Fast treatment for diarrhea may include avoiding certain foods, taking antidiarrheal medications, and taking probiotics, among others. Treatment may depend on the underlying cause.

Diarrhea is when you experience loose and wet stools at least three times per day.

Treatment may depend on the duration, severity, and underlying cause of your symptoms.

However, certain over-the-counter (OTC), natural, and prescription remedies may help relieve diarrhea.

When to see a doctor

Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days may be a symptom of a health condition that requires medical attention.

Get immediate medical help if you develop any of the following symptoms:

Diarrhea may go away on its own without treatment, but some OTC medications may help relieve your symptoms faster.

The two most common OTC antidiarrheal medications are loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

If you have other symptoms of diarrhea, such as bloody stools or fever, speak with a doctor before trying these OTC medications. They may prescribe other types of antidiarrheal medications, such as codeine phosphate.

Learn more about diarrhea medications.

The BRAT diet may help relieve symptoms of diarrhea. BRAT stands for:

This diet may be effective because the foods are bland, starchy, and low in fiber.

Other similarly bland foods include:

These foods may have a binding effect in the digestive tract, which makes stools bulkier, and they typically won’t irritate your digestive tract.

That said, the BRAT diet shouldn’t be followed for more than 2 days because it doesn’t provide a balanced, nutritious diet. If your diarrhea continues, get medical attention.

Certain foods and fluids may soften your stool or increase your bowel movements. Common trigger foods may include:

  • eggs, gluten, and dairy products
  • processed, fatty, and spicy foods
  • proteins, such as steak, pork, and salmon
  • certain vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots
  • acidic fruits, such as berries, lemons, and oranges
  • very hot or cold drinks
  • alcohol, coffee, and tea

Probiotics are live microorganisms (healthy bacteria) in your digestive tract. A bacterial imbalance in your gut may result in diarrhea.

Taking probiotic supplements or eating probiotic foods might help restore this balance by providing high levels of good bacteria. This could restore normal bowel function and shorten the duration of diarrhea.

That said, further research is needed to fully understand the role of probiotics in diarrhea management.

Speak with a doctor before taking probiotic supplements.

Diarrhea may be caused by bacteria and parasites in contaminated food or water. This type of diarrhea is known as traveler’s diarrhea because it most commonly occurs when traveling.

Antibiotics work by fighting off infections caused by bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli.

Keep in mind that antibiotics are ineffective when viral infections cause diarrhea.

If you’re unsure about what’s causing your diarrhea, speak with a doctor.

There are various causes of acute or chronic diarrhea.

Acute diarrhea may last up to 14 days and will typically improve on its own. It may be caused by:

Chronic diarrhea may last for more than 1 month and could be a sign of a serious condition. Common causes include:

Some hygiene habits like regularly washing your hands and fully cooking food may help you prevent a stomach bug.

Viral and bacterial infections may be caught through:

The rotavirus vaccine may prevent severe illness from bacteria in young children.

Keeping a symptom journal may also help you identify key triggers of diarrhea, such as certain foods, fluids, or medications.

This could be useful during an elimination diet, as this may help you identify these triggers.

If you have a condition or digestive disorder, speak with a doctor. They could help develop a healthcare plan that works for you.

What helps diarrhea go away?

In most cases, diarrhea will go away on its own without treatment. However, depending on what’s causing your diarrhea, certain remedies may help it go away faster, including:

  • over-the-counter (OTC) medications
  • avoiding certain foods
  • staying hydrated
  • taking antibiotics
  • taking probiotics

What drink stops diarrhea?

No single drink can stop diarrhea, but it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Some drinks to consider may include water, broth, sports drinks, and herbal tea.

What food stops diarrhea?

Foods that are starchy, bland, and low in fiber may temporarily help reduce diarrhea. These may include:

  • bananas
  • rice or rice water
  • applesauce
  • toast
  • potatoes
  • saltine crackers
  • clear broth

These foods may make your stool bulkier because they could have a binding effect in the digestive tract.

Should I take Imodium for diarrhea or let it run its course?

In most cases, taking loperamide (Imodium) is OK to help relieve symptoms of diarrhea. However, don’t take it if:

  • you just finished taking antibiotics
  • you experience symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease
  • your stomach is swollen
  • you are constipated
  • you have blood in your stools

Speak with a healthcare professional. They could provide an appropriate treatment plan.

Diarrhea may come and go within 24 hours, or it may last for weeks and disrupt your daily activities.

If you’re experiencing other symptoms, such as bloody stools and chills, speak with a doctor. This may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Remedies like OTC medications, reducing your fiber intake, and avoiding foods that irritate your digestive system may help quickly relieve your symptoms of acute diarrhea.