Drinking water is good, but be sure to also drink broth, juice, or some sports drink, too. Your body needs electrolytes like potassium and sodium. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some people find that apple juice makes symptoms worse. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Suck on ice chips if you are too nauseated to drink anything. [4] X Research source See a doctor right away if you can’t keep down any liquids for over 12 hours, or have diarrhea or vomiting that lasts longer than 24 hours. If you become severely dehydrated, you may need an IV at the hospital. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If a child or baby has diarrhea, don’t give them fruit juice or anything carbonated. If you breastfeed, continue to breastfeed them as usual.
Don’t give these to a child unless you check with your doctor first. Some diarrhea gets worse if you take these medicines, like if your stomach problems are caused by a bacterial infection. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source It’s okay to try an OTC anti-diarrheal, but if it worsens your diarrhea see your doctor right away for alternate treatment.
Your doctor prescribed you a different medication, or you take another NSAID for a different condition. You have liver or kidney disease. You’ve ever had stomach ulcers or bleeding. You’re under 18. Consult your doctor first, or before giving aspirin to a child or teenager. Using aspirin to treat viruses (including the flu) in kids and teens has been linked to a potentially life-threatening illness called Reye’s Syndrome. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
You might be dehydrated if you feel really thirsty, have dry mouth or dry skin, aren’t urinating much or have dark urine, or feel weak, dizzy, fatigued, or lightheaded. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Also take the child to a doctor if they have diarrhea lasting over 24 hours or have black or bloody stools. Take your child to emergency room if they’re lethargic, have severe abdominal pain, have a dry mouth, or you cannot reach your doctor.
Water (carbonated and flavored waters are okay) Fruit juice with no pulp, fruit punch, and lemonade Bubbly drinks, including soda (though it’s important to choose sugar- and caffeine-free options) Gelatin Coffee and tea (decaffeinated, without dairy) Strained tomato or vegetable juice Sports drinks (drink these in addition to other items, not just by themselves – they contain too much sugar to be helpful alone) Clear broth (not creamy soup) Honey and sugar, and hard candy like lemon drops and peppermints Ice pops (no fruit or dairy)
Try the BRAT diet, containing bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Other good options are crackers, noodles, and mashed potatoes. Stay away from highly-seasoned foods. Some salt is okay, but don’t eat anything spicy.
Note, however, that fiber can help regulate your bowels in the long run. If you have frequent problems with diarrhea, consider consuming more fiber in your diet to help regulate your system.
Limit fat to <15 grams per day. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
This includes caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and some sports drinks, as well as foods high in caffeine, like chocolate.
Sunett and Sweet One Equal, NutraSweet, and Neotame Sweet’N Low Splenda
Eating plain yogurt with live cultures is an exception to the no-dairy rule when you have diarrhea.
Note that antibiotics will only be prescribed if bacteria is known to be the cause for your diarrhea. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses or other causes, and they can cause unpleasant side effects or worsen your digestive problems if used incorrectly.
Never stop or change your prescribed medications without consulting your doctor. This can have serious health consequences.
