Diarrhea affects the consistency, volume and frequency of bowel movements. Diarrhea can be caused by dehydration, bacteria or an infection in the body. Chronic diarrhea, occurring for many weeks or longer, can be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Acute diarrhea will clear up on its own, but chronic diarrhea requires medical treatment.
Step 1
Drink a cup of rice or barley water at mealtime. To make this, boil a cup of rice or barley in a quart of water. Let the mixture cool and strain.
Step 2
Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water, broths (chicken, beef or miso), juices with low sugar content or fresh vegetable juices. Avoid caffeine or alcohol to prevent further dehydration.
Step 3
Add semisolid, low fiber foods to add bulk to your bowel movements. Foods such as toast, crackers, eggs, rice, potatoes or chicken are all good choices.
Step 4
Avoid dairy, fatty foods, foods high in fiber or highly seasoned foods. These foods are very concentrated and can intensify the bacteria that may be causing the diarrhea initially.
Tips and Warnings
- Stay aware of your symptoms and how you feel. Contact your doctor if symptoms seem to get worse.
