How to Get Rid of Diarrhea Fast: 7 Effective Remedies

Diarrhea can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing, striking unpredictably and at the worst times. 

While most causes of watery stools may improve on their own, some home remedies can provide relief fast.

In this article, we’ll discuss over-the-counter (OTC) medications and natural treatments for diarrhea.

We’ll also cover common causes and when to seek medical care.

OTC Treatment

In most cases, diarrhea resolves on its own without treatment. 

Still, the following OTC medications can help alleviate symptoms and relieve diarrhea sooner:

• Bismuth subsalicylate: Sold as Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol, and store brand generics, this medication stabilizes how fluids move through the digestive tract. It can quickly stop diarrhea.

• Loperamide: Available under the brand name Imodium and store brand generics, this medication slows down how quickly things travel through the digestive system, which lets the body absorb more fluids. This can have a quick effect on loose stools.

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Natural Treatments

In addition to or instead of over-the-counter medicines, there are several natural treatments for diarrhea.

Fluids

While diarrhea may seem like it occurs because of an excess of fluids, it actually can have a dehydrating effect on the body.

So when you have diarrhea, drink 8-10 glasses of clear fluids such as water, herbal tea, and some juices daily. 

Avoid carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol, and prune juice since these can irritate the intestines.

BRAT diet

The BRAT diet is used to soothe an irritated GI tract. 

It may also help address causes of diarrhea. 

BRAT stands for:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast

The blandness of the foods helps ease symptoms like nausea, while the starchy, low-fiber nature of the foods helps absorb fluids without further aggravating the intestines.  

Other foods that work on a BRAT-type diet include clear soup broth, plain soup noodles, saltine crackers, and plain potatoes (not chips or French fries, which are greasy).

Probiotics

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that colonize the large intestine. 

At times, the gut microbiome can become unbalanced due to bacterial infection, antibiotics, or other related problems.

Taking probiotic supplements or eating foods that contain probiotics might support intestinal health and decrease the length of diarrhea episodes. 

The probiotic strains that may be helpful for diarrhea are:

• Saccharomyces boulardii
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Lactobacillus casei
• Bifidobacterium lactis

Although fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and kefir contain probiotics, they may be harder to digest than a probiotic supplement when you have diarrhea.

Cut back on dairy products

Dairy products have beneficial nutrients, but they can also irritate the gastrointestinal lining.  

This is especially true for people who have lactose intolerance. 

Avoid milk, ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products until diarrhea resolves.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and coffee are stimulants and can worsen diarrhea by increasing a laxative effect. 

Instead, drink plenty of water and clear fluids like herbal tea, clear broth, or apple juice when you have diarrhea.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a popular remedy for nausea and may also be soothing for diarrhea because it has a calming effect on the gastrointestinal system.

What Is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea occurs when bowel movements become too loose or watery and happen at a rapid frequency. 

Diarrhea is very common and almost always resolves on its own. 

It is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, intestinal cramping, bloating, and urgency.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by many different things, including:

• Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) or other viral infections
• Bacterial infections (food poisoning or food-borne illness)
• Parasite infections from drinking contaminated water
• Antibiotics
• Chemotherapy drugs and other cancer treatments
• Food allergy
• Food intolerance or sensitivity
• Artificial sweeteners
• Sugar alcohols
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (types of inflammatory bowel disease)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Celiac disease

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When to See a Medical Provider

See a qualified healthcare provider if you:

• Have diarrhea for more than 3 days
• Show signs of dehydration
• Can’t keep fluids down
• Can’t urinate
• Feel dizzy or lightheaded
• Develop a fever above 102º F (38.9º C)
• Have severe abdominal cramping or pain
• Have bloody or tarry black stools

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can access online urgent care with K Health?

Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. 

K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What stops diarrhea fast?

Diarrhea can be stopped quickly with OTC medicines such as loperamide (Imodium) and Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).

How long does diarrhea take to go away?

Without treatment, most diarrhea resolves on its own within a few days. Adults should see a medical provider if diarrhea does not resolve completely in two days. Children should see a medical provider if diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours.

Is it better to stop diarrhea or let it go?

