Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOver-The-Counter MedicationsPrescription MedicationsWhat to EatFoods to AvoidWhat to DrinkDrinks to AvoidSupplementsWhen to Seek Medical CareFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Over-The-Counter Medications
Prescription Medications
What to Eat
Foods to Avoid
What to Drink
Drinks to Avoid
Supplements
When to Seek Medical Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Bland, starchy, low-fiber foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help get rid of diarrhea. Probiotics, glutamine supplements, or home remedies like herbal teas and rice water may also offer relief.
Yoshiyoshi Hirokawa / Getty Images
Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications
OTC anti-diarrheal medicationsthat can help stop diarrhea include:
Can Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate Turn Your Stool Black?
In cases of severe diarrhea, a healthcare provider may need to prescribe medication. The medication recommended to treat severe diarrhea will depend on the cause:
Foods To Eat To Stop Diarrhea
Bland, low-fiber, and fermented foods can clear diarrhea more quickly while lessening stomach upset.
The BRAT Diet
Adultsmay try theBRAT dietto help stop diarrhea naturally. The diet is made up of four bland, low-fiber foods:
These foods can help your stool firm up, and their mild odor is less likely to trigger nausea or vomiting. Bananas are particularly helpful because they contain potassium, which is lost through frequent bowel movements.
This diet is extremely restrictive and may not provide adequate nutrition. For this reason,the BRAT diet is no longer recommended for children.
Adults should only follow the BRAT diet for a short period, adding in additional bland but nutritious foods as symptoms improve.
Bland Diet
Adultscan add other bland,easy-to-digest foodsas diarrhea symptoms start to improve. These include:
Childrenwith mild diarrhea who aren’t vomiting can continue eating their normal diet. If your child begins vomiting and their diarrhea becomes more severe, it’s best to contact their healthcare provider.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foodsare a natural source of probiotics. These good gut bacteria can quickly replace bacteria lost during a bout of diarrhea, which helps to restore normal bowel function.
Examples of fermented foods include:
Kimchi, another popular fermented food, has spices that might make diarrhea worse.
It may be best to avoid some dairy products during episodes of diarrhea, but not all. Certain fermented dairy foods with live probiotic bacteria—like yogurt or kefir—are extremely beneficial.
Certain foods can make diarrhea worse. Avoid the following until your diarrhea resolves:
Drinks To Help You Feel Better
One of the biggest problems with diarrhea is dehydration. Loose stools can deplete your stores of water and electrolytes, minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
This affects the body’s ability to function normally, which can have serious consequences—especially in young children.
It’s important to replace the fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea episodes.
Clear Fluids and Milk
Adults should drink plenty of water. They can also consume clear liquids in the form of broth or bouillon, popsicles, jello, fruit juices without pulp, and caffeine-freeenhanced/flavored water.
Children, toddlers, and babies with mild diarrhea who aren’t vomiting can continue drinking what they normally do, whether that is breast milk, cow’s milk, or formula.
Drinks to Rehydrate
Adults can consumedrinks containing electrolytes. To avoid artificial colorings or flavorings, you can mix a simple rehydration drink using salt, sugar, and water.
Young children may drink pediatric rehydration drinks if they have mild diarrhea and are also vomiting.Consult product labels for the appropriate age of use. These are marketed under certain brand names, like:
Coconut WaterA 2023 study suggests thatcoconut waterrehydrates as well as conventional sports drinks.Coconut water also contains antioxidants, which sports drinks typically lack. Be careful to choose a brand without added sugar or other ingredients.
Coconut Water
A 2023 study suggests thatcoconut waterrehydrates as well as conventional sports drinks.Coconut water also contains antioxidants, which sports drinks typically lack. Be careful to choose a brand without added sugar or other ingredients.
Should I Use Gatorade or Pedialyte?
Other Drink Options
Some specific drinks are recognized as home remedies for diarrhea.
Rice Water
This diarrhea remedy is often recommended for babies but may also help adults. In addition to providing nutrients, the slightly starchy solution is binding.
Research shows rice water helps reduce the frequency of loose stools better than electrolyte solutions.
How To Make Rice WaterCombine 1 to 2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of white or brown rice (do not use the instant type).Boil for 10 minutes or until the water looks cloudy.Drain, while saving the water, and let cool.Drink 1 cup, two to three times per day.
How To Make Rice Water
Combine 1 to 2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of white or brown rice (do not use the instant type).Boil for 10 minutes or until the water looks cloudy.Drain, while saving the water, and let cool.Drink 1 cup, two to three times per day.
Drink 1 cup, two to three times per day.
Herbal Teas
The following herbal teas may be helpful, whether hot or iced:
How To Make Lemongrass TeaCut one to two lemongrass stalks into 1-inch pieces.Boil 8-10 oz. of water.Pour boiling water over the stalks (optional: add a bag of green tea for extra flavor).Let steep for five to 10 minutes.Strain, sweeten to taste, and enjoy warm or over ice.
