How to treat diarrhea at home: 13 quick remedies without medication

Diarrhea often appears suddenly with symptoms such as frequent bowel movements, loose stools, abdominal pain, and fatigue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea is a very common condition and can cause dehydration, especially if it is prolonged or involves frequent bowel movements throughout the day. Therefore, knowing how to properly treat diarrhea at home not only helps the body feel more comfortable but also limits the risk of dehydration and exhaustion. In this article, Tiptory will help you understand how to treat diarrhea, how to adjust your diet, and what to drink when you have diarrhea to help your body recover faster, and when to seek medical attention.

How to relieve diarrhea quickly at home

Drink enough water to prevent dehydration

• When you have diarrhea, your body loses water and electrolytes through loose stools. Therefore, the first priority when treating diarrhea at home is to replenish fluids.

• You can drink small, frequent sips. If diarrhea is severe, oral rehydration solution (ORS) mixed according to instructions is a suitable choice for rehydrating and replenishing electrolytes.

• If you are wondering what to drink when you have diarrhea, prioritize water, broth, or ORS instead of alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeine, as these can worsen symptoms.

Eat light, easily digestible foods while having diarrhea

• It is not necessary to fast when you have diarrhea. When you can eat, choose soft, low-fat, and easily digestible foods.

• You can eat white rice, porridge, toast, potatoes, bananas, or other simple dishes depending on your tolerance.

• Previously, the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) was commonly used to treat diarrhea. However, this diet is too restrictive nutritionally if applied long-term. Therefore, experts recommend not just eating BRAT for many days but gradually returning to a balanced diet as your condition improves.

Avoid foods that can worsen diarrhea

• During diarrhea, temporarily limit greasy, fried, spicy foods, and foods that may upset your digestive system.

• Limit caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and products with high sugar content.

• If you notice that milk or dairy products cause bloating, gas, or more frequent bowel movements, you can temporarily reduce their consumption until your digestive system stabilizes.

Monitor for unusual signs

• Most cases of acute diarrhea can improve within a few days with proper care and rehydration. However, treating diarrhea at home does not mean ignoring warning signs.

• Seek medical attention if diarrhea is prolonged, worsening, contains blood or black stools, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration such as increased thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness, or extreme fatigue.

• Young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions need special attention as their risk of dehydration may be higher.

Key considerations for treating diarrhea quickly

• No single food or natural remedy can guarantee to stop diarrhea quickly in all cases. The most important actions are rehydration and electrolyte replenishment, appropriate eating, and monitoring the progression.

• If diarrhea is caused by an infection, food poisoning, or another medical condition, the underlying cause is the determining factor for recovery time. Therefore, if symptoms are unusual or prolonged, seek medical advice instead of continuing to apply only home remedies for diarrhea.

Part 1: What to eat and what to avoid when you have diarrhea

Tip 1: Proper rehydration for diarrhea

Prioritize fluid and electrolyte replenishment

• When you have diarrhea, your body not only loses water but also sodium and other electrolytes. Therefore, drinking water is necessary, but in cases of severe diarrhea, oral rehydration solutions like ORS are often more suitable to help replace lost water and electrolytes. WHO recommends ORS as an important measure for preventing and treating dehydration due to diarrhea.

• If you're wondering what to drink when you have diarrhea, prioritize ORS mixed according to the instructions on the package. Drink small, regular sips, especially when feeling thirsty or having frequent bowel movements.

Mixing ORS correctly

• The safest way is to use the correct packaged ORS and mix it with the exact amount of water indicated on the packaging. Do not arbitrarily add more sugar, salt, or make it more concentrated, as an overly concentrated solution can cause electrolyte imbalance.

• WHO also provides a formula for a homemade sugar-salt solution in some situations: 1 liter of clean water + 6 teaspoons of sugar + 1/2 teaspoon of salt. It is important to measure accurately and not exceed these amounts of salt or sugar.

• However, if standard ORS is available, experts recommend prioritizing this product over homemade solutions, especially when caring for young children or individuals with significant dehydration.

Drink small amounts if nauseous

• Do not try to drink a large amount at once, as this can increase feelings of nausea or vomiting.

• You can divide it into many small sips and gradually increase the amount depending on your tolerance. If the patient vomits continuously and cannot keep down water or ORS, medical evaluation is needed, as intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary.

Don't just drink water to treat diarrhea

• Plain water is still valuable for fluid replacement, but with severe diarrhea, drinking only water may not adequately replenish lost electrolytes. ORS combines glucose and electrolytes, helping the intestines absorb water and sodium more effectively.

