Diarrhea can be caused by infections, medications, food intolerances and other bowel conditions. While you seek care, a few measures can help maintain your hydration and nutrition. This guidance is intended for adults with mild symptoms and no warning signs.
In short
- First, replace water and minerals with an oral rehydration solution.
- There's no need to fast: eat smaller meals with foods you tolerate.
- Home recipes and teas can bring comfort, but they don't replace rehydration.
- If there's no improvement within 48 hours, seek an assessment.
01
First, replace water and minerals
When you have repeated watery stools, choose an oral rehydration solution, available at pharmacies and health centers. Prepare the sachet with exactly the amount of water stated on the package, without adding sugar, salt or other ingredients. Drink in small, frequent sips, including after each bowel movement.
What about coconut water?
It can complement hydration throughout the day, in small portions, according to your tolerance. Choose the version without added sugar and alternate it with drinking water. It does not replace oral rehydration solution for significant losses, because its mineral composition is different. If you have kidney disease or need to restrict potassium or fluids, check with your care team before drinking it.
02
Keep eating, as tolerated
Fasting is not necessary. Eat smaller meals and choose foods you can tolerate, such as rice, potatoes, cooked carrots, eggs, chicken and soups with little oil. Return to your usual diet as you improve, and avoid staying on a very restricted diet for several days.
During an episode, cut back on fried food, alcohol, coffee, very sugary drinks, concentrated juices and products containing sorbitol, mannitol or xylitol. If milk with lactose makes symptoms worse, reduce it temporarily.
03
Pectin: a fiber that may help
Pectin is a soluble fiber found in fruits such as apples. It forms a gel in contact with water and may help with stool consistency. Studies with pectin showed benefits in children with persistent diarrhea, but this does not prove that a home recipe will stop any episode in adults.
Stewed apple, no sugar
Ingredients: 1 apple and a little water.
Method: Wash and peel the apple, remove the seeds and cut it into pieces. Cook in a little water until soft, then mash. Try a small portion. The preparation keeps part of the pectin in the flesh.
If it causes more gas, cramps or bowel movements, stop: tolerance to fruit varies from person to person.
04
Cornstarch porridge
It can be a simple option to provide energy when your appetite is low. There is no good evidence that ordinary cornstarch, on its own, treats diarrhea.
Cornstarch porridge
Ingredients: 1 level tablespoon of cornstarch and 200 ml of cold drinking water.
Method: Dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water. Bring to the heat, stirring until it cooks and thickens. Have a small, warm portion, without too much sugar.
Don't drink raw cornstarch mixed in water, and don't use this porridge as a substitute for rehydration solution or for all your meals.
05
What about teas?
A mild, unsweetened chamomile infusion can be a comforting drink for adults who already tolerate it and are not allergic to the plant. It has no established effectiveness in stopping diarrhea and does not replace rehydration.
Avoid laxative teas, such as senna and cascara, and “detox” blends. Pregnant women and people taking medications should check the safety of herbal remedies before using them.
06
Some probiotics may help
Some strains show promising results in specific situations, especially in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Among those studied are certain strains of Saccharomyces boulardii and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG.
The benefit depends on the strain, the dose and the cause of the diarrhea. The choice should be individualized: not every probiotic works for every patient. People who are immunosuppressed, seriously ill or have a central venous catheter should not start probiotics on their own.
Your gut deserves individualized care
When loose stools keep coming back, it is important to investigate the cause, and specific tests may be needed. In the nutrition consultation, I assess your diet, symptoms, history and tests to build an individualized strategy, together with your medical follow-up.
Dra. Daniely Catharino TooleyClinical, functional and orthomolecular nutritionist · CRN3/6794
References (5)+
- Brazilian Ministry of Health. Acute diarrheal diseases: hydration and warning signs.
- NIDDK. Eating, Diet & Nutrition for Diarrhea.
- NIDDK. Treatment of Diarrhea.
- World Gastroenterology Organisation. Probiotics and Prebiotics, 2023.
- Rabbani et al. Dietary management with green banana or pectin in Bangladeshi children. Gastroenterology, 2001.
Educational content for adults. This guidance does not replace an individual consultation, diagnosis or treatment.