Diarrhea is the second most commonly reported illness in the United States, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. The condition is typically caused by acute viral or bacterial infection, but food poisoning, food intolerances or allergies, infection with parasites, reactions to medications and functional bowel disorders are other possible causes. If left untreated, severe diarrhea may cause dehydration, especially in children. Diarrhea usually clears up on its own with medical intervention, and using home remedies during episodes of diarrhea can shorten the duration of the illness and prevent additional irritation of the digestive tract.
Dietary Changes
Some foods can worsen both acute and chronic diarrhea, especially in those with a sensitive digestive system. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding greasy and fatty foods, diary products and foods high in fiber or sugar. Instead, begin consuming bland foods starting 12 to 24 hours after the onset of diarrhea. Bland foods, such as crackers, unsweetened cereals, pasta and boiled potatoes, give the digestive tract time to recover from acute bouts of diarrhea, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Baked, skinless chicken, cooked carrots, oatmeal and biscuits are other good foods to stop diarrhea. Eat small amounts of bland foods every few hours until two to three days after diarrhea has stopped.
The BRAT diet is especially helpful for stopping diarrhea in children, as it consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, four foods most children will eat. These foods can help stop diarrhea by resting the stomach and bulking the stool, which reduces the frequency of bowel movements. Bananas also are high in potassium, an important mineral lost during acute or chronic episodes of diarrhea. Most people suffering from diarrhea are able to tolerate these foods well. The BRAT diet is not suitable for long-term treatment of diarrhea, as it does not contain adequate nutrients, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Yogurt/Acidophilus
Eating yogurt is a simple way to prevent and treat diarrhea. Yogurt is especially beneficial for diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. According to the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, antibiotic-associated diarrhea affects as many as 39 percent of people taking a full course of antibiotic medication. This type of diarrhea develops when antibiotics kill certain bacteria that are naturally present in the intestines. Without these helpful bacteria, the digestive system becomes impaired. Eating a serving of yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus can restore the intestine's natural bacterial balance and speed recovery from diarrhea.
Rehydration
To ease diarrhea and reduce irritation in the digestive tract, fluid replacement should begin as soon as possible. Increasing fluid intake will help stop diarrhea by assisting in the body's natural immune response and working to flush toxins and bacteria from the body. Oral rehydration solutions are specifically designed to replace water, salt, potassium and other essential minerals lost during diarrhea. Clear broths and diluted fruit juices are other acceptable options. HealthGuidance.org suggests adding lemon juice to beverages to help stop diarrhea, as lemon may help kill bacteria responsible for some cases of loose stools. The College of Family Physicians of Canada warns that drinking cold beverages can increase stomach irritation, and states that caffeine should always be avoided during acute diarrhea, as it works as a diuretic and stimulates the intestines.
Other Home Remedies
Grape fruit seed extract may help stop diarrhea resulting from bacterial infection, according to HealthGuidance.org. This is because the extract contains natural antimicrobial properties. Apple cider vinegar may also be beneficial, according to Health911, due to its antiseptic properties. Chamomile tea can help ease the stomach cramping associated with diarrhea and may reduce the frequency of bowel movements.
References
- Health 911: Diarrhea
- The College of Family Physicians of Canada: Vomitting & Diarrhea--Helping Your Child through Sickness
- American Academy of Family Physicians: BRAT Diet: Recovering From an Upset Stomach
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Diarrhea
- Health Guidance: Foods to Eat to Stop Diarrhea