• Therefore, the goal of treating diarrhea at home is not just to drink a lot of water, but to replenish enough water and electrolytes, while also continuing to eat appropriately to support recovery.

Recognize when to seek medical attention

• Seek medical attention if diarrhea is prolonged or if warning signs appear, such as bloody stools, signs of dehydration, extreme fatigue, dizziness, reduced urination, or inability to drink enough fluids. WHO specifically recommends medical evaluation for dehydration or prolonged diarrhea.

• For young children, the elderly, or individuals with underlying health conditions, do not wait until clear signs of dehydration appear to act. Effective home treatment for diarrhea begins with early detection of dehydration risk and proper fluid replacement.

Tip 2: What to eat to reduce diarrhea?

Prioritize soft, easily digestible foods

• When you have diarrhea, it's not necessary to fast. Choosing simple, low-fat, and easily digestible foods can help patients maintain energy during recovery.

• You can prioritize white rice, porridge, toast, potatoes, bananas, or other soft foods that are compatible with your tolerance. These are often easier to eat when the digestive system is sensitive.

No need to strictly follow the BRAT diet

• The BRAT diet (bananas, white rice, applesauce, and toast) was once commonly used to treat diarrhea and firm up stools. However, this diet is quite restrictive in terms of protein, fat, and some essential nutrients.

• Therefore, you should not only eat BRAT for many days. When you feel better, you can gradually add more nutrient-rich foods to help your body recover.

Add more dishes if your body tolerates them well

• If you want to diversify your meals while treating diarrhea at home, you can try adding:

  • Lean chicken cooked thoroughly, not fried, and not heavily seasoned.

  • Eggs cooked thoroughly if they haven't caused digestive discomfort before.

  • Simple, low-fat crackers.

  • Rice or porridge combined with a small amount of protein-rich food to maintain energy.

• Add each food one at a time and monitor your body's reaction. If a dish causes stomach pain, bloating, or more frequent bowel movements, you can temporarily stop using it.

Eat small amounts instead of eating too much

• When you have diarrhea, small meals are usually easier to tolerate than a large meal. You can divide your food into multiple meals throughout the day, eat slowly, and drink enough water or electrolyte replacement solution.

• If you're wondering what to eat when you have diarrhea, the goal is not to find a food that can "stop" diarrhea immediately, but to maintain nutrition, limit irritation to the digestive tract, and support the body's recovery.

Avoid foods that can worsen symptoms

• During diarrhea, temporarily limit fried, greasy, spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages.

• Some people may temporarily have difficulty digesting lactose after a bout of diarrhea. If drinking milk causes bloating or increased diarrhea, you can reduce or avoid milk for a short period and monitor your symptoms.

Key considerations for treating diarrhea

• Appropriate eating is only part of the recovery process. Rehydration and electrolyte replenishment remain the top priority, especially with frequent bowel movements.

• If diarrhea is prolonged, there is blood in the stool, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration such as increased thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, and dizziness, seek medical attention to determine the cause instead of continuing to self-treat diarrhea at home.

Tip 3: Probiotics can help with diarrhea

Supplementing probiotics from yogurt or kefir

• Yogurt and kefir can provide probiotics, which are living microorganisms capable of supporting the balance of the gut microbiome. However, the effectiveness of probiotics varies among individuals and depends on the specific bacterial strain, the cause of diarrhea, and overall health status.

• Specifically, some evidence suggests that probiotics can help reduce the risk or severity of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) notes that certain strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii have shown significant results in this context.

Try a small amount and monitor your reaction

• If you want to introduce yogurt or kefir into your diet when you have diarrhea, start with a small serving and monitor your tolerance.

• Don't assume that the more probiotics you consume, the faster your diarrhea will resolve. With acute diarrhea, the priority is still rehydration and electrolyte replenishment, combined with appropriate eating. Most cases can improve on their own in a short period.

Note if your body is sensitive to dairy

• After diarrhea, some people may temporarily have difficulty digesting lactose. In such cases, yogurt or kefir from cow's milk can cause bloating, gas, or worsen diarrhea.

• If you notice increased symptoms after consuming dairy products, you should temporarily stop and choose other foods that are easier to tolerate. The ACG also notes that dairy products can worsen diarrhea in some people during the acute phase.

You can choose dairy-free probiotics

• If you are lactose intolerant or want to avoid dairy, you can choose some non-dairy probiotic products. However, you should check the specific probiotic strain and content on the label rather than relying solely on the term "probiotic."

