best drinks for upset stomach and diarrhea - #13712
I am dealing with this really annoying upset stomach and diarrhea for the past couple of days. Like, it came out of nowhere! One minute, I was enjoying my favorite meal, and the next, I was doubled over in pain, running to the bathroom. Ugh. I’ve tried some bland foods and drinking water, but it just doesn’t feel like enough. I keep wondering what are the best drinks for upset stomach and diarrhea because honestly, I feel so dehydrated now. I looked up a couple of remedies and found suggestions like ginger tea and electrolyte drinks, but I’m kinda unsure if those are the best drinks for upset stomach and diarrhea or if there’s something else I should consider. I even thought about some clear broth, but is that really gonna help? Sometimes I feel like the wrong drink could make it worse, right? I’m just kinda confused about how to balance it because I want to calm my stomach down but don’t want to make things worse. Should I stick with the usual ginger ale or is that a myth? Anyone have personal experiences or any recommendations on the best drinks for upset stomach and diarrhea that really helped? Thanks in advance!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
For an upset stomach and diarrhea, choosing the right fluids is essential to prevent dehydration and help soothe your digestive system. Let’s start with the basics: water is critical but on its own may not be sufficient, particularly if you’re losing electrolytes through diarrhea. Electrolyte solutions like oral rehydration salts (ORS), or commercially available products like Pedialyte, are excellent options as they help restore sodium, potassium, and other crucial electrolytes. These are specifically formulated to match the body’s electrolyte balance, so they’re a reliable choice. Ginger tea can be soothing for mild nausea and may calm your stomach, but it doesn’t address electrolyte loss, so it’s best used in conjunction rather than as a primary source of hydration. Clear broths are also good choices since they provide both fluids and some sodium content, although they lack other essential electrolytes. As for ginger ale, it might not be the best choice. It often contains a lot of sugar and limited actual ginger, potentially irritating your gut, so a better option would be a low-sugar ginger tea. Chamomile tea may provide some relief for stomach pain as well as help relax gastrointestinal muscles, but again, ensure you’re mainly focusing on rehydration. Avoid caffeinated, sugary, or dairy-laden beverages, as they might worsen diarrhea. If the symptoms persist, or you notice signs of severe dehydration like reduced urination, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat, you should seek medical advice promptly, as these can indicate the need for more intensive intervention.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.