Diarrhea is not only uncomfortable and embarrassing, it can potentially cause dehydration. Diarrhea is usually caused by a virus, parasite or bacteria in the stomach. Other times, diarrhea is caused by a food intolerance such as gluten or lactose. In most cases, you can take care of diarrhea at home by replacing fluids and using natural remedies. Contact a doctor if diarrhea lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by a high fever, jaundice or severe abdominal cramping.
Fluids
Drinking lots of fluids is the best home remedy for diarrhea. Water with a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar helps replace lost fluids and carbohydrates, and the salt helps you retain water. You can also consume clear broth. Take small sips to start, and avoid very hot or very cold liquids. Continue drinking fluids throughout the day even if they seem to be giving you more diarrhea because your intestines can still absorb some of the water and nutrients.
Avoid accepted home remedies for diarrhea like ginger ale and apple juice. Although apple juice is nourishing, it could have a laxative effect. The carbonation in ginger ale can irritate your stomach and make the diarrhea more explosive. In general, home remedies to replace fluids are sufficient, but if dehydration becomes more severe, it might be safer to use a commercially produced rehydration fluid that contains minerals and electrolytes.
Foods
When you have diarrhea, a good remedy is to eat foods that slow your bowels instead of using over-the-counter medications that make the diarrhea stop. This is because the diarrhea is a symptom of your body trying to expel whatever is making you ill. Try eating some bland foods that are nutrient-rich but low in fiber, such as plain toast, rice, bananas and applesauce. This will replace lost nutrients and harden your stools. You can also eat boiled potatoes or saltine crackers, or carrots with a little salt on them. A small amount of yogurt might help replace the microorganisms in your bowels that aid digestion. Avoid foods that are fatty, high in sugar or fiber-rich, as these can loosen stools and upset your stomach more.
Herbs
Some herbs, like chamomile, peppermint and ginger all soothe the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Peppermint and ginger also act as antispasmodics to relieve mild cramping. You can take these herbs in tea, and there are also tablets, tinctures and powders available. If you use these herbs to help remedy your diarrhea, be aware that some people are allergic to chamomile, especially those that are also allergic to chrysanthemums, marigold and ragweed. The University of Maryland Medical Center cautions that ginger is not safe to use if you take blood thinning medication, and you shouldn't give it to children under 2 years old.