• Experts note that probiotics are not a cure for diarrhea and should not be used to replace rehydration, electrolyte replacement, or treatment of the underlying cause when necessary. Evidence for probiotics in acute diarrhea is also not sufficient to recommend widespread use for all cases.

Combine probiotics with appropriate diarrhea treatment

• If the goal is to treat diarrhea at home, prioritize the following: rehydration and electrolyte replenishment, eating easily digestible foods, avoiding foods that worsen symptoms, and monitoring the progression.

• Yogurt or kefir can be considered a supplementary option if your body tolerates them well, but don't expect them to cure diarrhea immediately.

• If diarrhea is prolonged, there is blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, fever, or signs of dehydration, seek medical attention to determine the cause instead of continuing to self-treat at home.

Tip 4: Avoid foods that worsen diarrhea

Temporarily avoid foods that increase symptoms

• When you have diarrhea, some foods can lead to more frequent bowel movements, increased bloating, or intestinal cramps. However, not everyone reacts the same way. If you suspect a food you just ate is causing diarrhea, you should temporarily stop eating it and monitor your symptoms.

• According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), people with acute diarrhea should limit foods and drinks that can worsen symptoms, rather than fasting or adopting an overly restrictive diet.

Limit fatty and greasy foods

• Temporarily avoid fried foods, fast food, potato chips, high-fat pastries, and overly greasy dishes.

• These foods can be harder to digest and may worsen diarrhea or abdominal discomfort in some individuals.

Be cautious with milk and dairy products

• If you have diarrhea, you may temporarily limit milk, ice cream, cheese, and lactose-containing products if you notice they cause bloating, gas, or increased bowel movements.

• After a bout of acute diarrhea, some people may temporarily have difficulty digesting lactose in milk. This condition can persist for some time after the main symptoms have subsided.

Temporarily reduce spicy and heavily seasoned foods

• While treating diarrhea, you should limit chili peppers, chili sauce, spicy sauces, and heavily seasoned dishes if they cause stomach discomfort.

• Spicy foods do not necessarily cause diarrhea in everyone, but they can increase irritation or digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Reduce high-fiber foods when diarrhea is severe

• When diarrhea is active, especially with frequent bowel movements, you may temporarily reduce high-fiber foods such as whole grains, bran, beans, lentils, nuts, and raw vegetables.

• Some clinical nutrition guidelines recommend temporarily choosing low-fiber foods like white rice, white bread, or white pasta; when diarrhea subsides, high-fiber foods can be gradually reintroduced.

Monitor to identify trigger foods

• You should not eliminate too many food groups at once, as this can lead to a nutrient-deficient diet. Instead, record what you ate, when symptoms appeared, and which foods worsened your diarrhea.

• This approach is especially helpful if diarrhea recurs frequently or is prolonged, as the cause may be related to food intolerance, medication, or a gastrointestinal condition.

Don't forget to rehydrate when adjusting your diet

• Avoiding trigger foods is only one part of treating diarrhea at home. More importantly, the patient needs to continue to replenish fluids and electrolytes to reduce the risk of dehydration.

• Do not fast for extended periods. When you feel able to eat, start with simple, easily digestible foods and gradually return to a normal diet as your body recovers.

Part 2: Traditional home remedies for diarrhea

Tip 1: Black tea is not a priority choice

Black tea should not be considered a diarrhea treatment

• Black tea contains polyphenol compounds and tannins, but there is currently insufficient high-quality evidence to consider black tea an effective and suitable method for **treating diarrhea** for everyone.

• Specifically, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) guidelines recommend limiting caffeinated beverages, including tea, during acute diarrhea, as caffeine can worsen symptoms in some people.

If you still want to drink tea, choose decaffeinated options

• If your body tolerates tea well, you can choose decaffeinated black tea instead of regular black tea.

• Do not drink tea that is too strong or in excessive amounts with the aim of **treating diarrhea at home**. Tea cannot replace the water and electrolytes lost due to frequent bowel movements.

Do not add a lot of sugar to tea on your own

• Adding sugar to tea does not turn black tea into an electrolyte rehydration solution. In particular, beverages high in simple sugars can worsen diarrhea in some people.

• If you're wondering **what to drink for diarrhea**, the priority is still water, broth, or an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

If you feel nauseous, drink small sips

• When diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, avoid drinking large amounts at once. You can divide it into several small sips to make it easier for the body to absorb.

• If vomiting is continuous, you cannot drink enough water, or you show signs of dehydration such as dizziness, dry mouth, infrequent urination, and extreme fatigue, seek early medical evaluation.

