Diarrhoea is a common digestive issue that causes frequent, loose, and watery poo. Other symptoms can include abdominal cramps, dehydration, nausea, and an urgent need to use the bathroom.
Having diarrhoea can be uncomfortable, distressing and sometimes downright embarrassing – so, it’s no surprise that people want to get rid of it quickly.
How to stop diarrhoea fast
If you or someone you know has diarrhoea, following this simple six step process should help improve diarrhoea symptoms quickly – so you can get back to feeling your best.
Step 1: Drink plently of fluids
Drink clear fluids like water or electrolyte solutions to keep dehydration at bay. Aim for small, frequent sips rather than large gulps to ease the strain on your digestive system.
Step 2: Follow the BRAT diet
Eat bland, low-fibre foods such as bananas, rice, pasta, and toast. These easily digestible foods give you the nutrients you need, without worsening your symptoms.
Step 3: Eat some probiotic yoghurt
Probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to your digestive system and improve diarrhoea symptoms.
Step 4: Avoid trigger foods
While you’re feeling under the weather, try to steer clear of food and drink that worsen your diarrhoea. These include spicy, fatty, or high-fibre foods, and caffeine and alcohol.
Step 5: Use an over-the-counter medicine
If your diarrhoea is particularly bad, you may want to speed up the process of getting better even more. This is where an over-the-counter medication like loperamide (Imodium) can help, but you should always carefully follow the instructions on the packaging.
Step 6: Get plenty of rest
Take it easy and give your body time to heal. Getting stressed won’t help your gut settle down.
Frequently asked questions about diarrhoea
What food can help diarrhoea?
Eat plain, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, pasta, and toast. They give nutrients without making symptoms worse.
What to take for diarrhoea?
For diarrhoea, you can take over-the-counter medicines like loperamide. Also, you should stay hydrated with clear fluids and follow a bland diet.
How to help diarrhoea?
To help with diarrhoea, focus on staying hydrated by drinking clear fluids. Follow a bland diet with easily digestible foods like rice, cooked vegetables, and toast. Also, consider taking probiotics to aid digestion.
