially in young children.

To control mild diarrhea, you need to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

clear liquid and milk

aldultYou should drink plenty of water, clear juice or clear soup.

Children, Toddlers & BabiesFor mild diarrhea without vomiting, he can continue to drink his usual drink, whether it's breast milk, cow's milk, or formula.

rehydration drink

Adults can drink beverages that contain electrolytes. Children's rehydration drinks can be given when young children have mild diarrhea and vomiting.These products are sold under certain brand names, such as:

• Padialit
• Enfalit
• Gastrolit

Some people want to avoid artificial colors or flavors in some rehydration drinks. You can make your own rehydration drink using just salt, sugar, and water (adults only).

You can also buy oral rehydration salts over the counter at most pharmacies. Follow preparation instructions as directed.

other drinks

Some specific types of beverages are used as home remedies for diarrhea. These include rice water and certain herbal teas.

rice water

This diarrhea remedy is usually recommended for infants, but it can also help adults. The slightly starchy solution not only provides nutrients but also binds.

Studies have shown that rice water reduces the frequency of loose stools better than electrolyte solutions.

Prepare rice water:

• Mix 1 to 2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of white or brown rice (do not use instant rice).
• Cook for 10 minutes or until the water looks cloudy.
• Drain, reserving the water and chilling.

Rice water can be drunk two to three times a day, one cup.

Herbal tea

The following herbal teas may be helpful, whether served hot or iced:

• Chamomile tea:Combining chamomile with other herbs like star anise may help relieve upset stomach and diarrhea, but research on this is limited.
• green tea:Green tea has been shown to reduce the incidence of diarrhea in people undergoing radiation therapy for cancer.
• Lemongrass Tea:Some small, older studies have found that tea from lemongrass stems and leaves may help relieve diarrhea.

drinks to avoid

If you want to stop diarrhea quickly, it's best to avoid the following laxative drinks:

• coffee
• caffeinated beverages
• Cranberry juice
• sugary drinks
• lemonade
• Alcohol

It's also a good idea to avoid dairy products if you're lactose intolerant.

Drugs that stop diarrhea quickly

Over-the-counter medicines that can help stop diarrhea at home include:

• Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectat (bismuth subsalicylate)
• Immodium (loperamide), for frequent or severe diarrhea, not occasional diarrhea

For severe diarrhea, your doctor may prescribe medicines to help treat the cause of the diarrhea, such as:

• antibiotic
• Fighting parasites when an infection causes diarrhea

Dietary Supplements That May Relieve Diarrhea

Live bacteria and yeast in fermented foods are also availableProbiotic food supplements. Probiotics can help shorten mild diarrhea naturally.

Some useful probiotics include:

• Lactic acid bacteriabacteria
• Bifidobacteriumbacteria
• Saccharomyces boulardii（Streptococcus boulardii) yeast, especially effective against diarrhea

other supplements

Some other dietary supplements have also been touted as anti-diarrhea medications, although research is limited. Plus, they're not safe for everyone. Talk to your doctor before trying these or any other dietary supplements:

• Glutamine:Glutamine is an important amino acid that the body uses to make proteins. Some research suggests that glutamine supplementation may help people with diarrhea after a gastrointestinal infection.
• Agrimony:This herb is sometimes recommended to treat diarrhea. It can also affect your blood pressure and thin your blood. So, talk to your doctor before trying this remedy.
• Barberry, Oregon Grape, and ButtercupContains berberine, which can help treat diarrhea caused by viruses or bacteria. Avoid these medicines if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Hydebeer excerpt:The herb also thins the blood and may interact with diabetes medications.
• Blackberry or raspberry leaves:These are supposed to help "dry" the intestinal mucosa. Avoid these treatments if you are pregnant.
  

When to Seek Medical Help

You should never ignore diarrhea. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you have loose stools for more than two days.

On the other hand, if you or your child has persistent or severe diarrhea or signs of dehydration (listed below), you should seek emergency medical attention right away.

Babies younger than 3 months who develop diarrhea should go to a doctor or emergency room right away. Do not wait or try to treat this condition at home.

summarize

To treat diarrhea and feel better sooner, try eating only bland foods for a while, staying hydrated, and consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements. Over-the-counter medicines can also help.

Always consult your doctor if your diarrhea does not go away within two days.

Seek emergency medical attention right away if you develop symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or signs of dehydration.