Prioritize rehydration over finding "diarrhea-stopping" drinks

• The most important goal when **treating diarrhea** is to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. In most cases of acute diarrhea, patients can be managed at home by adequate fluid intake and continuing appropriate food intake if tolerated.

• Therefore, black tea can be an optional beverage if you tolerate it well, but it should not be considered a quick **diarrhea-stopping method** or a substitute for ORS.

Tip 2: Do not self-treat diarrhea with raspberry root

Insufficient evidence to use raspberry root

• Blackberry root has been used in some folk remedies with the aim of reducing diarrhea. However, there is currently insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to confirm that blackberry root is an effective method for **treating diarrhea** or can help **stop diarrhea quickly**.

• Current guidelines for treating acute diarrhea focus on **rehydration and electrolytes**, appropriate diet, and treating the cause when necessary, rather than recommending blackberry root as a standard treatment.

Do not use herbal supplements on your own

• If you're looking for ways to **treat diarrhea at home**, do not buy pills or teas containing blackberry root based solely on advertisements about their anti-diarrhea effects.

• Herbal supplements can vary in ingredients and quality among products. Some products may also interact with medications you are taking or cause side effects. "Natural" does not mean "safe."

If you still wish to use it, consult a healthcare professional

• Individuals taking prescription medications, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal product.

• Do not replace electrolyte rehydration solutions with herbal teas. When **having diarrhea, what to drink**? The priority remains water and oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

Do not confuse blackberries with blackberry root

• Eating a quantity of blackberries as part of a diet is not equivalent to using blackberry root in the form of medicine or tea. Evidence for a food cannot automatically apply to an extract from the root of the plant.

• When experiencing diarrhea, there is no need to try to use blackberries or their roots to "block" the intestines. More importantly, maintain adequate hydration, electrolytes, and eat according to your tolerance.

Know when to stop self-treatment

• If diarrhea lasts longer than 2–3 days, frequent bowel movements, high fever, severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, continuous vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness, dry mouth, infrequent urination, and extreme fatigue, medical evaluation is needed.

• Therefore, among **home remedies for diarrhea**, blackberry root should only be considered a method with insufficient evidence, not a first-line treatment. Rehydration and electrolytes remain the most important foundation.

Tip 3: Do not use goldenseal to treat diarrhea

Goldenseal has not been proven to treat diarrhea

• Goldenseal, also known as **yellow root** and scientifically named *Hydrastis canadensis*, is promoted as a tea or supplement to support various digestive issues, including diarrhea.

• However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that there is currently **insufficient scientific evidence to determine if goldenseal is effective for treating any medical condition**, including diarrhea. High-quality human studies are still lacking.

Do not use goldenseal on your own if taking medication

• Goldenseal can affect drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, thereby altering the concentration or effects of many medications.

• Therefore, if you are taking prescription medications or chronic disease medications, you should not self-medicate with **goldenseal for diarrhea**. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal product.

Pregnant women and infants should avoid it

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use goldenseal due to insufficient safety data.

• Notably, **goldenseal must not be used for infants**. Berberine, a compound found in goldenseal, can increase or worsen jaundice in newborns, leading to kernicterus – a complication that can cause brain damage.

Do not confuse berberine with goldenseal

• Some studies have investigated berberine for diarrhea, but these results **cannot be automatically applied to goldenseal**. NCCIH notes that when goldenseal is taken, the amount of berberine absorbed into the body is very low.

• Therefore, do not rely on studies of berberine to assert that goldenseal tea or pills can **stop diarrhea quickly**.

Prioritize evidence-based diarrhea treatments

• When **having diarrhea**, the top priority remains replenishing fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) can be used as directed.

• If you're wondering **what to drink for diarrhea**, prioritize water and electrolyte solutions over goldenseal tea or other herbal remedies with unproven efficacy.

Do not let "natural" replace necessary treatment

• If diarrhea is prolonged, worsens, contains blood in the stool, is accompanied by fever, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration such as increased thirst, dry mouth, infrequent urination, and dizziness, medical evaluation is needed.

• For **home treatment of diarrhea**, goldenseal should not be considered a standard treatment option. Rehydration, electrolytes, and monitoring for warning signs remain far more crucial.

Tip 4: Psyllium may help thicken stool

Consider psyllium for diarrhea

• Psyllium is a type of **soluble fiber** that can absorb water and form a gel in the intestines. As a result, it can help regulate stool consistency in some individuals.