How To Make Lemongrass Tea
Cut one to two lemongrass stalks into 1-inch pieces.Boil 8-10 oz. of water.Pour boiling water over the stalks (optional: add a bag of green tea for extra flavor).Let steep for five to 10 minutes.Strain, sweeten to taste, and enjoy warm or over ice.
When you want to stop an episode of diarrhea, it’s best to avoid the following beverages, which can cause gas and bloating or have a laxative effect:
Signs of Dehydration
Supplements For Diarrhea Relief
Multiple supplements have also been touted as diarrhea remedies, though research is limited and some may not be safe for everyone.
Consult your healthcare provider before trying these or other supplements to make sure they are right for you:
ProbioticsSome helpful probiotics include:LactobacillusbacteriaBifidobacteriumbacteriaSaccharomyces boulardii(S. boulardii) yeastSide effects of probiotics, whether in food or supplement form, tend to be mild but may include upset stomach, bloating, and gas.
Probiotics
Some helpful probiotics include:LactobacillusbacteriaBifidobacteriumbacteriaSaccharomyces boulardii(S. boulardii) yeastSide effects of probiotics, whether in food or supplement form, tend to be mild but may include upset stomach, bloating, and gas.
Some helpful probiotics include:
Side effects of probiotics, whether in food or supplement form, tend to be mild but may include upset stomach, bloating, and gas.
How Homeopathic Remedies Can Treat Your Diarrhea Symptoms
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should never ignore diarrhea. If you have loose stools for more than two days, call your healthcare provider.
Babies under 3 months old with diarrhea should always be taken to a healthcare provider or emergency room right away. Do not wait or try to treat the condition at home.
You should seek emergency care right away if you or your child have:
Signs of Dehydration in AdultsDiarrhea for three days or moreSevere abdominal painBlack, tarry stoolsFever over 102 degrees FLittle or no urinationExtreme weaknessDry skin and mouthExcessive thirstDark urineBlood or pus in the stoolSigns of Dehydration in ChildrenDiarrhea for more than 24 hoursNo wet diapers in three hoursFever over 102 degrees F, or over 100.4 for babies 3 months or youngerDry mouth or tongueCrying without tearsUnusual sleepinessBlack, tarry stoolsSunken cheeks or eyesSkin that doesn’t retract when pinchedBlood or pus in the stoolSevere abdominal pain
Signs of Dehydration in AdultsDiarrhea for three days or moreSevere abdominal painBlack, tarry stoolsFever over 102 degrees FLittle or no urinationExtreme weaknessDry skin and mouthExcessive thirstDark urineBlood or pus in the stool
Diarrhea for three days or more
Severe abdominal pain
Black, tarry stools
Fever over 102 degrees F
Little or no urination
Extreme weakness
Dry skin and mouth
Excessive thirst
Dark urine
Blood or pus in the stool
Signs of Dehydration in ChildrenDiarrhea for more than 24 hoursNo wet diapers in three hoursFever over 102 degrees F, or over 100.4 for babies 3 months or youngerDry mouth or tongueCrying without tearsUnusual sleepinessBlack, tarry stoolsSunken cheeks or eyesSkin that doesn’t retract when pinchedBlood or pus in the stoolSevere abdominal pain
Diarrhea for more than 24 hours
No wet diapers in three hours
Fever over 102 degrees F, or over 100.4 for babies 3 months or younger
Dry mouth or tongue
Crying without tears
Unusual sleepiness
Sunken cheeks or eyes
Skin that doesn’t retract when pinched
Possible Causes of Loose Stools
Summary
Talk to your healthcare provider if your diarrhea doesn’t go away within two days. If you have symptoms like severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or signs of dehydration, seek emergency care.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIt may not be possible to fully prevent diarrhea, but these steps can reduce the chances of it:Practice proper hygiene. Washing your hands regularly throughout the day can reduce the spread of viruses that cause diarrhea.Get a vaccination for rotavirus, a gastrointestinal infection that can cause diarrhea and dehydration.Avoid eating spoiled food, keep food at recommended temperatures, and cook food to recommended temperatures.If you travel to other countries, avoid drinking tap water unless you know the water is safe.If diarrhea is mild, goes away within a few days, and you aren’t showing signs of dehydration, you can let it run its course. See a healthcare provider if it becomes severe. Always seek medical care if you have an infant with diarrhea.
It may not be possible to fully prevent diarrhea, but these steps can reduce the chances of it:Practice proper hygiene. Washing your hands regularly throughout the day can reduce the spread of viruses that cause diarrhea.Get a vaccination for rotavirus, a gastrointestinal infection that can cause diarrhea and dehydration.Avoid eating spoiled food, keep food at recommended temperatures, and cook food to recommended temperatures.If you travel to other countries, avoid drinking tap water unless you know the water is safe.
It may not be possible to fully prevent diarrhea, but these steps can reduce the chances of it:
If diarrhea is mild, goes away within a few days, and you aren’t showing signs of dehydration, you can let it run its course. See a healthcare provider if it becomes severe. Always seek medical care if you have an infant with diarrhea.
10 Causes of Sudden or Chronic Diarrhea
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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