Here are the top recommendations to reduce diarrhea.
Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte solutions, and eat bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Avoid dairy, greasy foods, and artificial sweeteners. Probiotics and soluble fiber like psyllium husk may help restore gut balance. Consult a doctor if diarrhea persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms.
1
Try Apple Cider Vinegar
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Diluted apple cider vinegar may help rebalance gut bacteria, offering relief. Mix one teaspoon with water and sip, but consult a healthcare provider before use.
2
Eat Small, Frequent Meals
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Eating smaller, more frequent meals is easier on the digestive system than large meals, allowing the intestines to process food more gradually.
3
Take Probiotics
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Probiotics, found in yogurt, kefir, or supplements, replenish healthy gut bacteria, which may help restore balance in the digestive tract after diarrhea.
4
Avoid Alcohol
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Alcohol is a diuretic and irritant, worsening dehydration and gastrointestinal distress. Avoiding alcohol gives the digestive system time to heal.
5
Drink Clear Broths
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Clear broths like chicken or vegetable broth provide essential nutrients and electrolytes, making them ideal for hydration without irritating the stomach.
6
Consume Chamomile Tea
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Chamomile has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm the stomach and reduce spasms, potentially relieving diarrhea symptoms.
7
Try Psyllium Husk (with Caution)
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Psyllium husk, a soluble fiber, absorbs excess water and can add bulk to stool. Use in moderation, as too much may worsen symptoms.
8
Use Electrolyte Solutions
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Electrolyte solutions replenish lost minerals and salts. These solutions can be bought or made at home using salt and sugar in water, helpful during dehydration.
9
Follow the BRAT Diet
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The BRAT diet includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast – bland, low-fiber foods that help firm up stools and reduce irritation in the digestive tract.
10
Avoid Caffeine
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Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase gut motility, worsening diarrhea. Herbal teas or decaffeinated options are better choices.
11
Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
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Sugary foods can draw water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea. Opt for low-sugar snacks and drinks to prevent increased stool water content.
12
Eat Mashed Potatoes
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Plain mashed potatoes (without butter or cream) are easy to digest and provide a good source of carbs and potassium, which is often lost with diarrhea.
13
Avoid Dairy Products
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For some, lactose can worsen diarrhea, especially after a stomach upset. Lactose-free products or dairy alternatives like almond milk are gentler on the digestive system.
14
Consume Ginger
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Ginger, often in tea form, has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease nausea and reduce gastrointestinal irritation, helping soothe digestive upset.
15
Take a Rest
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Rest allows the body to recover and conserves energy. Overexertion can lead to further dehydration, so staying well-rested is crucial during illness.
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Stay Hydrated
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Diarrhea can cause dehydration due to fluid loss, so drinking plenty of water is essential. Electrolyte drinks, like coconut water or oral rehydration solutions, help replenish lost salts and minerals.
17
Limit High-Fiber Foods
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High-fiber foods, especially insoluble fiber (found in raw vegetables and whole grains), can increase stool bulk and worsen diarrhea. Stick to soluble fibers, like those in bananas and oats.
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Eat Plain Crackers
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Saltine or plain crackers are easy to digest and help provide carbs without adding bulk to stools, offering mild energy and comfort during recovery.
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Limit Artificial Sweeteners
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Sweeteners like sorbitol and mannitol, found in sugar-free foods, are poorly absorbed and can worsen diarrhea. Avoid these during a bout of diarrhea.
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Avoid High-Fat Foods
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Fatty foods can worsen diarrhea by stimulating the intestines, making it harder to digest food properly. Opt for low-fat options during recovery.