Diarrhea is often your body’s way of dealing with disruptions in your gastrointestinal system. Acute diarrhea lasts less than 2 weeks and can come from many sources, such as:
a viral infection
a bacterial infection
food poisoning
recent antibiotic use
water contaminated with an infectious agent
Infectious diarrhea is common in young children and is often caused by a virus. Traveler’s diarrhea can occur if you travel to underdeveloped areas with contaminated water. Bacteria from improperly stored or cooked food are typical causes of food poisoning.
Read on for some of the most effective ways to manage acute diarrhea.
- Hydration
Hydration is very important when you have diarrhea. Dehydration from diarrhea can be fatal in young children and older adults. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding infants who are experiencing diarrhea.
- Probiotics
Probiotics are sources of “good” bacteria that work in your intestinal tract to create a healthy gut environment. They’re essentially live microorganisms that exist in certain foods, including:
aged soft cheeses
beet kvass
cottage cheese
dark chocolate
green olives
kefir
kimchi
kombucha
sauerkraut
miso
natto
pickles
sourdough bread
tempeh
yogurt
- Over-the-counter drugs
With your doctor’s supervision, several over-the-counter medications can help with acute diarrhea if your symptoms are not severe. Common over-the-counter medications include:
bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate)
loperamide (Imodium)
- Foods to eat
While it might sound counterintuitive to eat if you have diarrhea, eating certain foods can help alleviate your diarrhea symptoms and ensure your health doesn’t worsen from not eating.
bananas
rice (white)
applesauce
toast
Other foods that are usually well-tolerated when experiencing diarrhea include:
oatmeal
boiled or baked potatoes (with skins peeled)
baked chicken with skin removed
chicken soup (which also aids in rehydration)
- Foods to avoid
Fried and greasy foods are usually not well-tolerated in people who have diarrhea.
alcohol
beans
berries
broccoli
cabbage
cauliflower
chickpeas
coffee
corn
ice cream
green leafy vegetables
milk