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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Medline Plus; Diarrhea; David C. Dugdale, III, MD; Feb. 8, 2010
- National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse; Diarrhea; January 2011
- National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse; What I Need to Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome; May 2007
- FamilyDoctor.org; Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children; November 2010
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Anti-Diarrhea Foods
Most of the time, diarrhea is caused by a virus or bacteria and will clear up on its own within a day or two 2. In the meantime, you can avoid irritating your stomach and help the diarrhea pass by staying hydrated and eating bland, soft foods. If you see blood in your stools, have diarrhea for more than two days, have severe pain in your abdomen or have a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, see your doctor.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Staying Hydrated
The most important thing to remember if you have diarrhea is to keep yourself hydrated 2. Diarrhea may cause you to lose too much fluid, causing dehydration 2. Sip water, tea, clear sodas and clear broths. You can also sip an oral rehydration solution, which contains the sugar, salt and potassium that your body needs after a bout of diarrhea. The symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dark urine, dry skin, fatigue and light-headedness. In babies, symptoms include crying without tears, a dry diaper for three hours or more and a sunken fontanel, or soft spot in the head. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor.
- The most important thing to remember if you have diarrhea is to keep yourself hydrated 2.
- In babies, symptoms include crying without tears, a dry diaper for three hours or more and a sunken fontanel, or soft spot in the head.
BRAT Diet
How to Stop Diarrhea in a 2-Year-Old Child
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After the first several hours of a bout of diarrhea, the frequency should begin to slow down, and you can gradually introduce bland foods to your diet. One way to remember foods that will nourish you and allow you to recuperate is to think of the acronym BRAT, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Bananas contain potassium, which you may have low levels of after having diarrhea. Rice, applesauce and toast are easy to eat with an upset stomach and are unlikely to cause more diarrhea.
- After the first several hours of a bout of diarrhea, the frequency should begin to slow down, and you can gradually introduce bland foods to your diet.
Foods to Avoid
While you are sick with diarrhea and in the days immediately afterward, avoid greasy, heavy foods, which may cause more diarrhea. Also avoid milk and other dairy products, as you may become temporarily lactose-intolerant when you have a bacterial or viral intestinal illness. Foods with a lot of sugar or fat might also start diarrhea again and should be avoided 2. After three days, gradually introduce the foods that you normally eat.
- While you are sick with diarrhea and in the days immediately afterward, avoid greasy, heavy foods, which may cause more diarrhea.
- Also avoid milk and other dairy products, as you may become temporarily lactose-intolerant when you have a bacterial or viral intestinal illness.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Home Remedies for a Baby With Diarrhea
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Some diarrhea is caused by a condition called irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Its symptoms include chronic diarrhea, sometimes alternating with constipation, abdominal swelling and white mucus in the stool. If you have IBS, your doctor might recommend eating more fiber to alleviate your symptoms. Eat foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and whole grains. Another option is to take a fiber supplement or to mix fiber-containing powder with water or juice.
- Some diarrhea is caused by a condition called irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.
- Its symptoms include chronic diarrhea, sometimes alternating with constipation, abdominal swelling and white mucus in the stool.
Related Articles
References
- Medline Plus; Diarrhea; David C. Dugdale, III, MD; Feb. 8, 2010
- FamilyDoctor.org; Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children; November 2010
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Symptoms & Causes of Diarrhea. Updated November 2016.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Managing Acute Gastroenteritis Among Children. Published November 10, 2003.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Treatment for Diarrhea.Updated November 2016.
- Mayo Clinic. Diarrhea. Last reviewed June 16, 2020.
- Quigley EMM. Prebiotics and probiotics in digestive health. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019;17(2):333-344. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2018.09.02
- Su G, Ko C, Bercik, P, ET al. AGA clinical practice guidelines on the role of probiotics in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. Gastroenterology. June 9 2020. doi:https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Clostridium Difficile Infections. Updated June 3, 2019.
- Churgay CA, Aftab Z. Gastroenteritis in children: Part II. Prevention and management. Am Fam Physician. 2012;85(11):1066-1070.
- McFarland LV, Goh S. Are probiotics and prebiotics effective in the prevention of travelers' diarrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Travel Med Infect Dis. 2019;27:11-19. doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.09.007
- World Bank Group. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) [PDF]. 2019.
Writer Bio
Michelle Kulas worked in the health-care field for 10 years, serving as a certified nurses' assistant, dental assistant and dental insurance billing coordinator. Her areas of expertise include health and dental topics, parenting, nutrition, homeschooling and travel.