how to stop diarrhea at home - #14506
I am dealing with this awful situation—I’ve had diarrhea for the past three days, and it’s really affecting my life! I just wanna know how to stop diarrhea at home. It started after I ate at this new restaurant, and I thought they were just experimenting with spices, but now it feels more serious. I’ve been to the bathroom like a million times, and I’m exhausted. I tried drinking more water to stay hydrated, but honestly, I'm feeling kind of weak and lightheaded. I’ve also been eating plain rice and toast like I read online, but I don’t see much improvement. How to stop diarrhea at home? Are there any specific remedies or over-the-counter stuff I should try? My friend mentioned something about probiotics – do they really help? Or is it better to stick with the BRAT diet? I keep worrying that I’m missing something obvious, like a key home remedy or maybe I'm supposed to avoid something specific. I've been trying herbal teas too, but I’m not sure if that’s doing anything. Doc said to manage from home for now, but it’s getting really uncomfortable. Anyone have any solid advice or tips on how to stop diarrhea at home before I go bananas?
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Doctors’ responses
If diarrhea’s been getting you down for a few days, managing symptoms at home can indeed make a difference. Since yours started after eating out, let’s first focus on hydration – the cornerstone of dealing with diarrhea. It’s great that you’ve been upping your water intake, but you might want to switch to an oral rehydration solution (ORS). You can make this at home by mixing 1 liter of water with 6 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This solution helps replenish lost electrolytes more effectively than plain water. Rest, and keep your meals bland and easy on the stomach, sticking with that BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, toast—like you’ve been doing, though it may not lead to immediate improvement; consistency is key. While probiotics can sometimes support gut health, evidence on their efficacy in acute situations varies. But, including some yogurt with live cultures might be beneficial if you don’t have any underlying issues like lactose intolerance. Over-the-counter options like loperamide (Imodium) can be considered for symptomatic relief, but be mindful not to use them if there’s a suspicion of infection (such as fever or blood in stools). In such cases, keeping things moving might be better. Herbal teas, like chamomile, might aid in soothing the gut, but don’t rely on them solely for hydration or significant relief. Certain foods can worsen diarrhea, especially oily, dairy products, or high-sugar items, so avoid those. If there’s no improvement, re-evaluate whether it’s time to reassess with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re experiencing signs of dehydration, ongoing weakness or the presence of new symptoms like high fever or severe abdominal pain.
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