How to Keep Fluids Down with Diarrhea?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Dehydration is a significant risk with diarrhea, with studies showing it can account for a large portion of child mortality worldwide. Knowing how to keep fluids down with diarrhea is crucial for a speedy recovery and for preventing serious health complications.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical strategies for managing diarrhea and preventing dehydration. It details the best fluids to consume, techniques for successful rehydration, and which trigger foods to avoid. Advice on when to seek medical help is also included.

Key Points

Small, Frequent Sips: The most effective method for keeping fluids down is to drink in small amounts at regular intervals, which is easier for an irritated stomach to handle.
Prioritize Electrolytes: Opt for Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) or clear broths, as they contain the salts and sugars needed to properly rehydrate the body, unlike plain water.
Avoid Trigger Fluids: Steer clear of caffeinated, alcoholic, and high-sugar drinks like soda and fruit punch, which can worsen dehydration and diarrhea.
Start with the BRAT Diet: Once liquids are tolerated, reintroduce bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast to help firm up stool and provide gentle nutrition.
Know When to Seek Help: Consult a doctor if symptoms last more than two days, or if you experience signs of severe dehydration, a high fever, or bloody stool.

The Importance of Rehydration

During an episode of diarrhea, your body loses essential water and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, at an accelerated rate. Replenishing these is the primary goal of treatment. Ignoring this can lead to severe dehydration, which manifests with symptoms like extreme thirst, dark urine, and weakness, and can be particularly dangerous for children and older adults.

Prioritizing the Right Liquids

Not all fluids are created equal when you have an upset stomach. While plain water is good, it doesn't replace lost electrolytes. Electrolyte-balanced fluids are key to successful rehydration.

Best fluid choices include:

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Commercially available solutions like Pedialyte or DripDrop are specifically formulated with the precise balance of water, sugar, and salts your body needs.
Clear Broths: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broths are excellent sources of sodium and are gentle on the stomach.
Electrolyte-Enhanced Water: Specially formulated waters can help replace lost minerals without excessive sugar.
Weak, Decaffeinated Tea: Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can have a calming effect on the digestive system.
Diluted Fruit Juices: Small amounts of diluted, pulp-free juice can provide potassium, though some may be too sugary and worsen symptoms.

Techniques for Keeping Fluids Down

If you are also experiencing vomiting, gulping down a large volume of liquid can trigger more upset. The best approach is to reintroduce fluids slowly and strategically.

Take Small, Frequent Sips: Instead of drinking a full glass at once, take small sips of your chosen fluid every 5 to 10 minutes. This allows your stomach to adjust and absorb the liquid without feeling overwhelmed.
Suck on Ice Chips or Popsicles: This is a good way to get fluids in gradually, especially if the thought of drinking is unappealing. Choose electrolyte popsicles for added benefit.
Let Your Stomach Settle: If you've been actively vomiting, wait for a short period (around 30 to 60 minutes) before attempting to reintroduce any liquids.

Comparison of Hydration Strategies


Strategy	Pros	Cons	Best for...
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)	Optimized balance of electrolytes and sugars; highly effective.	Can be expensive; taste might be unappealing to some.	Rapid and effective rehydration, especially for children and high-risk individuals.
Clear Broths	Soothing, provides sodium; easy to digest.	Contains only some electrolytes; homemade versions vary in content.	When craving a warm, savory option that is gentle on the stomach.
Water with Salt/Sugar	Very affordable; can be made anywhere.	Precise balance is difficult to achieve; too much sugar can worsen diarrhea.	Emergencies when no commercial ORS is available.
Sports Drinks	Contains electrolytes; widely available.	High in sugar, which can draw water into the bowels and worsen diarrhea.	Use only if no other options are available, and choose lower-sugar versions.

Avoiding Foods and Beverages that Aggravate Symptoms

Certain foods and drinks can irritate the digestive system and prolong diarrhea. Staying away from these for a few days is critical for a fast recovery.

Common Triggers to Avoid

Caffeine and Alcohol: Both are diuretics that can increase fluid loss and lead to dehydration.
High-Fiber Foods: While healthy normally, insoluble fiber can speed up digestion. Avoid whole grains, legumes, and most raw fruits and vegetables.
Fatty and Fried Foods: High-fat content can be difficult to digest and exacerbate symptoms.
Dairy Products: Many people experience temporary lactose intolerance during diarrhea, so it's best to avoid milk, cheese, and ice cream.
Excessively Sugary Drinks: High-sugar beverages like soda and fruit punch can worsen diarrhea.

Easing Back into Eating with the BRAT Diet

Once you can tolerate fluids without vomiting, you can gradually introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods. The BRAT diet is a classic approach for a reason.

Bananas: High in potassium and easy to digest, they can help replace lost electrolytes and firm up stools.
Rice: White rice is low in fiber and binding, helping to solidify watery stools.
Applesauce: Easy to digest and provides pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help reduce diarrhea.
Toast: White toast is gentle on the stomach and provides simple carbohydrates for energy.

After a day or two on bland foods, you can slowly add low-fat protein sources like boiled chicken or eggs.

Conclusion

Successfully keeping fluids down with diarrhea is the cornerstone of a fast and safe recovery. Prioritizing small, frequent sips of electrolyte-rich solutions is vital to prevent dehydration. By following proven strategies like the BRAT diet and avoiding aggravating substances, you can help your digestive system heal. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen, or are accompanied by severe signs of dehydration, fever, or blood in the stool, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Taking these steps can help you get back on your feet quickly and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best drinks are Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), which provide the optimal balance of electrolytes and fluids lost during diarrhea. Clear broths and electrolyte-enhanced water are also excellent choices.

Many sports drinks are high in sugar, which can draw water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea. For effective rehydration, it's better to choose low-sugar electrolyte options or purpose-built ORS.

Yes, the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is still recommended for short-term use, especially when transitioning back to solid foods. These bland, low-fiber foods are easy to digest and can help bind stool.

You should wait until you can keep down fluids without vomiting, which may be a few hours. When you start eating again, begin with small, bland meals from the BRAT diet.

Seek medical attention if diarrhea lasts for more than two days, or if you experience severe dehydration symptoms, a high fever, severe abdominal pain, or notice blood in your stool.

No, it is generally best to avoid milk and other dairy products. Diarrhea can cause temporary lactose intolerance, and dairy can aggravate symptoms for many people.

For children, especially infants and toddlers, it is critical to use Oral Rehydration Solutions like Pedialyte and consult a pediatrician, as they are at a higher risk for dangerous dehydration. Breastfed infants should continue to be nursed frequently.