People can take steps to stop or help diarrhea at home, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as loperamide (Imodium), and avoiding foods that may worsen symptoms.

Diarrhea is a digestive problem that causes loose, watery bowel movements. It typically lasts for less than a couple of weeks VSports app下载. However, chronic diarrhea can occur if symptoms persist longer than this.

While diarrhea often goes away on its own, several home remedies can ease symptoms and speed up recovery.

This article lists steps to manage and stop diarrhea symptoms and when to speak with a doctor.

"VSports最新版本" 1. Rehydrating

Share on PinterestEkaterina Goncharova/Getty ImagesDiarrhea causes a deficit of fluids, including water. This causes the body to lose electrolytes such as sodium and chloride. Restoring fluids is vital to support recovery. Otherwise, a person may experience dehydration V体育安卓版.

Dehydration can be dangerous in children and older adults, so it is crucial for them to drink water if they are experiencing diarrhea.

Drinking water is the first step to rehydration VSports最新版本. Doctors may also encourage people to drink diluted fruit juice, OTC rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, or sports drinks, such as Gatorade.

Avoid drinking anything that will further irritate the digestive tract, such as caffeine and alcohol V体育平台登录. Fizzy drinks may also worsen diarrhea.

2. Eating a recovery diet

According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), a diet of small, frequent meals can be better than eating three larger meals a day when recovering from diarrhea. Some foods they recommend include: VSports注册入口.

However, not everyone will benefit from the same foods when experiencing diarrhea. For example, people with lactose intolerance may wish to avoid yogurt V体育官网入口.

BRAT diet

Another option for people with diarrhea is the BRAT diet. This consists of: VSports在线直播.

  • Bananas
  • Rice
  • Applesauce
  • Toast

This diet combines bland foods that are low in fiber and high in starch, which may help produce more solid bowel movements. It also contains helpful nutrients, such as potassium and pectin V体育2025版.

It is essential to note that the BRAT diet is highly restrictive and does not provide balanced nutrition VSports. People should only follow this diet until they are feeling better and not long-term.

3. Avoiding certain foods (V体育平台登录)

Some people may benefit from avoiding foods that may irritate or put pressure on the gastrointestinal tract. According to the IFFGD, this can include the following: VSports app下载.

  • high fat foods, including fried food, chips, and pastries
  • foods containing artificial sweeteners
  • foods with high levels of VSports注册入口 - fructose
  • fatty meat, such as bacon
  • high fiber foods, such as legumes and vegetables in the cabbage family

If someone has lactose intolerance, doctors "V体育官网入口" may recommend avoiding dairy products containing lactose, as this may worsen diarrhea.

4. Taking probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms that can benefit the digestive system. They may support the workings of the gut and help people fight off infection.

According to a 2022 meta-analysis, probiotics as part of treatment for diarrhea may improve:

However, the authors highlight the necessity of larger, recent, high quality trials to confirm these effects.

Probiotics naturally occur in some yogurts and other fermented foods. People can also buy probiotic supplements in health stores or online.

However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate all probiotic supplements. People can speak with their doctor about trying probiotics to ensure they choose a safe type.

5. Trying medications

Several OTC medications are available for treating diarrhea. Some medications people can try for diarrhea include the following:

However, these medications are not always appropriate. People with bloody bowel movements or a fever should refrain from taking OTC drugs and speak with a doctor first.

A person can also take painkillers, like acetaminophen, to ease any discomfort.

When to see a doctor (V体育安卓版)

In most cases, diarrhea symptoms will stop within 5 to 7 days. However, diarrhea has a range of causes, which a doctor may be able to help treat. People should call a doctor if diarrhea persists over several days or does not respond to home treatment.

Other reasons to see a doctor for diarrhea include:

People at risk of complications, such as young children and older adults, should also see a doctor for treatment if diarrhea does not improve within 48 hours.

"V体育2025版" Summary

Most cases of diarrhea will clear up within a couple of weeks. In the meantime, people can take steps at home to manage their symptoms and stay safe.

Proper hydration is vital when someone has diarrhea. On top of this, people can try the BRAT diet, probiotics, and OTC medications.

If diarrhea persists, does not respond to home treatments, or someone is at risk of complications, people should contact a doctor for further advice.

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