For adults, mild diarrhea that lasts for two days or less and does not cause signs of dehydration can run its course. If diarrhea becomes severe, interferes with everyday activities, or leads to signs of dehydration, consult a medical provider. Children should see a healthcare provider if diarrhea does not resolve within 24 hours, while infants who get diarrhea should see a medical provider right away.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Diarrhea. (2021).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448082/

• Bismuth subsalicylate. (2016).
  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607040.html

• Loperamide. (2018).
  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682280.html

• When you have diarrhea. (2019).
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000121.htm

• Eating, diet, and nutrition for diarrhea: What should I eat if I have diarrhea? (2016).
  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/eating-diet-nutrition

• Probiotics for infectious diarrhea. (2003).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1773578/

• Saccharomyces boulardii: What Makes It Tick as Successful Probiotic? (2020).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344949/

• Acute diarrhea. (2017).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7148607/

• Bacterial diarrhea. (2022).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551643/

• Symptoms and causes of diarrhea: What are the symptoms of diarrhea? (2016).
  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/symptoms-causes

• Treatment for diarrhea. (2016).
  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/treatment

Plus Causes and Prevention Tips

Treatment to get rid of diarrhea fast can depend on the cause but typically involves taking anti-diarrheal medications or antibiotics. Certain food and drinks may also help you manage your symptoms.

Diarrhea, or watery stools, can be embarrassing and strike at the worst times, such as during a vacation or special event.

But while diarrhea often improves on its own within two to three days, a few remedies can help promote firmer stools faster.

Keep reading to learn about five fast-acting methods, along with what typically causes diarrhea and prevention tips.

Some people see diarrhea as nothing more than a mild nuisance and let it run its course, especially since some bouts lasts less than 24 hours.

You might stay close to home or a bathroom, and load up on fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

But what if you can’t stay home?

In this case, taking an anti-diarrheal medication may reduce or completely eliminate loose stools after the first dose. Look for over-the-counter products like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, which have the ingredients loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, respectively.

The active ingredient in Imodium works swiftly because it slows the movement of fluid through the intestines. This can quickly restore normal bowel function. Pepto-Bismol, on the other hand, helps kill diarrhea-causing bacteria in your intestines.

Rice water is another fast, effective remedy for diarrhea. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes, or until the water becomes cloudy.

Strain the rice and preserve the water for consumption. Rice water not only provides your body with fluid to prevent dehydration, it can also reduce the duration of diarrhea. Rice water has a binding effect in the digestive tract, resulting in firmer, bulkier stools.

Taking a probiotic supplement or eating probiotic foods like some brands of yogurt may also stop diarrhea.

Sometimes, diarrhea results from an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help restore balance by providing a higher level of good bacteria. This can promote normal bowel function and shorten the duration of diarrhea.

Diarrhea from bacteria or a parasite may need an antibiotic. In this case, diarrhea can occur after coming in contact with contaminated food or water, often while traveling.

Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective when viral infections cause diarrhea. This type of diarrhea must run its course.

A diet known as BRAT may also quickly relieve diarrhea.

BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is effective due to the bland nature of these foods, and the fact that they’re starchy, low-fiber foods.

These foods have a binding effect in the digestive tract to make stools bulkier. And since they’re bland, they’re less likely to irritate your stomach or worsen diarrhea.

Along with these items, you could also eat (similarly bland) saltine crackers, clear broth, and potatoes.

Understanding the cause of diarrhea can help you avoid future bouts. Common causes include:

Stomach virus

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is one cause of diarrhea. Along with watery stools, you may have:

• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• low-grade fever

These viruses include norovirus and rotavirus, which can develop after eating or drinking contaminated food, or sharing personal items with an infected person.

Medication

Sensitivity to certain medications can also trigger bouts of diarrhea. This may happen after taking antibiotics, pain relievers, or cancer-fighting drugs.

Foodborne illness

Also called food poisoning, diarrhea can develop if you eat food contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or toxins. Food-borne illnesses can include those caused by the following bacteria:

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Clostridium botulinum (botulism)

Food allergy or sensitivity

If you’re lactose intolerant, diarrhea may develop after eating dairy products. These include milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt.