• However, psyllium is not a medication to treat the cause of diarrhea and should not be considered a quick **diarrhea stopper**. Evidence for the effectiveness of soluble fiber depends on the cause and severity of diarrhea.

Proper use of psyllium

• If your doctor or pharmacist deems psyllium appropriate, use the correct dosage indicated on the product label.

• Typically, psyllium powder is mixed with an appropriate amount of water and consumed immediately after mixing because the mixture thickens quickly.

• Do not arbitrarily increase the dose hoping to **treat diarrhea** faster. Too much fiber can cause bloating, gas, or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Always drink enough water

• Psyllium absorbs water, so adequate fluid intake is crucial. People with diarrhea need to pay special attention to **rehydration and electrolytes** to prevent dehydration.

• If you're wondering **what to drink for diarrhea**, prioritize water and oral rehydration solution (ORS). Psyllium should not be used as a substitute for ORS or other fluid replacement measures.

Do not use psyllium if there are signs of obstruction

• Do not self-administer psyllium if you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, unexplained abdominal pain, severe vomiting, or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction.

• If diarrhea is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, significant abdominal distension, continuous vomiting, or inability to drink enough water, medical evaluation is needed instead of continuing to **treat diarrhea at home**.

Monitor your body's response

• If diarrhea does not improve or worsens with psyllium, you should stop self-treating and consult a doctor.

• Specifically, bloody diarrhea, high fever, signs of dehydration, unintentional weight loss, or prolonged diarrhea for several days require investigation into the cause.

Prioritize addressing the cause

• Psyllium may be a supportive option in some cases, but the foundation of **treating diarrhea at home** is still adequate rehydration and electrolytes, appropriate diet, and avoiding foods that worsen symptoms.

• Do not view psyllium fiber as a "quick fix" to stop diarrhea. When diarrhea is prolonged or recurrent, identifying the cause is more important than simply thickening the stool.

Tip 5: Zinc may help with diarrhea in children

Zinc has a clearer role in children with diarrhea

• Zinc is an essential micronutrient for immunity and the function of the intestinal lining. WHO research shows that zinc supplementation can help **reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea in children**, especially in areas with a risk of zinc deficiency.

• WHO currently recommends zinc supplementation as an adjunct therapy for acute diarrhea in children, combined with **rehydration and electrolytes using ORS**.

Zinc dosage should be appropriate for age

• According to WHO recommendations, the traditional regimen for children with acute diarrhea is:

  • Children under 6 months: **10 mg zinc/day for 10–14 days**.

  • Children 6 months and older: **20 mg zinc/day for 10–14 days**.

• Do not apply child dosages to adults or increase the dose on your own hoping to **treat diarrhea** faster. Dosage recommendations may vary according to current medical guidelines and individual patients.

Prioritize zinc-rich foods

• If you want to supplement zinc through your diet, you can choose foods such as:

  • Oysters and seafood.

  • Red meat and poultry.

  • Legumes.

  • Certain nuts and protein-rich foods.

• For healthy adults, a varied diet can usually provide the necessary amount of zinc. Do not assume that taking extra zinc pills will help **stop diarrhea quickly** if you are not zinc deficient.

Do not give zinc pills to children without consulting a doctor

• If a child has diarrhea, parents should discuss with a doctor or pharmacist about the appropriate type of zinc, strength, and dosage instead of self-purchasing products and estimating the dose.

• Specifically, zinc **does not replace ORS**. Rehydration and electrolytes are still the crucial foundation for preventing dehydration during **home treatment of diarrhea**.

Combine zinc with rehydration and nutrition

• WHO emphasizes that diarrhea treatment in children requires a combination of measures, including ORS, zinc, and continued appropriate nutrition.

• Therefore, if you're wondering **what to drink for diarrhea**, prioritize ORS for rehydration and electrolytes; if it's a child, you can ask a healthcare professional about zinc supplementation.

When to seek medical attention for a child?

• Do not rely solely on zinc for **home treatment of diarrhea** if the child shows abnormal signs such as poor drinking, severe vomiting, lethargy, infrequent urination, increased thirst, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in the stool.

• Infants and young children can become dehydrated quickly with diarrhea. If the condition does not improve or signs of dehydration appear, contact a doctor early instead of continuing self-treatment.

Zinc is not a "diarrhea-stopping drug"

• Zinc has the best supporting evidence in **children with diarrhea**, but this conclusion should not be extended to all adults or all causes of diarrhea.

• For **treating diarrhea**, the most important aspects remain adequate rehydration and electrolytes, maintaining nutrition, and identifying the cause when symptoms are prolonged or there are warning signs.

