How to Stop Diarrhea Fast (2025)

Diarrhea can often be stopped by using over-the-counter(OTC) medications such asloperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). Remember, though, that diarrhea caused by a virus or bacteria will typically run its course in two to three days without treatment.

When managing diarrhea, it's important that you drink enough fluids to keep the body hydrated and avoid foods that may worsen symptoms. This includes caffeine, alcohol, certain dairy products, as well as foods that are fatty, spicy, sugary, or high in fiber.

1. Dietary Modifications

When dealing with diarrhea, focus on eating bland, easily digestible foods and avoid those that can make symptoms worse.

What to Eat

Bland, low-fiber, and fermented foods can clear diarrhea more quickly while lessening stomach upset.

Adults may try the BRAT diet to help stop diarrhea naturally, which is made up of four bland, low-fiber foods:

• B: Bananas
• R: Rice
• A: Applesauce
• T: Toast

Adults should only follow the BRAT diet for a short period, adding in additional bland but nutritious foods as symptoms improve.

Other easy-to-digest foods include:

• Baked, skinless chicken breasts
• Plain cereal
• Baked potatoes
• Chicken soup with saltine crackers
  

Because the BRAT diet is extremely restrictive and may not provide adequate nutrition, it is no longer recommended for children.

Children with mild diarrhea who aren't vomiting can continue eating their normal diet. If your child begins vomiting and their diarrhea becomes more severe, it's best to contact their healthcare provider.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can make diarrhea worse. Avoid the following until your diarrhea resolves:

• Fried and other fatty or greasy foods
• High-fiber grain products (e.g., bran, whole grains, and brown rice)
  
• Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower)
• Beans and legumes
• Bell peppers
• Corn
• Berries
• Prunes
• Foods sweetened with sorbitol
• Certain dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, and ice cream)
  

To stop an episode of diarrhea, it's best to avoid the following beverages, which can cause gas and bloating or have a laxative effect:

• Coffee
• Caffeinated drinks
• Prune juice
• Sugary drinks
• Carbonated drinks (e.g., sodas or seltzer)
• Alcohol

How to Stay Hydrated During Diarrhea

One of the biggest problems with loose stools is dehydration. It's important to replace the fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea episodes by drinking plenty of water and rehydration drinks.

Children, toddlers, and babies with mild diarrhea who aren't vomiting can continue drinking what they normally do, whether that is breast milk, cow's milk, or formula.

Young children may drink pediatric rehydration drinks if they have mild diarrhea and are also vomiting. Consult product labels for the appropriate age of use. These are marketed under certain brand names, like:

• Pedialyte
• Enfalyte
• Gastrolyte
  

2. Medications

OTC anti-diarrheal medications that can help stop diarrhea include:

• Imodium (loperamide): This medication slows down digestion so the body can draw more water from the intestines. This helps to firm up stools and reduce the frequency of bowel movements. It is meant for frequent or severe diarrhea rather than an occasional episode.
• Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate): These medications work by slowing the growth of bacteria in the gut.

In cases of severe diarrhea, a healthcare provider may need to prescribe medication. The medication recommended to treat severe diarrhea will depend on the cause:

• Antibiotics: Used to eliminate a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
• Antiparasitic: Used to treat diarrhea resulting from infections caused by parasites, including protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites
  

3. Other Home Remedies For Diarrhea

Some specific drinks that are recognized as home remedies for diarrhea include:

• Rice water: In addition to providing nutrients, the slightly starchy solution may help reduce the frequency of loose stools better than electrolyte solutions.
• Chamomile tea: Chamomile may help relieve upset stomach and diarrhea when combined with other herbs such as star anise, but research is limited.
• Green tea: Green tea has been shown to reduce the incidence of diarrhea in people receiving radiotherapy for cancer.
• Lemongrass tea: Some small, older studies have found that boiling lemongrass stalks to make tea may help relieve diarrhea.

Multiple supplements have also been touted as diarrhea remedies, though research is limited and some may not be safe for everyone.

Consult your healthcare provider before trying these or other supplements to make sure they are right for you:

• Glutamine:Glutamine is an important amino acid that your body uses to make proteins.Some research suggests that glutamine supplementation may help lessen diarrhea after a gastrointestinal infection.
• Agrimony: This herb is sometimes recommended to treat diarrhea. It can also affect your blood pressure and may thin the blood, so consult your healthcare provider before trying it.
• Barberry, Oregon grape, and goldenseal: These contain berberine, which may help with diarrhea caused by a virus or bacteria. Do not take these if pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Bilberry extract: This herbal remedy can also thin the blood and may have interactions with medications used to treat diabetes.
• Blackberry or raspberry leaf: These are said to help "dry" the mucous membranes in the intestines. Do not use if pregnant.
  
• Probiotics: These contain the same live bacteria and yeast as those found in fermented foods. Probiotics might help shorten a mild bout of diarrhea naturally.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

You should never ignore diarrhea. If diarrhea is mild, goes away within a few days, and you aren't showing signs of dehydration, you can let it run its course. However, if you have loose stools for more than two days, call your healthcare provider.

Babies under 3 months old with diarrhea should always be taken to a healthcare provider. Do not wait or try to treat the condition at home.

You should seek emergency care right away if you or your child have:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent or severe diarrhea
• Signs of dehydration (see below)
• Blood in your stool
  

How to Prevent Diarrhea

It may not be possible to fully prevent diarrhea, but these steps can reduce the chances of it:

• Practice proper hygiene: Washing your hands regularly throughout the day can reduce the spread of viruses that cause diarrhea.
• Get vaccinated: There are vaccines available that can help protect against rotavirus and cholera, two gastrointestinal infections that can cause diarrhea and dehydration.
• Avoid eating spoiled food: Keep food at recommended temperatures, and cook food to recommended temperatures. Don't eat foods that develop an unpleasant appearance, texture, smell, or taste.
• Avoid drinking contaminated water: If you travel to areas with limited sanitation and water filtration systems, consider only drinking bottled water or beverages in factory-sealed containers. Ensure all fruits and vegetables are washed with clean water (or peeled) and that meats are fully cooked.

Summary

If you need to stop diarrhea, try OTC medications. Prescription drugs may be needed to treat diarrhea caused by parasites or bacterial infections. To feel better faster, stay hydrated, eat only bland foods, and try incorporating probiotic-rich foods and/or supplements into your diet.

Talk to your healthcare provider if your diarrhea doesn't go away within two days. If you have symptoms like severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or signs of dehydration, seek emergency care.