What happens if diarrhea doesn stop

Do eat when hunger strikes. Trust your body to tell you when — and how much — it can tolerate, notes Ganjhu. Eating gassy food when you have diarrhea can increase intestinal gas and should be avoided. This includes fruits and vegetables, like prunes, berries , beans, peas, broccoli, corn, and green leafy vegetables, and sweet foods like cookies or cakes.

For people with lactose intolerance , dairy causes diarrhea. But if you can tolerate dairy, opt for low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt. Probiotics contain beneficial lactic acid bacteria, which are special microorganisms that can restore the balance lost by diarrhea. You can also consider taking a probiotic supplement; but since there are many strains available, look for one that helps with diarrhea, advises Ganjhu.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology reports Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii to be among the two most effective strains to help with diarrhea.

Do wash your hands. Since diarrhea can sometimes be transmitted by person-to-person contact or from contaminated hands, washing your hands after using the bathroom and before you eat can help block possible diarrhea-causing pathogens. Research published in September in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that handwashing can reduce episodes of diarrhea by about 30 percent.

To wash properly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends wetting your hands, then applying soap and rubbing them together for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to include the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Rinse with clean, running water and dry thoroughly. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol can work, too. Do know when to call the doctor. Mayo Clinic advises to seek medical help if you have any of the following symptoms:.

This can include extreme thirst, decreased urination, and dizziness. Diarrhea can come and go within 24 hours. Or it can last for days and disrupt your plans. But between medication, low-fiber foods, and avoiding foods that irritate your digestive system — such as dairy or artificial sweeteners — you can quickly relieve symptoms and enjoy diarrhea-free days.

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When to see a doctor? The diet is made up of four bland, low-fiber foods:. Bananas are especially useful. They help restore any potassium your body lost through diarrhea.

You can add other bland, easy-to-digest foods as your diarrhea symptoms start to get better. This includes:. Don't eat or drink foods or beverages that cause gas , such as:. If diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days, check the foods that you're eating. Diarrhea can get worse if you eat foods high in fiber such as bran, whole grains, and brown rice as well as greasy foods or those sweetened with sorbitol.

Taking probiotics in food or or as supplements might help shorten a mild bout of diarrhea. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are beneficial to your digestive system.

Diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of the healthy bacteria in your stomach and intestines. Probiotics can quickly replace these protective microorganisms and help restore normal bowel function. Some helpful probiotics include:. In particular, S. It may be best to avoid some dairy products during diarrhea, but not all. Certain dairy foods, like yogurt or kefir with live probiotic bacteria, are extremely beneficial. Other natural probiotic sources are fermented foods like:.

Kimchi is another popular fermented food. Some people even call it a "super-probiotic. Side effects of probiotics, whether in food or supplement form, tend to be mild and may include an upset stomach, bloating, and gas.

You should never ignore diarrhea. If you have tried the above-listed home remedies and still have loose stools , call your doctor or your pharmacist. They might recommend over-the-counter medicine that can help.

On the other hand, you should see a doctor right away if you or your child have persistent or severe diarrhea or show signs of dehydration, such as:. Babies under 3 months old with diarrhea should be taken to a doctor or emergency room right away. Don't wait or try to treat the condition at home. You might be able to treat diarrhea without taking medication. Try changing your diet temporarily, taking probiotics, and drinking lots of liquids. Talk to your healthcare provider if the diarrhea doesn't go away.

Gas pain? Stool issues? Sign up for the best tips to take care of your stomach. Cleveland Clinic. Updated April 13, The effect of oral rehydration solution and recommended home fluids on diarrhoea mortality. Int J Epidemiol. In: StatPearls. Updated June 22, Updated November