To stop diarrhea quickly, it is important to increase your water intake to replace any fluid and minerals you lost through the stool. You should also eat foods that add bulk to the stool and that reduce intestinal movement, like guava for example. Another excellent strategy is to consume probiotics so that intestinal flora can be restored to its natural balance more quickly. This will help to prevent even more liquid stools.

Diarrhea can be caused by bacteria or viruses found in contaminated food that is infested. This can cause food poisoning or gastroenteritis. Diarrhea can also be a medication side-effect. which is particularly common following a course of antibiotics. A food intolerance can also cause diarrhea.

Generally speaking, diarrhea usually lasts for 3 to 4 days. If your diarrhea lasts for longer, or if you are experiencing other symptoms, you should see your doctor, as this may indicate that you diarrhea is caused by an infection and requires treatment with medication.

Ways to get rid of diarrhea naturally

The following are ways you can stop diarrhea faster at home:

1. Eat easy-to-digest food

When you have diarrhea, it is important to eat food that is easy to digest, helps to restore intestinal flora and maintains the body hydrated. Some examples include:

Vegetable soup, cream of vegetables (these should be low in fat and based in natural ingredients)
Natural fruit smoothies that are unsweetened, coconut water, apple tea or guava leaf tea
Fruit like unripe banana, guava, apple without the peel, all which contain astringent properties
Mashed or pureed veggies, like potato, carrot, cassava, sweet potato or squash
White rice, pasta, white bread, corn starch, porridge
Chicken, turkey, and fish, preferably shredded
Jello or crackers

It is important that fruits and vegetables are peeled and cooked. This will help to reduce intestinal movement caused by fiber intake, which can worsen diarrhea. Learn more about what to eat when you have diarrhea.

2. Drink guava leaf tea

Guava leaf tea has astringent properties, that helps to reduce the amount of water in the stool which helps to control diarrhea. Guava tea also has antispasmodic action which reduces abdominal pain.

To prepare this tea, simply add 15 g of washed guava leaves to 500 ml of boiling water. Cover the pot and steep for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink 3 to 4 cups of this tea a day.

Check-out other teas for diarrhea that have medicinal properties that can help reduce diarrhea.

3. Apples without the peel

Apples without the peel, either raw or boiled, are another great option for helping to stop diarrhea. Unpeeled apples have low amounts of insoluble fiber, which is a type of fiber that increases intestinal flow and worsens diarrhea. Learn about other foods that worsen diarrhea that you should avoid during treatment.

You should opt for fruits in general without the peel, without seeds and without pulp. These are the parts of the fruit that contain the highest amounts of insoluble fiber.

4. Avoid high-fat foods

Foods that are high in fat should be avoided, as well as foods that are spicy. Other foods to avoid include sauces, stock cubes, alcohol, sodas, coffee, green or black tea, milk, raisins, plums, beans, and ice cream.

In addition, foods that produce gas and cause more discomfort should also be avoided. Examples include broccoli, cauliflower and corn.

5. Take a homemade saline solution

To replenish the water and mineral salts that are lost during diarrhea and to avoid dehydration, you can drink homemade saline solutions. These can also be purchased at the pharmacy, or taken in the form of electrolyte drinks.

It is advisable these solutions in small sips throughout the day and in proportion to the fluids estimated to be lost through the stools. However, it is not recommended to take more than half a glass of serum in one go.

6. Take probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the intestine. They can be consumed as part of some foods, particularly food that has been fermented like natural yogurt, kombucha and kefir. Probiotics can also be taken as supplements purchased at the pharmacy, like Florastor.

These bacteria help to improve intestinal flora, and help to fight off and prevent intestinal disease. They can improve digestion as well as the immune system.

7. Drink chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is rich in phenolic compounds such as apigenin and quercetin, which have an anti-inflammatory and calming effect. This tea can reduce GI tract stimulation and relieving cramps caused by diarrhea. Learn about the other health benefits that chamomile tea can offer.

To make chamomile tea, simply add 1 tablespoon (4 g) of dried chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water. Cover, steep for 5 minutes, strain and drink up to 4 cups of tea a day.

8. Diarrhea medication

There are many types of medications that can be used to treat diarrhea, however they should only be used under medical guidance. A doctor is able to take the cause of the diarrhea into consideration, as well as the person's health history, the current symptoms and the type of diarrhea the person has.

Some medication the doctor may recommend includes:

Racecadotril, which helps to reduce the secretion of water through the intestine, which helps to harden or add bulk to the stool
Loperamide, which reduces peristaltic movements in the intestine. This helps stool to remain for longer in the intestine, which which helps to manage water absorption and makes the stools harder.

It is important to avoid taking any of these medications before speaking to a doctor first. If the diarrhea is related to an infection, these medication can actually worsen the situation. Learn more about the medication that is safe to take for diarrhea during pregnancy.

9. Drinking coconut water

Drinking coconut water can also help to treat diarrhea. It can help to replenish mineral salts, like potassium and sodium, that are lost through the stool. These are important for preventing symptoms related to dehydration. Learn more about the other health benefits of coconut water and how to take it.

When to see a doctor

You are advised to see a doctor if the diarrhea is frequent, or if you experience other symptoms like blood or pus in the stool, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, or significant weight loss. Learn more about the causes of diarrhea and what to do.

In addition, you should also be aware of symptoms of dehydration, which can include thirst, dry mouth, drowsiness or altered level of consciousness. If any of these occur, proceed immediately to the hospital.