Experiencing diarrhea for any individual is very uncomfortable and disruptive health issue. Diarrhea is a condition when an individual suffers from loose, watery stools, and frequent bowel movements.
Diarrhea symptoms are often accompanied by abdominal pain, cramps, and dehydration. In most cases, diarrhea is resolved on its own but in severe cases, you require immediate medical attention to treat and manage diarrhea.
In today’s blog post, we will explore effective and fast methods to stop diarrhea fast so that you can get relief and restore your digestive health.
Tips to Stop Diarrhea Fast
- Stay Hydrated – One of the major consequences of diarrhea is that it causes dehydration and leads to fluid loss in the body. In order to stop diarrhea fast one of the major steps is to stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of fluids, such as coconut water, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), water, clear broths, and herbal teas to replenish the lost fluid in the body.
Do not drink high-caffeine beverages, alcohol, or sugar drinks as they exacerbate diarrhea and will add more complexity by dehydrating you further.
- Follow BRAT DIET – Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast are the components of the BRAT diet that can be easily digested by the body during diarrhea. BRAT diet provides essential nutrients which help in faster recovery and stop diarrhea fast.
Bananas provide potassium and help in replacing lost electrolytes. Rice and toast bind up and help in bulking up your stool and give relief from watery and loose stool to individuals. Applesauce is gentle on the stomach and helps in stomach relief.
Initially, when you are suffering from diarrhea, you should start with a BRAT diet and later as the recovery begins you should introduce other mild foods in your diet such as boiled potatoes, cooked carrots, and lean proteins.
- Incorporate Probiotics – Probiotics are good and beneficial bacteria. Probiotics help in restoring the gut flora balance, help in healthy digestion, and relieve diarrhea. If you are looking to stop diarrhea fast then concentrate on consuming probiotic supplements such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Probiotics help in reducing the frequency and severity of diarrhea episodes. It is important to consult your healthcare expert before starting any new probiotic supplement if you have an underlying health condition.
- Try Over-the-Counter Medications
OTC (Over the counter) medication helps in stopping diarrhea fast. Antidiarrheal drugs which contain loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate as a component help in slowing down bowel movement and reduce the frequency of loose stools.
It is important to note that OTC drugs are not suitable in case of severe diarrhea or certain medical condition, and requires proper medical attention for the patients to treat and manage diarrhea.
- Avoid Trigger Food
Certain foods can cause diarrhea like junk food, spicy and greasy food, dairy products, and artificial sweeteners. It is important to identify and avoid the consumption of trigger foods to stop diarrhea fast and better recovery.
You can make a food tracker and record the symptoms and analyze the patterns. Try to eat food that is easily digestible by your body such as boiled or steamed vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fiber grains until your digestive system is recovered fully.
- Maintain Proper Hygiene
The main causes of diarrhea are bacteria, viruses, or parasites. They can easily spread from one person to another and infected any person through contaminated food, water, or surface. To stop diarrhea fast and prevent further infection you should practice proper hygiene.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restrooms. Do not share your personal items like razors, blades, toilet seats, etc. because these can lead to other infections as well. Clean surfaces with disinfectant regularly to stop the spread of diarrhea and other infections.
- Herbal Medicines and Teas
Several herbal remedies and teas are used since the ancient time to relieve diarrhea and its symptoms.
Teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger tea have soothing properties, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties respectively which help in calming down the digestive system.
Before taking any herbal remedies or teas, do consult with an herbalist or healthcare professional if you have severe symptoms or taking medications for other underlying diseases.
- Staying Active and Manage Stress
Do regular exercise to regulate bowel movements and digestion improvement. Staying physically active helps in maintaining good health. Additionally, manage your stress to stop diarrhea fast because stress leads to worsening digestive issues, and can cause diarrhea.
To manage stress effectively practice deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, or engage in other activities which give you relaxation.
- Seek Medical Attention
If the diarrhea lasts for more than 10 days or the symptoms get worse like high fever, bloody stools, dehydration, or severe abdominal pain then seek immediate medical attention to stop the diarrhea fast.
- Prevention Tips for Diarrhea
To reduce the risk and stop diarrhea fast it is important to take preventive measures such as washing your hands regularly, keeping your surroundings neat and clean, consuming fresh and clean food, drinking clean and safe water, and getting vaccinated especially for diseases that can cause diarrhea, for example rotavirus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does diarrhea usually last?
Ans. Diarrhea can last from a couple of days to a few weeks depending upon the underlying causes, severity, and individual factors.
Q2. Can stress or anxiety trigger diarrhea?
Ans. Yes, stress or anxiety can lead to diarrhea because it disrupts the normal functioning of digestive movement and can trigger diarrhea in a few individuals.
Managing stress is important and can be managed by incorporating stress relief activities like yoga, meditation, etc.
Q3. How can I prevent dehydration during diarrhea?
Ans. Drink plenty of fluid, including water, ORS, and clear broths to prevent dehydration and replenish the lost fluid in the body.
Q4. Can I take dairy products during diarrhea?
Ans. Dairy products should be avoided during diarrhea, as they can worsen diarrhea in some individuals especially those who are lactose intolerant. You can start the consumption of dairy products once your symptoms subside.