To cure diarrhea, the main approaches include staying well-hydrated, following a recovery diet, using over-the-counter medications if appropriate, and addressing the underlying cause if possible.
Key Steps to Cure Diarrhea
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids such as water, broths, juices, or oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary or carbonated drinks that can worsen diarrhea.
- Diet: Follow a bland, low-fiber diet with foods that help firm stools, such as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), boiled potatoes, and plain chicken soup. Avoid fatty, spicy, and high-fiber foods until recovery.
- Medications: Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can reduce symptoms, but should not be used if there is fever, bloody stools, or signs of infection. Children usually should not take these without medical advice.
- Probiotics: These may help restore healthy gut bacteria balance and improve symptoms, especially for antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Probiotics are found in yogurt or supplements.
- When to See a Doctor: If diarrhea persists beyond a few days, is severe, or accompanied by fever, bloody stools, dehydration, or intense abdominal pain, medical attention is necessary. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is identified.
These steps will typically help cure most cases of diarrhea effectively at home.
