Some home remedies can be a great way to manage symptoms during a diarrhea flare up. These remedies are aimed at promoting adequate nutrition and hydration to support the body in getting rid of the diarrhea quickly.
There are some home remedies that can help add bulk to the stool and decrease intestinal movements. However, they should only be used after two days of consistent diarrhea, and ideally with a doctor’s approval. Diarrhea is a natural defense mechanism that the body uses to eliminate a microorganism that could potentially cause an infection. For this reason, you should not try to stop diarrhea without an assessment first.
If you have diarrhea, you should see a doctor, especially if you notice blood and mucus in the stool. During treatment, you should try to eat foods that are easy to digest and have a high water content. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water, smoothies or tea.
Some home remedies for diarrhea that promote adequate nutrition and hydration are:
1. Flavored water
Flavored water is a great way to keep the body hydrated during a diarrhea flare. Learn about the different causes of diarrhea.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter (about 4 cups) of cold water
- 5 mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, or ¼ lemon
- 2 medium-size slices of watermelon, without the peel
How to prepare:
Cut up the watermelon slices into smaller pieces, being sure to remove the peel, and place them in a pitcher. Add the lemon juice, mint leaves and cold water, then mix.
2. Carrot soup
Carrots are recommended for diarrhea treatment because they are rich in nutrients like sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. These nutrients are important for recovery and help to maintain nutrition and hydration.
Ingredients:
- 5 medium-size carrots
- 1 medium-size potato
- ¼ of squash, peeled
- 1 liter (about 4 cups) of water
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to prepare:
Cut the vegetables into small pieces and place them in a pot with the water and salt as desired. Once cooked, blend the vegetables and the water using a blender or handheld immersion blender. Ensure you blend until the mixture becomes a creamy consistency. If it is too thick, you can add more water until you reach your desired consistency. Then, add the olive oil, stir and serve.
3. Carrot and apple syrup
Another home remedy to slow down diarrhea is using apples and grated carrots, as these are light foods that are easy to digest.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 a carrot, grated
- 1/2 an apple, grated
- 1/4 cup of honey
How to prepare:
Cook the ingredients in a sous-vide, or water bath, on low heat for 30 minutes. Then allow to cool and place in a sealed glass jar. You can take 2 teaspoons of this syrup per day while you hae diarrhea.
This syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 month.
4. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea with guava leaves is a great natural option for treating diarrhea. The guava leaves and the chamomile contain antispasmodic properties, which reduce intestinal movements and retain stool for longer. This helps it to become bulkier and promotes more water absorption in the gut.
Chamomile contains antispasmodic properties that helps to reduce intestinal contractions, which helps with abdominal discomfort.
Ingredients:
- 1 handful of chamomile flowers
- 10 guava leaves
- 250 ml (1 cup) of water
How to prepare
Place the ingredients in a pot and allow to boil for 15 minutes on low heat. Then remove from heat, cover the pot and allow to cool. Then strain and drink small sips of this tea throughout the day.
This tea should be consumed without sugar, as sugar can worsen diarrhea. You can try sweetening the tea with honey. See the other health benefits of chamomile tea and what else it can be used to treat.
5. Guava leaf and avocado pit tea
Another great way to reduce frequent bowel movements is to drink guava leaf tea. The addition of a toasted avocado pit also helps to decrease diarrhea and prevent possible intestinal infections.
Ingredients:
- 40g of guava leaves
- 1 liter (about 4 cups) of water
- 1 tablespoon of powdered, toasted avocado pit
How to prepare:
Pour the water and leaves into a pot and bring to a boil. Then remove from heat, allow it to cool, then add the avocado pit powder. Mix well and drink.
To make avocado pit powder, place the avocado pit on a tray and bake in the oven until it becomes completely try. Then place the pit in a blender or food processor until it becomes a powder. Store this powder in a sealed glass container.
This tea should not be consumed with sugar, as it can worsen diarrhea. You can try sweetening it with honey.
6. Underripe banana pancakes
Underripe bananas are a great treatment option for diarrhea as they contain high amounts of pectin. Pectin is substance that naturally increases water absorption in the intestines, which makes stool less liquidy. Read about why diarrhea can occur.
Ingredients:
- 2 small, underripe bananas
- 100 g of flour
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of honey
How to prepare:
Place the bananas and eggs in a blender and mix well. Pour the mixture into a bowl and add the flour and cinnamon. Stir until it becomes a creamy batter.
Pour a portion of this batter into an anti-stick frying pan. Allow to cook on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Then turn it over, and allow to cook for the same amount of time. Repeat until you use all the batter. Top the pancakes with honey and serve.
Read more about what can cause diarrhea during pregnancy and how to treat it safely.
Important considerations
When you have diarrhea, you should consider some specific measures like eating white meat and fish (boiled or grilled), white bread, and white pasta, as these are easy to digest and help to add bulk to the stool. You should avoid heavily spiced or saucy foods as well as high-fiber foods until the diarrhea passes.
Ensure you are drinking enough water, as persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Drinking an electrolyte solution can help to restore salts and minerals that are eliminated through the stool. Check out other ways you can stop diarrhea at home.
