Probiotics are beneficial bacteria in your gut, and are available in certain foods and in capsules for people who want to increase their intake. While probiotics are sometimes used to treat diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome or antibiotics, they can also cause diarrhea if taken in large doses. Most cases of diarrhea are treatable at home, but if it persists, is bloody, or causes dehydration or a fever, call your doctor. You will need to scale back on probiotics and alter your diet to treat your diarrhea.
Step 1
Eliminate the probiotic capsules. If they are causing you to experience diarrhea you will need to stop taking them until you recover. You can then begin taking them again, but in smaller doses to prevent a recurrence. Talk to your doctor about the right dose.
Step 2
Stop eating foods that contain probiotics. This will help clear up diarrhea more quickly. Foods to avoid include yogurt, fermented milk, miso and sauerkraut. Read labels if you are unsure of probiotic content and look for the presence of live and active cultures.
Step 3
Increase your fluid intake. This will prevent dehydration while your diarrhea lasts. Choose water or tea and stay away from milk and caffeinated drinks, as they can prolong diarrhea. Juice, electrolyte drinks or broth are other options. Sip liquids slowly and gradually increase your intake until the diarrhea is gone.
Step 4
Eat foods that will firm your stool. Try white rice, bananas, toast, potatoes, crackers, eggs, chicken or gelatin. These bland foods will help shorten the duration of your diarrhea. Start with small portions and add more as you begin to feel better. Stay away from caffeine, spicy foods, greasy foods, foods high in fiber and sweets because they may exacerbate the condition.
Step 5
Try an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication. Only do this under the advice of a doctor because they can sometimes make your condition worse. Never give this type of medication to a child unless his pediatrician says it is alright.
Step 6
Rest as much as possible. Relaxing and allowing your body to recover will speed the process and you will be more comfortable resting than if you are trying to work or clean the house. The combination of laying down, stool-firming foods and the elimination of probiotics help you get over your bout of diarrhea faster and prevents you from becoming dehydrated.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk with a doctor before giving your child a probiotic supplement to prevent stomach upset and diarrhea, which is more problematic in children because they become dehydrated more quickly than adults.
