A person who has diarrhea will typically have watery and loose bowel movements. Numerous things, including infections, food poisoning, stress, or specific medications, can contribute to it. Additionally, diarrhea may be a sign of other underlying medical conditions.
Even though diarrhea is typically not a serious health issue, if left untreated, it can still result in dehydration. The best ways to manage diarrhea are to drink lots of fluids and rest. Additionally, there are a number of natural treatments that can ease the effects of diarrhea.
10 Natural Home Remedies for Diarrhea
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids
This is the most important step in treating diarrhea. It is important to drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. Some good options include water, clear soup, sports drinks, and oral rehydration solutions. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can make diarrhea worse. [1]
2. Eat Bland Foods
Eating bland foods can help to settle the stomach and ease diarrhea symptoms. Some good options include rice, bananas, toast, applesauce and plain oatmeal. It is also important to avoid fatty, spicy, or sugary foods.
3. Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte drink that can help to replace lost fluids and minerals. It is also effective in Settling the stomach and relieving diarrhea symptoms. It mostly helps those with mild diarrhea. [3]
4. Consume Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that are found in certain foods or supplements. They can help to restore the natural balance of gut bacteria and improve digestive health. Probiotics are especially effective in treating diarrhea caused by infections or antibiotics. [4]
5. Lemonade
Lemonade is a refreshing drink that can also help to treat diarrhea. The citric acid in lemons can help to settle the stomach and ease symptoms. Lemonade also contains electrolytes, which are important for preventing dehydration. [5]
6. Ginger Tea Helps
Ginger is a popular home remedy for an upset stomach. It can also help to ease diarrhea symptoms. Ginger tea is a good option, or you can take ginger supplements. [6]
7. Drinking Rice Water
Rice water is the liquid that is left over after cooking rice. It can help to settle the stomach and ease diarrhea symptoms. Rice water also contains electrolytes, which are important for preventing dehydration. [7]
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for an upset stomach. It can also help to ease diarrhea symptoms. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can help to settle the stomach and ease symptoms. 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed in a glass of hot water along with some honey can help to ease diarrhea. [8]
9. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has several health benefits. It can also help to ease diarrhea symptoms. The catechins in green tea can help to settle the stomach and ease symptoms. [9]
10. Have Oral Rehydration Drinks
Oral rehydration drinks are a convenient and effective way to treat diarrhea. They can help to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration drinks are available at most pharmacies. [10]
What You Should Not Do During Diarrhea?
- There are a few things that you should avoid doing during diarrhea:
- Do not take anti-diarrhea medications unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs, meat, or poultry.
- Do not eat high-fat foods, spicy foods, or sugary foods.
- Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
- Do not take over-the-counter medications without first talking to a healthcare professional.
- If you have bloody diarrhea, do not take any medication that contains bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol).
- If you have severe diarrhea, do not take any medication that contains loperamide (such as Imodium).
When to Consult a Doctor?
You should consult a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea that lasts for more than three days.
- Blood in your stool.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, or dizziness.
- Diarrhea that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting or fever.
Diarrhea is a common condition that can be caused by many different things. There are a few things that you can do to ease symptoms and prevent dehydration. If you have severe diarrhea, or if it lasts for more than three days, you should consult a doctor.
Note: The remedies shown here may not be suitable for everyone, especially pregnant women and children, so getting a doctor’s consultation before trying them is a better option.
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16931613/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1496708/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296087/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2126298/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2074539/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6113434/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK219096/