Preventing Diarrhea (2024)

How Can I Prevent Diarrhea?

Though some types of diarrhea, such as those due to other medical conditions, are unavoidable, infectious diarrhea can be prevented.

See Also
Hand hygiene

The most important way to avoid diarrhea is to avoid coming into contact with infectious agents that can cause it. This means that good hand washing and hygiene are very important.

Also, if you travel to developing countries, you should take the following precautions:

  • Drink only bottled water, even for tooth brushing.
  • Avoid eating food from street vendors.
  • Avoid ice made with tap water.
  • Eat only those fruits or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.
  • Be sure that all foods you eat are thoroughly cooked and served steaming hot.
  • Pre-packaged food is usually safe to consume (check expiration date)
  • Never eat raw or undercooked meat or seafood.
  • Obtain hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations prior to travel, if indicated for that region.
Preventing Diarrhea (2024)

FAQs

What foods stop diarrhea fast? ›

What foods help diarrhea go away? Eating bland foods can help diarrhea clear quicker and prevent stomach upset and irritation. This can include bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, toast, boiled potatoes, unseasoned crackers, and oatmeal.

How to prevent diarrhea when you feel it coming? ›

Making immediate and long-term changes to your diet can help keep diarrhea at bay. For quick relief, stick to a BRAT diet. This effective guideline stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These bland, starchy, and low-fiber foods can help bind stools in your digestive tract and are easy on your stomach.

What naturally stops diarrhea? ›

You can treat diarrhea at home with remedies, such as eating bland foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and trying ginger or probiotics. Consult a healthcare provider before taking an OTC medicine or supplement for diarrhea.

How to stop liquid diarrhea? ›

Drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.

What is the instant stop for diarrhea? ›

Fast relief methods for adults
  • Loperamide (Imodium): This medication slows down digestion so that the body can draw more water from the intestines. ...
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): This medication helps to coat and kill some of the diarrhea-causing bacteria that a person may have in their gut.

Why is the BRAT diet no longer recommended? ›

However, many health professionals no longer recommend it due to the risk of nutrient and calorie deficiencies. The foods in the BRAT diet are low in protein, fat, and fiber, which makes them easy to digest for most people.

Why do I have diarrhea but not sick? ›

Diarrhea not related to an infection can occur as a side effect of antibiotics or other drugs, food allergies, gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, and other diseases. In addition, there are many less common causes of diarrhea.

What to take before eating to prevent diarrhea? ›

Taking 2 tablets of Pepto-Bismol 4 times a day before you travel and while you are traveling can help prevent diarrhea. Do not take Pepto-Bismol for more than 3 weeks.

What can I drink to stop diarrhea? ›

Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 larger meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks.

Should I take Imodium for diarrhea or let it run its course? ›

Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)

What is a natural alternative to Imodium? ›

Things that naturally stop diarrhea include the BRAT diet, probiotics, oral rehydration solution (ORS), zinc, turmeric, cinnamon and nutmeg.

How to stop immediately loose motion? ›

Suggested Home Remedies for Loose Motions:
  1. Apple, Ghee, Cardamom and Nutmeg. ...
  2. Bananas, Ghee, Cardamom and Nutmeg. ...
  3. Rice, Yoghurt and Ghee. ...
  4. Yoghurt, Ginger and Water. ...
  5. Ginger, Sugar and Warm Water. ...
  6. Ghee, Nutmeg, Ginger and Natural Sugar. ...
  7. Fennel and Ginger Powder. ...
  8. Black tea, Lemon Juice and Cardamom or Nutmeg.

What 12 foods stop diarrhea? ›

One of the most familiar anti-diarrhea strategies is the BRAT diet (which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). But there are other foods that are just as useful, including soft-cooked eggs, low-fat yogurt, clear broths, plain pasta, and saline crackers.

Why am I pooping only liquid? ›

Watery diarrhea can result from infections, medications, or chronic conditions. Treatments may include drinking plenty of water, avoiding foods that make it worse, and taking medications to treat diarrhea or an underlying condition.

How do you stop explosive watery diarrhea? ›

Home Remedies
  1. Eat a bland diet: You may also benefit from eating a bland diet until your symptoms clear up. ...
  2. Hydrate: Make sure that you replenish lost fluids and electrolytes to avoid dehydration. ...
  3. Take anti-diarrheal medication: These medications, such as Imodium (loperamide), slow down gut movement to reduce diarrhea.
Jan 10, 2024

What foods soak up diarrhea? ›

The BRAT diet is an acronym that stands for:
  • Bananas. Starch in the fruit can help absorb water in your colon, which works to firm up your stool. ...
  • Rice. Select white rice over brown rice in this case, as it's easier on your stomach.
  • Applesauce. Look to grab unsweetened applesauce to cut down on sugar.
  • Toast.
Jun 16, 2023

Are scrambled eggs good for diarrhea? ›

If you have diarrhea, consuming eggs may provide relief. You may consume scrambled or boiled eggs that may slow bowel movements and provide relief from frequent trips to the bathroom. However, if you have constipation, consuming eggs may worsen symptoms.

How long does it take for stools to return to normal after diarrhea? ›

Diarrhoea is passing looser, watery or more frequent poo (stools) than is normal for you. It affects most people from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about. It can be distressing and unpleasant. It normally clears up in a few days to a week.

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