Part 3: How to stop diarrhea quickly without medication

Tip 1: Reduce stress to support diarrhea

Manage stress if diarrhea is stress-related

• Stress is not the cause of all cases of diarrhea, but it can disrupt bowel motility and make digestive symptoms more pronounced, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). NIDDK notes that stress can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms, including diarrhea.

• Therefore, if you notice **stress-induced diarrhea** often appears before exams, meetings, trips, or during periods of pressure, stress management can be a helpful part of your care plan.

Dedicate 10–15 minutes to relaxation daily

• No need for complicated methods. Choose activities that help your body and mind relax, such as:

  • Slow and deep breathing.

  • Meditation or mindfulness practice.

  • Gentle yoga.

  • Reading.

  • Listening to relaxing music.

  • Taking a warm bath.

• The goal is not to "stop" diarrhea immediately but to reduce stress levels, thereby supporting the regulation of **gut-brain interaction**.

Try simple breathing exercises

• When feeling anxious or experiencing stomach discomfort, sit in a comfortable position, relax your shoulders, and focus on your breath.

• You can inhale slowly through your nose, then exhale gradually and repeat for a few minutes. If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, stop and breathe normally.

If diarrhea recurs due to stress, investigate the cause

• For people with IBS, psychological-behavioral therapies such as **cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)**, guided relaxation, or gut-directed therapies can help improve overall symptoms. ACG recommends several psychological therapies for IBS, although the level of evidence varies by method.

• This does not mean diarrhea is "just psychological". The symptoms are real; stress can affect how the brain and gut communicate, thereby altering abdominal pain sensations and bowel habits.

Don't just reduce stress and ignore rehydration

• If you are treating diarrhea at home, stress management is only a supportive measure. When experiencing frequent bowel movements, the priority remains rehydration and electrolyte replacement, along with appropriate eating.

• If you are wondering what to drink for diarrhea, prioritize water and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) instead of just drinking tea or relaxing beverages.

When to see a doctor?

• Not all cases of diarrhea should be attributed to stress. If diarrhea persists, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by bloody stools, fever, severe abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, severe vomiting, or signs of dehydration, a doctor's evaluation is needed.

• Especially if diarrhea constantly recurs despite dietary adjustments and stress reduction, identifying the cause will be more important than continuing to apply home remedies for diarrhea.

Tip 2: Keep a food diary to identify triggers

Track foods that may trigger diarrhea

• If you have recurrent diarrhea, keeping a record of what you eat and drink can help identify links between food and symptoms. This method is especially useful when diarrhea occurs frequently but the cause has not been determined.

• For about 2 weeks, record meal times, types of food, approximate quantities, bowel movement times, and accompanying symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or distension.

Focus on the period before symptoms appear

• After each episode of diarrhea, review the foods and drinks consumed in the hours preceding it to find patterns.

• Do not draw conclusions from a single occurrence of symptoms. A food is only more suspicious if the same type of reaction occurs multiple times under similar circumstances.

• For example, if you frequently experience abdominal pain or diarrhea after drinking milk, eating ice cream, or consuming dairy products, you might consider the possibility of lactose intolerance. However, this needs to be distinguished from food allergies or other digestive causes.

Try eliminating one food at a time instead of restricting too much

• If a suspicious food is identified, you can temporarily stop consuming that food and observe whether symptoms improve.

• Avoid eliminating multiple food groups simultaneously, as it becomes very difficult to determine the actual trigger, and the diet may become deficient in nutrients.

• Once symptoms stabilize, reintroducing each food in a controlled manner can help determine tolerance. For suspected cases of intolerance or food allergies, consult a doctor or nutritionist.

Pay attention to both drinks and cooking methods

• The diary should not only list meals. Also record coffee, tea, alcohol, soft drinks, sweeteners, and any supplements if consumed.

• Also, note cooking methods such as deep-frying, stir-frying with a lot of oil, spicy foods, or heavily seasoned dishes. Some people may find that diarrhea is more likely after meals high in fat or certain types of drinks.

Do not self-diagnose based solely on the diary

• A food diary is a tool to find potential diarrhea triggers, not a diagnostic method. Diarrhea can also be related to infections, medications, gastrointestinal diseases, or many other causes.

• If diarrhea is prolonged, recurs frequently, contains blood in the stool, is accompanied by fever, unintentional weight loss, or significant abdominal pain, see a doctor to find the cause instead of just self-adjusting your diet.

