It’s that rumbling in the stomach, that feeling of needing to find a service as soon as possible, that inevitable part of life that does not lead to polite conversation but still needs to be discussed: diarrhea.
For most of us, it’s just an occasional inconvenience. Still, when it happens, you need to have a solution ASAP. We will tell you the best home remedies to save you the trip to the pharmacy.
Natural remedies to treat diarrhea
Eat foods with soluble fiber
There are really no foods to stop it, but there are some that can help clear it up. Although the BRAT diet (bread, rice, applesauce, and toast) used to be the gold standard for diarrhea, it is no longer recommended because it is too restrictive and research shows that it does not help.
It is best to opt for foods with soluble fiber, which move more slowly through the digestive system. These are known as binders for diarrhea because they help make the stool more solid.
Some foods rich in soluble fiber:
- Oatmeal
- Peas
- Beans
- Apples
- Citric fruits
- Carrots
- Barley
Stick to natural foods
Eating soft, easy-to-digest foods is a good way to quickly stop diarrhea at home, especially when the condition is severe.
Avoid strong condiments and sauces and opt for foods like the following:
- Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Noodles
- Rice
- Smooth peanut butter
- Well cooked vegetables
Try adding probiotic foods
Although there is no conclusive data on the effectiveness of probiotics for diarrhea, it is possible that you could benefit from probiotics, microorganisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract and are also found in some foods, in cases of diarrhea caused by an acute infection.
However, probiotics are very individual, so you may need to do a bit of trial and error to find what works for you.
Foods rich in probiotics include:
- Yogurt and kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Miso
- Tempeh
Keep hydrated
Hydration won’t eliminate diarrhea, but it is essential to help you avoid dehydration, which is a potentially serious consequence, even if the condition only lasts for a few days.
Symptoms of dehydration may include dizziness, feeling light-headed or weak, concentrated urine, and decreased urination, confusion, and thirst. The best drink is water, and you may need to drink more to stay hydrated if you have diarrhea. An electrolyte solution, such as Gatorade, can also be helpful, but be careful if they are high in sugar.
Artificial sweeteners
Some foods can cause it or make it worse, and artificial sweeteners rank high on that list. Sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, are often to blame for diarrhea because they can carry water into the intestine.
These types of sweeteners are often found in the following foods:
- Soft drinks, such as diet sodas
- Powdered drink mixes
- Sugar-free gum and candies
- Baked goods
- Canned food
- Dairy products
- Jams and jellies
- Pudding
- Supplementation
Eliminate dairy products if you are intolerant
Lactose, the sugar found in milk and other dairy products, can cause diarrhea in some people. Having this stomach problem after eating or drinking dairy is a common sign of lactose intolerance.
If you have lactose intolerance, you may have this effect after eating or drinking foods such as:
- Cow milk
- Yogurt
- Butter
- Cheese
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Sour cream
Forget about fatty or fried foods
Eliminating some fatty foods can also help stop watery diarrhea. Foods that are high in fat, like fried chicken or French fries, can be difficult for some people to digest. When these foods don’t break down well, they go to the colon, where fat is converted to fatty acids, causing the colon to secrete fluid and diarrhea.
Unhealthy fat-rich foods to avoid include:
- Fast foods (such as Burger King, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell)
- Fried foods like fried chicken
- Whipped cream
- Fatty meats, such as ribs
- Fatty snacks, such as potatoes and corn chips
- Processed meats, such as pepperoni, bacon, and hot dogs.
- Desserts, such as dulce de leche and chocolate cake.
- Some salad dressings
Avoid spicy foods
Foods made with hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which is responsible for the burning sensation in your mouth. Capsaicin can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing digestion to speed up, which is why spicy food causes diarrhea in some people.
Eliminate caffeine
Caffeine speeds up digestion. When waste passes too quickly, your digestive system can’t absorb enough fluid, causing loose stools.
To treat watery diarrhea, cut down on foods and beverages that contain caffeine, including:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda (soft drinks)
- Energy drinks
- Chocolate
Avoid alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can cause diarrhea the next day, especially when it comes to beer and wine.
“Too much” is a relative term determined by your body, but keep in mind that experts recommend having one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. Also, alcohol is dehydrating, so even if it’s not the cause, you’ll want to stay away from it so you don’t worsen the dehydrating effects of diarrhea.