Having a food allergy or sensitivity may also trigger diarrhea. For example, you may have diarrhea after eating foods containing gluten — wheat, pasta, or rye.

Artificial sweeteners

This is a lesser known cause of diarrhea. But if you’re sensitive to artificial sweeteners, you may have a bout of diarrhea after eating foods or drinks containing these sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are found in diet drinks, sugar-free products, chewing gum, and even some candy.

Digestive problems

Diarrhea is sometimes a symptom of digestive disorders. You might have frequent bouts of loose stools if you’re diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Also, irritable bowel syndrome can cause alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.

Diarrhea caused by a virus or bacterial infection is contagious. You can protect yourself by:

• washing your hands frequently
• avoiding sick people
• disinfecting commonly touched surfaces
• not sharing personal items

If you have diarrhea after starting a new medication, ask your doctor about an alternative drug or possibly lowering your dosage.

You can also protect yourself by thoroughly cooking food and washing fruits and vegetables before preparing. Also, make sure you know the proper way to wash your hands.

Use warm, soapy water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If water isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To identify possible food allergies or sensitivities, keep a food journal and write down everything you eat for a few weeks. Make a note of days that you have diarrhea.

Keeping a food journal can help determine whether you have a lactose intolerance or a gluten sensitivity. You can then try an elimination diet. Remove suspected problem foods from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

For a digestive disorder, talk to your doctor if you feel that your current therapy isn’t working. You may need to adjust your medication.

See a doctor for diarrhea that lasts longer than three days, or if you show signs of dehydration. This can include extreme thirst, decreased urination, and dizziness.

You should also see a doctor if you have:

• a fever above 102°F (38.9°C)
• bloody or black stools
• abdominal pain

Diarrhea can come and go within 24 hours. Or it can last for days and disrupt your plans. But between medication, low-fiber foods, and avoiding foods that irritate your digestive system — such as dairy or artificial sweeteners — you can quickly relieve symptoms and enjoy diarrhea-free days.

How to quickly get rid of diarrhea? Imodium! – Golovnya in Ukraine

When the digestive system fails, our body and we ourselves experience serious discomfort. Who doesn’t remember those stomach pains that literally twist us around? And at the same time, diarrhea often appears – frequent bowel movements, which are popularly called simply diarrhea or frustration. These are delicate problems, which are not very common to talk about, but they can bring serious discomfort into a person’s usual life.

Causes of diarrhea

There can be many reasons for gastrointestinal disorders. Most often, these are elementary hygiene violations – unwashed hands or food, bad water, stale food. Some people still have the habit of drinking tap water! And in our country, with our water quality, this is absolutely impossible to do, unless of course you are a happy owner of a well. Yes, and in this case, the water must be taken to the laboratory analysis to make sure it meets the standards. The use of antibiotics or other drugs can also lead to disorder of the gastrointestinal tract; change of food and water when moving to another area; excitement and stress.

What to do

If diarrhea persists, you should always see a doctor and undergo a medical examination to determine its cause. And to quickly remove the symptoms (so that you can at least get to the hospital or clinic) will help “Imodium”. Numerous responses confirm: the drug stops even the most nasty diarrhea for a maximum of an hour.

There is an official website of the drug http://imodium. ua/, which describes in detail the mechanism of action of Imodium, gives advice on how to use it. We learned that a new form of IMODIUM® Lingual has been released, which does not require drinking water and dissolves in the mouth in just a matter of seconds. Agree, it is very convenient on the road when there is no water at hand.

The active substance of Imodium is loperamide, a substance that slows down intestinal motility. As a result, undigested food in the large and small intestines goes a longer way, and emptying occurs less frequently. As a result, the work of the stomach also normalizes, and over time, abdominal cramps disappear. It is also important that as a result of taking the drug, dehydration does not occur.

Imodium and children

Imodium is prescribed for adults and children over 6 years of age. It should be noted that doctors now practice the appointment of Imodium and children under 6 years of age. But only a doctor should make a decision, assessing the child’s health and possible risks. Self-medication in this case is categorically excluded.