Combine the diary with proper care

• During home treatment for diarrhea, keeping a diary should be accompanied by rehydration and electrolyte replacement, appropriate eating, and avoiding foods that worsen symptoms.

• If you are wondering what to drink for diarrhea, continue to prioritize water and oral rehydration solutions when needed. A food diary helps identify triggers, but it does not replace measures to prevent dehydration or medical treatment when warning signs appear.

Tip 3: Check if medications cause diarrhea

Some medications can cause diarrhea

• Diarrhea is not always caused by food or infection. According to NIDDK, medication side effects are one possible cause of diarrhea. Therefore, if diarrhea begins after taking a new medication or occurs frequently during treatment, you should review your current medication list.

• Some drug groups that may be associated with diarrhea include:

  • Laxatives.

  • Certain antacids.

  • Antibiotics.

  • Certain cancer medications.

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

  • Certain medications for stomach conditions and heartburn.

  • Certain immunosuppressants.

  • Metformin and some other diabetes medications.

Pay special attention after taking antibiotics

• Antibiotics can alter gut microbiota and are one of the drug groups associated with diarrhea. If diarrhea occurs during or after a course of antibiotics, you should inform your doctor, especially if symptoms are prolonged or severe.

• Do not self-medicate with anti-diarrhea drugs to manage symptoms without identifying the cause. Some cases of diarrhea related to infection need to be evaluated and treated according to the underlying cause.

Do not arbitrarily stop prescription medications

• If you suspect that a medication you are taking is causing diarrhea, do not arbitrarily stop the medication, reduce the dosage, or change medications. Suddenly stopping some medications can have serious health consequences.

• Record the name of the medication, dosage, start date of use, and the onset of diarrhea. Then, consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine if the medication could be the cause.

Discuss alternative options if necessary

• Your doctor can consider the onset of symptoms, current medications, underlying conditions, and other causes before deciding whether medication adjustments are needed. This is also an important part of finding the cause of prolonged or recurrent diarrhea.

• In some cases, your doctor may change the medication, adjust the dosage, or provide guidance on appropriate use. Absolutely do not change your treatment regimen on your own just to treat diarrhea quickly.

Still need to rehydrate when diarrhea is caused by medication

• Even if the cause is medication, patients still need to pay attention to rehydration and electrolyte replacement to prevent dehydration. Water, broth, and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can be used depending on the condition.

• If you are wondering what to drink for diarrhea, prioritize fluids and electrolytes instead of trying to find a drink that can stop diarrhea immediately.

Be cautious with NSAIDs when dehydrated

• If you have diarrhea and are dehydrated, be especially cautious with NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. NIDDK warns that NSAIDs can cause kidney damage, especially when patients are dehydrated or have low blood pressure.

• Therefore, if you have diarrhea and need pain relief, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable options instead of self-increasing the NSAID dosage.

Know when to see a doctor

• If diarrhea is prolonged, recurs frequently, contains blood in the stool, is accompanied by fever, severe abdominal pain, severe vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness, dry mouth, and reduced urination, a healthcare professional should evaluate it.

• When the cause of diarrhea is unknown, doctors often consider prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and underlying conditions during the search for the cause.

• Therefore, in your plan for treating diarrhea at home, don't just focus on making stool firmer. If medication is the "missing piece," identifying and properly addressing the cause is the crucial step to effectively treat diarrhea.

Tip 4: When to see a doctor for diarrhea?

See a doctor if diarrhea does not improve

• Most cases of acute diarrhea can resolve on their own in a short time with rehydration and electrolyte replacement, appropriate eating, and symptom monitoring. However, if diarrhea persists or worsens despite dietary and lifestyle adjustments, you should see a doctor to find the cause.

• Persistent diarrhea can be related to infection, medication side effects, food intolerance, or gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. A doctor can use symptoms, medical history, current medications, and necessary tests to determine the cause.

Recognize signs that require early medical attention

• Do not continue to treat diarrhea at home if any of the following signs appear:

  • Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days in adults.

  • Having 6 or more bowel movements in a day.

  • High fever or severe vomiting.

  • Severe abdominal or rectal pain.

  • Stools containing blood, pus, or black and tarry.

  • Unable to drink enough water or oral rehydration solution.

  • Signs of dehydration such as severe thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, dark urine, dizziness, or fainting.

Be especially cautious with young children

• Infants and young children can become dehydrated more quickly than adults. If a child has diarrhea accompanied by poor fluid intake, severe vomiting, reduced urination, lethargy, fever, abdominal pain, bloody stools, or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, contact a doctor promptly.

