Diarrhea

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Diarrhea: Home Care & Treatment

• Drink plenty of fluid to avoid becoming dehydrated. Start with sips of water or any fluid other than milk or caffeinated beverages. For infants and young children, use electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte.
• Avoid solid food for about 24 hours, until your symptoms begin to subside. Stick with clear liquids during this time, like clear soups and jello.
• When you resume eating, start with mild foods like rice, dry toast, and bananas. Avoid dairy, fruits, vegetables, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods until your symptoms have been gone for a couple of days.
• Avoid over-the-counter diarrheal medications unless specifically instructed to use one by your doctor. Certain infections can be made worse by these drugs. When you have diarrhea, your body is trying to get rid of whatever food, virus, or other bug is causing it.
• Rest.

If you have a chronic form of diarrhea, like irritable bowel syndrome, try adding bulk to your diet to thicken the stool and regulate bowel movements. Such foods include rice, bananas, and fiber from whole-wheat grains and bran. Additionally, psyllium containing products such as Metamucil or similar products can be used to add bulk to the stools.