The drug is used with caution in children because it delays bowel movements, as we have already found out. And if there is an infection in the intestines in parallel, then its removal from the body is also delayed. And this can lead to toxicity. Thus, if you do not know the diagnosis, then uncontrolled use of the drug can only worsen the child’s condition. At the same time, there are a lot of positive reviews from parents about Imodium.
It is better to give Imodium tablets to a small child, since the capsule is easier for him to swallow. But for older children there are chewable tablets.

Since Imodium does not save from intestinal infections, many doctors after taking this drug prescribe sorbents. The best known is activated charcoal. Or powders for cleansing the body such as Atoxil.

The drug is contraindicated:

• pregnant women and nursing mothers
• people with individual intolerance to the components of the drug, in particular with lactose intolerance
• for acute dysentery
• and a number of other cases listed on imodium. ua

Caution should be taken if liver function is impaired.

During treatment with Imodium, it is not permissible to drive a car and other mechanisms, since one of the possible side effects is drowsiness.

It should be noted that Imodium is a kind of “ambulance” for diarrhea, so you need to take it exactly until the symptoms disappear and no more. If after stopping the drug everything repeats – go to the doctor! You most likely need a comprehensive treatment for the cause of this trouble.

And remember, in most cases, diarrhea is the result of dirty hands and poorly processed foods. Compliance with elementary hygiene rules will help prevent it and save the intestines.

Safe ways to quickly relieve the main symptoms of diarrhea (diarrhea)

15 November 2022

15 November 2022

3 minutes

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ProWellness

Contents

• Quick relief
• Ways to get better
• When to see a doctor urgently
• Conclusion

Disclaimer

Please note that all information posted on the site
Prowellness is provided for informational purposes only and is not a personal program, a direct recommendation for action, or medical advice. Do not use these materials for diagnosis, treatment, or any medical procedure. Consult your physician before using any technique or using any product. This site is not a specialized medical portal and does not replace the professional advice of a specialist. The Site Owner is not liable to any party who has suffered indirect or direct damage as a result of misuse of materials posted on this resource.

Safe ways to quickly relieve the main symptoms of diarrhea (diarrhea)

The reasons why diarrhea appears (in other words, diarrhea) are very diverse. This trouble can occur with full health and is a small annoying malfunction of the body. But it can also be a symptom of a number of serious diseases.

When diarrhea is not associated with a disease, you can get rid of it in simple ways. But if they do not work, it means that a real professional treatment of the disease that caused the indigestion is needed. To do this, you will have to see a doctor.

Quick release

Even absolutely healthy people are subject to occasional, episodic diarrhea. It is enough to be very nervous, suddenly afraid of something or very happy, eat unfamiliar food or just run around (the so-called “runner’s diarrhea”), as the gastrointestinal tract begins to rebel and urgently dump its contents.

A mild case of diarrhea does not require special treatment. It is enough to relax and drink a few glasses of clean water. But if you want to speed up recovery, then healthy people can take various over-the-counter drugs, but you should definitely read the instructions, as such drugs have many contraindications and side effects.

Ways to improve your condition

Diarrhea brings with it pain not only in the abdomen, but also in the rectal region. Itching, burning, the skin is irritated, covered with bleeding scratches.

To relieve these symptoms, a warm bath is recommended: general or sitz. After the bath, the skin in the affected area is blotted dry with a soft cloth (now it is impossible – this aggravates irritation), or allowed to dry in the air. You can also apply a little Vaseline or hemorrhoid cream to the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin. But if these measures do not help, and the irritation does not disappear after a few days, you should consult a doctor to prevent the spread of inflammation.

When to see a doctor urgently

Occasional diarrhea goes away on its own in 1-2 days. But there are a number of signs, the appearance of which means that urgent medical attention is required. These include:

• diarrhea persists after 2 days;
• diarrhea accompanied by nausea and repeated vomiting;
• there are signs of dehydration, despite the large amount of liquid drunk;
• high temperature that lasts more than a day;
• increased heartbeat;
• dark urine;
• scanty urination;
• confusion.

If you have these symptoms, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Mild cases of episodic diarrhea do not require treatment.