Cramping, abdominal pain, loose stools and frequent emergency trips to the bathroom are common signs that you have diarrhea. It affects the average adult in the U.S. approximately four times per year, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Diarrhea home remedies can be effective in treating symptoms and may make you feel more comfortable.
Clear Fluids, Juices and Broths
Preventing dehydration due to loss of liquid from the body is the primary goal of diarrhea treatment. When fluids are lost, the body loses salts and minerals called electrolytes that control the amount of water in the body. Electrolytes also control muscle activity and other bodily functions. Adults can find relief by drinking clear fluids, juices and broths that aren't high in sugar and contain sodium or potassium. Though drinking water helps relieve dehydration, plain water doesn't contain the salts and minerals needed to restore the body's electrolyte levels and should be avoided.
Using over-the-counter rehydration solutions can help treat diarrhea in infants, children and adults. Kids Health recommends avoiding giving children soda, ginger ale, tea, fruit juice, gelatin desserts, chicken broth or sports drinks because these substances may not have the right mix of sugars and salts. Adults should avoid drinking beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or dairy products. These beverages can worsen diarrhea.
Soft, Bland Foods
Eating soft, bland foods can help your irritated digestive system gradually adjust to eating solid foods again. The BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, may be well tolerated if you're recovering from diarrhea. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), these low-fiber foods make stools firmer, increase potassium levels and replace lost nutrients. Other foods that can help ease the transition to eating solid foods include toast, unseasoned chicken, eggs and soda crackers.
Medication
Over-the-counter medication can be helpful in curbing diarrhea, although these medications aren't recommended if diarrhea is caused by a parasite or bacteria. Taking an antidiarrheal medication if you have one of these infections can trap the bacteria or parasite in the digestive tract and prolong your illness. If you have a parasitic or bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
Over-the-counter medications contain loperamide, which slows fluid movement through the bowels. They also contain bismuth subsalicylate, which reduces inflammation and bacteria and virus growth, and balances fluid movement through the digestive system. Children younger than 6 should not take loperamide without a doctor's approval; children 12 and younger should not take medications containing bismuth subsalicylate, according to the AAFP. Bismuth subsalicylate should not be given to children 12 to 18 who have the flu. Taking this medication can increase the risk of developing potentially deadly Reye's syndrome.
