5 Tips to Relieve Diarrhea Quickly at Home

Diarrhea is a common health problem that occurs due to an infection in the digestive tract. Normally, it lasts for hours to a few days, but if it persists longer, there is probably a bigger problem, and you should seek medical help. Diarrhea is characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, bloating, loose stools, and mucus in stool. It weakens your immune system and causes dehydration. Diarrhea can be highly uncomfortable and embarrassing. This article discusses five home remedies that can help you get rid of diarrhea fast. 

Anti-diarrheal medication

Some people see diarrhea as a mild nuisance and allow it to run its course, especially since most diarrhea cases last less than 24 hours. However, this is only convenient if you stay close to home or a washroom. If you can’t stay at home or close to a bathroom, consider taking anti-diarrheal medication. Affordable over-the-counter medications can completely eliminate watery stools after the first dose. 

Rice water

Rice water is another quick and effective home remedy for diarrhea. Boil one cup of rice and two cups of water until the water becomes cloudy. Sieve the rice and preserve the rice water. Rice water provides a binding effect in the digestive tract, which leads to firmer and bulkier stools. 

Hydrate yourself

Diarrhea can result in severe dehydration and leave your body weak, and it is extremely crucial to keep drinking water to keep your body’s fluid levels and immunity optimum. At the same time, avoid drinking hot drinks, alcohol, carbonated and caffeine-containing drinks.

Probiotics

Sometimes, an imbalance of bacteria in the gut can lead to diarrhea and consuming probiotic foods or supplements can help to stop diarrhea. Probiotic foods like yogurt, natto, green olives, miso, kefir and kimchi, help to provide a good bacteria balance in the gut. 

Eat a recovery diet

You should only take liquid foods during the first 24 hours of getting diarrhea. When recovering from diarrhea, the digestive system is weak and can’t digest everything. In this scenario, you should only take light food items. It is also advisable to take small, frequent meals instead of three large meals. A good diet for someone recovering from diarrhea should include:

  • Pectin-rich foods like fruits
  • Foods rich in potassium, such as potatoes
  • Cooked vegetables
  • Foods with electrolytes, such as sports drinks and miso soup
  • Enough amounts of proteins

A BRAT diet may also help to relieve diarrhea quickly. It comprises bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet combines bland foods that are high in starch and low in fiber, which helps to make stools bulkier. In addition, avoid foods that could put pressure or irritate your digestive tract, such as: 

  • Spicy foods
  • High-fat foods
  • Foods with high levels of fructose
  • Greasy foods
  • Foods with artificial sweeteners

Endnote

In most cases, you can treat diarrhea at home without the need to see a doctor. Taking over-the-counter medications, rice water, and following a recovery diet can help to get rid of diarrhea quickly. However, you may need to see a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, blood in bowel movements or the diarrhea lasts for two or more days.