• Do not self-administer over-the-counter diarrhea medication to young children without a doctor's guidance. For children with diarrhea, proper rehydration and electrolyte replacement are important priorities.

A doctor can find the cause in many ways

• If diarrhea is prolonged or has unusual signs, the doctor may ask about the onset, frequency of bowel movements, stool characteristics, foods eaten, medications being used, and medical history.

• Depending on the case, the doctor may order stool tests to look for bacteria, parasites, or blood; blood tests; check for lactose intolerance; or other gastrointestinal tests.

Treatment depends on the cause

• Not all cases of diarrhea require antibiotics. If the cause is a viral infection, antibiotics are ineffective; in some specific bacterial infections or medical conditions, the doctor will consider appropriate treatment.

• For diseases causing chronic diarrhea such as IBS, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, treatment may include dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and medications according to the specific cause.

Don't just look for quick ways to stop diarrhea

• The goal of diarrhea treatment is not only to reduce the frequency of bowel movements but also to prevent dehydration and address the cause if symptoms persist.

• If you are wondering what to drink for diarrhea, continue to prioritize water and oral rehydration solutions when needed. But if warning signs appear, seeing a doctor is more important than continuing to try various home remedies for diarrhea.

When a child has diarrhea, medical attention is needed

Call a doctor if a child has diarrhea with unusual signs

• Diarrhea in children needs close monitoring because young children, especially infants, can dehydrate quickly. If a child has diarrhea accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration, parents should contact a pediatrician for evaluation.

• Do not continue to treat diarrhea at home when the child has unusual signs. Early identification of the cause and extent of dehydration helps reduce the risk of complications.

Recognize signs of dehydration in children

• Parents should pay attention to signs such as:

  • Less urination than usual or no wet diaper for 3 hours or more.

  • Dry mouth, crying without tears.

  • Increased thirst, fatigue, low energy, or unusual sleepiness.

  • Sunken eyes or cheeks.

  • Unable to drink enough water or oral rehydration solution.

Pay special attention when a child has fever or abdominal pain

• Children with diarrhea accompanied by fever need to be closely monitored, especially infants. NIDDK recommends contacting a doctor immediately if an infant with diarrhea has any fever; for older children, a high fever is also a sign that needs evaluation.

• Severe abdominal pain, distended abdomen, or persistent pain should not be considered a common diarrhea symptom. These could be signs of another problem that needs to be checked.

Take the child to the doctor if diarrhea persists

• If a child has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, parents should contact a doctor, especially if the child is young or has other symptoms. Infants and young children are at higher risk of dehydration than adults.

• Seek immediate medical care if the child has bloody or black stools, severe vomiting, lethargy, inability to drink, or signs of dehydration.

Prioritize rehydration while awaiting evaluation

• If the child is still alert and able to drink, continue to give them adequate fluids appropriate for their condition. Oral rehydration solution can be used when needed to replenish water and salts lost due to diarrhea.

• Do not self-administer diarrhea medication to children without a doctor's guidance. The most important immediate goal is to prevent dehydration and closely monitor the child's condition.

Don't wait until the child is exhausted to seek medical attention

• In young children, diarrhea can progress more quickly than in adults. Therefore, if parents notice that their child has diarrhea accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, poor fluid intake, or signs of dehydration, contacting a pediatrician early is a safer choice than continuing to try various home remedies for diarrhea.

References

1. World Health Organization. (2024). Diarrhoeal disease. Geneva: World Health Organization.
2. World Health Organization. (2023). Zinc supplementation in the management of diarrhoea. Geneva: World Health Organization.
3. World Health Organization. (2024). Guideline on management of pneumonia and diarrhoea in children up to 10 years of age. Geneva: World Health Organization.
4. World Health Organization. (2006). Oral rehydration salts. Geneva: World Health Organization.
5. World Health Organization. (2005). The treatment of diarrhoea: A manual for physicians and other senior health workers. 4th rev. Geneva: World Health Organization.
6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Treatment of diarrhea. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
7. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Diarrhea: Definition & facts. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
8. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Diagnosis of diarrhea. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
9. Su, G. L., Ko, C. W., Bercik, P., et al. (2020). AGA clinical practice guidelines on the role of probiotics in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. Gastroenterology, 159(2).
10. World Health Organization & UNICEF. (2007). Production of zinc tablets and zinc oral solutions: Guidelines for programme managers and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Geneva: World Health Organization.

Content editor: Lesley Collins Tran.

Information reviewed and fact-checked by expert: Christopher Walker.