How to Stop Diarrhea with Household Items
Diarrhea refers to frequent bouts of loose, watery stools that leave your stomach churning throughout the day. The Doctors Book of Home Remedies notes that diarrhea is the body's natural way of cleansing bacteria out of your bowels 12. Bacteria can come from food or a virus that has affected your health. Home treatment of diarrhea will help ease symptoms, but you should always consult your physician when dealing with unexplained diarrhea.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Diarrhea causes fluid loss, increasing your chances of dehydration. Clear fluids are ideal for combating loose stools, but you should avoid apple and pear juices, as these can worsen your symptoms.
Home Remedies for Diarrhea in Adults
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Eat high-fiber foods in abundance to thicken loose stools and regulate your bowels. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole-grain bread and bran-based cereals will ease diarrhea, states the Doctors Book of Home Remedies 12.
Cut down on your consumption of highly seasoned foods, dairy and meats, suggests MayoClinic.com. Meats are high in fat, while seasonings tend to upset the stomach further, causing digestive problems.
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Eat plenty of strawberries. According to the Doctors Book of Home Remedies, strawberries control diarrheal bouts by helping to thicken stools 2. Strawberries are best when in season, during the spring and summer months.
Drink a cup or two of hot tea per day. Tea with a little sugar binds the stool together, eliminating its watery consistency.
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References
- Mayo Clinic: Diarrhea: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- 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
- Churgay CA, Aftab Z. Gastroenteritis in children: Part II. Prevention and management. Am Fam Physician. 2012;85(11):1066-1070.
- 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:
- 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
Sharin Griffin has been a freelance writer since 2009, specializing in health-related articles. She has worked in the health-care industry as a certified nursing assistant and medical technician. Griffin's medical expertise encompasses bariatrics and geriatric care, with an emphasis on general medicine. She is completing an associate degree in health-care administration from Axia University.