How to Stop Diarrhea Fast (2024)

Diarrhea can often be stopped by using over-the-counter(OTC)and prescription medications such as Imodium.

Bland,starchy, low-fiber foods likethose 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 likeherbalteas andrice water may also offer relief.

Remember, though, that diarrhea caused by a virus or bacteria will typically run its course in two to three days without treatment.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications

OTC anti-diarrheal medications that can help stop diarrhea include:

• Imodium (loperamide): This medication slows down digestion so the body can draw more water from the intestines. This helps to firm up stools and reduce the frequency of bowel movements. It is meant for frequent or severe diarrhea rather than an occasional episode.
• Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate): These medications work by slowing the growth of bacteria in the gut.

Prescription Medications

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:

• Antibiotics: Used to eliminate a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
• Antiparasitic: Used to treat diarrhea resulting from infections caused by parasites, including protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites
  

Foods To Eat To Stop Diarrhea

Bland, low-fiber, and fermented foods can clear diarrhea more quickly while lessening stomach upset.

The BRAT Diet

Adults may try the BRAT diet to help stop diarrhea naturally. The diet is made up of four bland, low-fiber foods:

• B: Bananas
• R: Rice
• A: Applesauce
• T: Toast

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

Adults can add other bland, easy-to-digest foods as diarrhea symptoms start to improve. These include:

• Baked, skinless chicken breasts
• Plain cereal
• Baked potatoes
• Chicken soup with saltine crackers
  

Children with 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 foods are 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:

• Miso
• Kombucha
• Sauerkraut
• Aged soft cheeses
• Cottage cheese
• Green olives
• Sourdough bread
• Tempeh
• Yogurt/kefir

Kimchi, another popular fermented food, has spices that might make diarrhea worse.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can make diarrhea worse. Avoid the following until your diarrhea resolves:

• Fried and other fatty or greasy foods
• High-fiber grain products (e.g., bran, whole grains, and brown rice)
  
• Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower)
• Beans and legumes
• Bell peppers
• Corn
• Berries
• Prunes
• Foods sweetened with sorbitol
  

Drinks To Help You Feel Better

One of the biggest problems with diarrhea is dehydration. Loose stools can deplete your storesof water andelectrolytes, minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

This affects the body's ability to function normally, which can have serious consequences—especially inyoungchildren.

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-free enhanced/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 consume drinks containing electrolytes. To avoid artificial colorings or flavorings, you can mix a simple rehydration drink using salt, sugar, and water.

OTC electrolyte powders are available at most drugstores. Follow the preparation instructions as written.

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:

• Pedialyte
• Enfalyte
• Gastrolyte
  

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.

Herbal Teas

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

• Chamomile tea: Chamomile may help relieve upset stomach and diarrhea when combined with other herbs such as star anise, but research is limited.
• Green tea: Green tea has been shown to reduce the incidence of diarrhea in people receiving radiotherapy for cancer.
• Lemongrass tea: Some small, older studies have found that boiling lemongrass stalks to make tea may help relieve diarrhea.

Drinks to Avoid

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:

• Coffee
• Caffeinated drinks
• Prune juice
• Sugary drinks
• Carbonated drinks (e.g., sodas or seltzer)
• Alcohol
  

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:

• Glutamine:Glutamine is an important amino acid that your body uses to make proteins.Some research suggests that glutamine supplementation may help lessen diarrhea after a gastrointestinal infection.
• Agrimony: This herb is sometimes recommended to treat diarrhea. It can also affect your blood pressure and may thin the blood, so consult your healthcare provider before trying it.
• Barberry, Oregon grape, and goldenseal: These contain berberine, which may help with diarrhea caused by a virus or bacteria. Do not take these if pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Bilberry extract: This herbal remedy can also thin the blood and may have interactions with medications used to treat diabetes.
• Blackberry or raspberry leaf: These are said to help "dry" the mucous membranes in the intestines. Do not use if pregnant.
  
• Probiotics: Contain the same live bacteria and yeast as those found in fermented foods. Probiotics might help shorten a mild bout of diarrhea naturally.
  

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:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent or severe diarrhea
• Signs of dehydration (see below)
• Blood in your stool
  

Summary

If you need to stop diarrhea, try OTC medications. Prescription drugs may be needed to treat diarrhea caused by parasites or bacterial infections. To feel better faster, stay hydrated, eat only bland foods, and try incorporating probiotic-rich foods and/or supplements into your diet.

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.