What To Do If You Have Diarrhea?

If you have diarrhea, the most important thing to do is replace lost fluids and electrolytes by drinking clear liquids like water, broth, or an oral rehydration solution. Avoid solid food for a few hours, then slowly introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods like plain rice, toast, or bananas. Do not take over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication if you have a fever or bloody stool — see a doctor instead.

What causes diarrhea in adults?

Most cases of diarrhea are caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite. Viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu — is the most common culprit. You can pick it up from contaminated food, water, or contact with someone who is sick.

Food poisoning from bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella is another major cause. Antibiotics can also trigger diarrhea by disrupting the natural balance of bacteria in your gut. Some people get diarrhea from food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten. Stress and anxiety can speed up digestion and cause loose stools too.

Chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or celiac disease can cause recurring diarrhea. If your diarrhea lasts more than two weeks, it is worth talking to your doctor about these possibilities.

What should you drink when you have diarrhea?

Water is fine, but it is not enough on its own. When you have diarrhea, you lose water, sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes. Drinking only water can dilute what is left and make things worse. You need fluids that replace both water and salts.

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are the best option. You can buy them at most drugstores. They contain the exact balance of sugar and salts that your gut can absorb. Sports drinks are not ideal — they have too much sugar and not enough electrolytes for diarrhea.

Clear broths, like chicken or vegetable, provide sodium and some calories. Coconut water is a natural source of potassium, but check the label for added sugar. Avoid apple juice, pear juice, and sugary sodas. The sugar draws water into your gut and can make diarrhea worse.

Sip small amounts frequently. A few ounces every 15 to 20 minutes is easier on your stomach than drinking a full glass at once.

What foods should you eat and avoid?

The BRAT diet is the classic recommendation: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are bland, low in fiber, and easy to digest. Bananas also provide potassium, which you lose with diarrhea.

Other good options include plain crackers, boiled potatoes without skin, clear soups, and cooked carrots. Small amounts of plain chicken or fish are fine if you are hungry. The key is to keep meals small and simple.

Foods to avoid until you feel better include dairy products, fatty or fried foods, spicy dishes, and high-fiber foods like beans, broccoli, or whole grains. Caffeine and alcohol can also irritate your gut and dehydrate you further. Avoid artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol — they can cause diarrhea on their own.

Once your stools start to firm up, you can slowly add back other foods. Listen to your body. If a food causes cramping or more diarrhea, wait another day before trying again.

Should you take over-the-counter medication?

For mild, watery diarrhea without fever or blood, loperamide (brand name Imodium) can help. It slows down the movement of your intestines, giving your body more time to absorb water. It works well for short-term relief when you need to get through a workday or a long car ride.

Do not use loperamide if you have a fever above 101°F, bloody stool, or mucus in your stool. These are signs of a bacterial infection. Slowing your gut down in that case can trap the bacteria inside and make you sicker. See a doctor instead.

Bismuth subsalicylate (brand name Pepto-Bismol) is another option. It can help with mild diarrhea and also treats nausea. It turns your tongue and stool dark — that is harmless and temporary. Do not use it if you are allergic to aspirin or take blood thinners.

Probiotics are widely claimed to help, though the evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest certain strains like Saccharomyces boulardii can shorten the duration of diarrhea, especially if caused by antibiotics. If you want to try probiotics, look for a product with multiple strains and take it as directed on the label.

When should you see a doctor?

Most diarrhea clears up on its own within a few days. But some situations require medical attention. See a doctor if you have any of these signs:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours in adults
• Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Signs of dehydration: dark urine, dry mouth, feeling dizzy, or not urinating for 8 hours
• Diarrhea after returning from a trip abroad

Children and older adults are at higher risk for dehydration. If an infant under 6 months has diarrhea, call a pediatrician. For older adults who live alone, dehydration can happen faster than they realize, so check in on them.

If you have a chronic condition like IBD or kidney disease, talk to your doctor early. They may want you to adjust your medications or start treatment sooner.

How can you prevent dehydration?

Dehydration is the biggest danger from diarrhea. Your body can lose a lot of fluid quickly. The normal daily fluid need is about 8 to 10 cups for most adults, but with diarrhea you may need more.

Signs of mild dehydration include thirst, dry lips, and slightly darker urine. Moderate dehydration means you feel tired, your mouth is dry, and you urinate less often than usual. Severe dehydration causes confusion, rapid heart rate, and very little urine — this is a medical emergency.

To prevent dehydration, drink an oral rehydration solution or clear broth throughout the day. Weigh yourself each morning. If you lose more than 2 pounds in a day, you are losing fluid faster than you are replacing it. Increase your fluid intake until your weight stabilizes.

For most healthy adults, plain water plus salty foods like pretzels or crackers can work in a pinch. But for children, older adults, or anyone with chronic illness, an ORS is safer and more reliable.

Is it safe to exercise with diarrhea?

Light activity like walking is usually fine if you feel up to it. But intense exercise can worsen dehydration and stress your body. If you have a fever, cramps, or feel weak, rest instead.

Your body is fighting off an infection or recovering from irritation. Exercise diverts energy away from healing. Wait until your stools are solid and you feel fully hydrated before returning to your normal workout routine. That usually takes 24 to 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Can diarrhea be prevented?

You cannot prevent every case, but good hygiene helps a lot. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, before eating, and after handling raw food. Hand sanitizer is better than nothing, but soap and water work better for diarrhea-causing germs.

Food safety matters too. Cook meat to safe internal temperatures. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. When traveling to areas with unsafe tap water, drink bottled or boiled water and avoid raw foods washed in tap water.

If you take antibiotics, eating yogurt with live cultures or taking a probiotic may reduce your risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The evidence is not strong enough to guarantee it works for everyone, but it is low-risk and some people report benefit.