Diarrhea is very common, affecting millions of people per year in the United States. Although these cases only last one to two days, that doesn’t make it any less miserable. Luckily, diarrhea is fairly easy to treat at home and rarely ever needs medical treatment.
While treating yourself for diarrhea be sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. If you are suffering from diarrhea, read on to find out ways to stop diarrhea at home.
1. Probiotics
Most cases of diarrhea are caused by bacteria, viral infections, food poisoning, water contamination, and other gastrointestinal disruptions. However, there are “healthy” bacteria that can help you create a healthier gut environment. Probiotics exist in certain foods but you can also get a supplement to take daily.
Saccharomyces boulardii is a specific type of probiotic that is often used to treat diarrhea. This is a yeast bacteria, so it should be used cautiously in those with compromised immune systems.
2. Rice Water
Rice water is an effective way to relieve diarrhea in adults and young children. This is a wonderful solution that doesn’t have any adverse effects on your actual health in the process of diarrhea control.
By straining the water from cooked rice, you should drink half a glass after each bout of diarrhea. Do this up to a few times a day and makes some changes to your diet.
3. Foods To Eat/Avoid
Changes to your diet can help in treating diarrhea. While eating may not sound appealing, certain foods can help you get better quicker and avoid getting worse from not eating.
“BRAT” is a term that stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. These foods are easy to digest and can help stomach problems.
Foods to avoid include alcohol, high-fiber, fried, greasy, and acidic foods. In general, these will worsen your symptoms.
4. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an antispasmodic medicine. It can help treat stomach cramps, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea. This is because it helps to relax the muscle that controls your bowel wall.
Peppermint oil comes in several forms but most commonly is available in capsules. It’s safe for those aged 12 and up with some exceptions including pregnant women. There are also some side effects such as indigestion and heartburn.
5. Medication
Over-the-counter medication is one of the more effective ways to diarrhea control. However, it may stop diarrhea it doesn’t treat the underlying cause. A common medication is bismuth subsalicylate which you may recognize as Pepto-Bismol.
For more serious conditions, Xifaxan, which is actually Rifaximin can be used. This is an antibiotic medication that can help treat traveler’s diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Stop Diarrhea at Home
As uncomfortable as you may be, diarrhea is usually not a huge cause for concern. It’s very important to stay hydrated as you don’t want to risk becoming dehydrated. These at-home remedies should offer you some help to stop diarrhea. If symptoms continue, be sure to consult with a doctor.
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