Diarrhea is loose stools at more-frequent-than-usual intervals. It is often accompanied by abdominal cramping. Diarrhea can be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasite, medications and reactions to certain foods and additives. If your stools contain blood or if diarrhea lasts more than a few days, or if the patient is very young or very old, you should call your doctor. Most of the time, however, you can safely and easily manage diarrhea at home.
Replace Lost Fluids
The primary concern with diarrhea, according to KidsHealth.org, is dehydration. Dehydration can occur when diarrhea is mild and you don't drink enough to replace lost liquids, or when diarrhea is severe. Drink clear liquids, such as chicken broth, ginger ale, water and tea. Oral rehydration solutions and sports drinks contain electrolytes that your body needs to replace during and after a bout of diarrhea, so drink those as well. KidsHealth.org recommends not giving children plain water and other clear liquids, as they may contain too much sugar and not enough salt, and might make diarrhea worse. Give children oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, or contact your child's doctor for a recipe to make your own solution.
Eat the BRAT Diet
Doctors often recommend the BRAT diet to those recuperating from diarrhea or other stomach illnesses. BRAT is an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These foods are bland and have a low chance of irritating your stomach and causing more diarrhea. They are also binding foods, which can firm up loose stools, and in the case of bananas, contain potassium, which your body needs to replace. Other foods that are good to eat during a bout of diarrhea are saltine crackers, broth-based soups, boiled potatoes and gelatin. Stick to these foods for 24 to 48 hours, and wait a few days before eating dairy products and any spicy or fatty foods.
Supplements and Herbal Remedies
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that probiotics, including acidophilus and bifidobacteria, may help to alleviate diarrhea. Active-culture yogurt is one source of these probiotics, or you can purchase supplements at a pharmacy or grocery store. Zinc and glutamine are other supplements that may relieve diarrhea.
Some herbs may remedy diarrhea. Do not take herbs without talking to your doctor or another medical professional, as some may make diarrhea worse or interact with medications that you are taking. Do not take herbs if you are pregnant or breast-feeding unless your doctor recommends them. Blackberry leaf and raspberry leaf tea can help to dry up the intestinal mucous membranes, relieving diarrhea. Chamomile and slippery elm each reduce inflammation in the intestines. Goldenseal and barberry can fight diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection. Psyllium husks can help to firm up stools.
