Generally speaking, diarrhea clears up by itself within days, requiring no treatment. Sometimes, however, it becomes chronic or persistent. Additionally, in certain population groups, such as the very young or those with a compromised immune system, diarrhea has the potential to be dangerous. Hence, it is always good to be aware of ways to stop diarrhea fast. Even if you may not need to stop it fast, getting relief from diarrhea sooner rather than later is always the better option.
The 3 Ways to Stop Diarrhea Fast:
1. The BRAT Diet
The first thing is to consume the so-called BRAT diet, which your mother or grandmother will probably have told you already. The BRAT diet is:
- Bananas, full of potassium and binding agents, as well as sugars
- Rice (white), which has nutrients and salts in it. You need salts to replenish your electrolytes and you need sugar to absorb the salt
- Applesauce, for some more sugars and vitamins
- Toast, which helps to fill and is quite bland in nature, as well as containing some salts
2. Drink the Right Drinks
Secondly, it is very important that you stay hydrated and that you do so with the right kind of fluids. Sports drinks are very good, because they also contain electrolytes to increase hydration. Caffeine should be off the list, as should carbonated drinks. However, carbonated drinks that have gone flat are very good. Try, as much as possible, to have clear liquids only. You could also consider broth.
3. Medication
Last but not least, there is a lot of over the counter medication available that can help you stop this condition, which is why they are included in the 3 ways to stop diarrhea fast. Some of the most popular medications include:
- Loperamide like Imodium
- Pepto-Bismol
- Bismuth subsalicylate like Kaopectate
These medications are particularly suitable for people who suffer from traveler’s diarrhea or the occasional bout of diarrhea. It is fine to use these products occasionally when you need to quickly stop the diarrhea. However, they are not suitable for long terms use and if your diarrhea does continue, you should speak to a physician to determine what is actually going on.
Remember that medication is often designed only to mask the symptoms. For instance, if you have a bacterial infection, you may find that taking Kaopectate will help stop the diarrhea. It will not, however, kill the bacteria. This means that once the medication has become ineffective, the bacteria is still there and the diarrhea will return.
Diarrhea is always a symptom of a problem, rather than a problem in and of itself. It is vital, therefore, that you protect yourself from the problems diarrhea can cause, including dehydration, but that you also find out what caused it in the first place and address that. Only in so doing will you truly stop diarrhea and give yourself the chance to recover. Do also take diarrhea seriously, particularly because dehydration can have serious consequences and can happen very rapidly.
