Drink plenty of water. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of water. Avoid dairy, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks, which might worsen your symptoms.
Drink liquid with electrolytes. Your body loses electrolytes when you have diarrhea. Try sipping on sports drinks, coconut water, or salty broth to replenish your body’s electrolyte levels.
Avoid foods with strong flavors. Spicy, sweet, and highly seasoned foods can make your diarrhea worse. It’s also a good idea to limit foods high in fiber and fat until your diarrhea has cleared up.
Follow the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These bland, starchy foods are gentle on the stomach.
Antidiarrheal medications. Over-the-counter drugs like loperamide (Imodium, Diamode) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may help manage your symptoms. However, these medications can worsen bacterial or viral infections, so it’s best to check with your doctor first.
Take probiotics. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help restore your gut’s microbial balance. For mild cases of diarrhea, probiotic supplements may help speed up recovery.
Herbal remedies. If your diarrhea is accompanied with nausea, try home remedies like ginger or peppermint.