Understanding Fluid Intake: Should you drink a lot of fluids when you have diarrhea?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diarrhea is a common ailment that can cause significant fluid and electrolyte loss. To combat this, a critical question arises: Should you drink a lot of fluids when you have diarrhea? The answer is a resounding yes, as replenishing these lost fluids is the most important step for recovery and preventing complications like severe dehydration.

Quick Summary

It is essential to increase fluid intake during diarrhea to prevent dangerous dehydration by replacing lost water and electrolytes. The best options include oral rehydration solutions, clear broths, and plain water, while sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages should be avoided to prevent worsening symptoms.

Key Points

Hydration is Critical: You absolutely should drink a lot of fluids when you have diarrhea to prevent dehydration, which is the most dangerous complication.
Choose the Right Fluids: The best fluids are oral rehydration solutions (ORS), clear broths, and water, as they replace lost electrolytes and fluids effectively.
Avoid Problematic Beverages: Steer clear of high-sugar drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, which can worsen diarrhea and dehydration.
Recognize Dehydration Signs: Monitor for symptoms like extreme thirst, decreased urination, dark urine, or dizziness, and seek medical attention if they are severe.
Sip, Don't Gulp: Consume fluids slowly and frequently throughout the day instead of drinking large quantities at once.
Consider the BRAT Diet: For easing back into food, bland, low-fiber options like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are recommended alongside fluids.

The Critical Link Between Diarrhea and Dehydration

Diarrhea, characterized by loose, watery stools, causes the body to lose fluids and essential minerals, known as electrolytes, much faster than normal. Electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, are vital for processes like maintaining fluid balance and muscle function. When these are depleted, the body's systems can be thrown out of balance, leading to the serious condition of dehydration.

Dehydration is the most significant risk associated with diarrhea and can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as children and older adults. If left unaddressed, dehydration can lead to severe health complications, including kidney failure, seizures, and hypovolemic shock. Therefore, understanding and actively managing fluid intake is a cornerstone of responsible self-care during a bout of diarrhea.

Why Hydration is Your Best Defense

Staying well-hydrated is the single most effective way to manage the immediate risks of diarrhea. Proper fluid replacement helps in several ways:

Replenishes Lost Fluids: It directly replaces the water and liquid lost with each loose bowel movement, helping to maintain blood volume and overall hydration.
Restores Electrolyte Balance: Consuming drinks that contain electrolytes, such as oral rehydration solutions, helps restore the mineral balance in the body, which is crucial for proper cellular function.
Aids Recovery: By keeping the body hydrated, you allow your immune system and digestive tract to focus on healing and recovering from the underlying cause of the diarrhea.
Maintains Bodily Functions: Staying hydrated is vital for organ function and allows your body to perform at its best, accelerating your return to feeling well.

The Best Fluids to Drink When You Have Diarrhea

Choosing the right fluids is just as important as drinking enough of them. The goal is to select beverages that aid in rehydration and won't further irritate your digestive system. Here are some of the top choices:

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These specially formulated solutions, available over-the-counter (like Pedialyte) or homemade, contain the precise balance of sugar, salts, and water needed for optimal absorption. They are highly recommended for significant fluid loss, especially in children and the elderly.
Water: Plain water is excellent for general hydration and should be a primary fluid source. However, water alone does not replace electrolytes, so it should be alternated with electrolyte-rich drinks.
Clear Broths: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth is a soothing option that provides both water and sodium. It is a good way to replace lost electrolytes and can be easier on the stomach than solid foods.
Diluted Fruit Juice (No Pulp): Diluting a no-pulp fruit juice with water can provide some flavor and potassium without overwhelming the gut with too much sugar. It is important to water it down significantly to avoid worsening symptoms.
Coconut Water: For some, coconut water can be a natural source of electrolytes, particularly potassium, though its sugar content should be considered.

Fluids to Avoid During Diarrhea

Just as some drinks can help, others can make your symptoms worse by irritating your stomach or acting as a diuretic. These include:

High-Sugar Drinks: Regular fruit juices, soda, and sweetened beverages can draw water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea.
Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, some teas, and energy drinks are diuretics and can stimulate bowel movements.
Alcohol: Alcohol is also a diuretic and can contribute to dehydration.
Dairy Products: Many people experience temporary lactose intolerance during diarrhea, and dairy can worsen symptoms.

Comparison Table: Recommended vs. Unsuitable Fluids


Feature	Recommended Fluids	Fluids to Avoid
Effect on Hydration	Replaces fluids and electrolytes lost from diarrhea.	Worsens dehydration via diuretic or osmotic effects.
Best Examples	Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), water, clear broths, diluted no-pulp juice.	Caffeinated beverages (coffee, energy drinks), alcohol, high-sugar sodas, full-strength juices.
Gut Comfort	Gentle and soothing on the stomach.	Can irritate the digestive tract and increase intestinal activity.
Nutrient Replacement	Contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium (ORS, broths).	Often lack necessary electrolytes and minerals.

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

While actively rehydrating is essential, it's also important to recognize the warning signs of dehydration. These can range from mild to severe:

Mild to Moderate Dehydration:
- Extreme thirst or dry mouth
- Urinating less often than usual
- Dark-colored urine
- Feeling tired, dizzy, or lightheaded
Severe Dehydration:
- Confusion or irritability
- Infrequent or no urination
- Sunken eyes or fontanelle in infants
- Lack of tears when crying in infants
- Very low blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat

If you or someone you are caring for exhibits signs of severe dehydration, seek medical attention immediately. For most cases of mild diarrhea, consistent fluid intake at home is sufficient for recovery.

For more detailed information on managing diarrhea, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases provides excellent guidance: NIDDK - Treatment of Diarrhea.

Conclusion: Prioritize Hydration to Recover Safely

In conclusion, maintaining a high fluid intake is not merely a suggestion but a necessity when you have diarrhea. The rapid loss of water and electrolytes can quickly lead to dehydration, making it the most significant health risk associated with the condition. By focusing on the right types of fluids, such as oral rehydration solutions, broths, and water, while avoiding harmful ones like sugary drinks and alcohol, you can effectively replenish your body's reserves. Monitoring for signs of dehydration is key, and seeking medical help for severe symptoms ensures a safe and swift recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain water is important for hydration, but it lacks the necessary electrolytes that are also lost during diarrhea. For best results, alternate water with an oral rehydration solution (ORS) or clear broth to restore electrolyte balance.

An ORS is a mix of water, sugar, and salts in specific amounts to help your small intestine absorb fluids and electrolytes more efficiently. It is a highly effective way to treat or prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.

Yes, children and infants are at a higher risk for dehydration and should be given an age-appropriate oral rehydration solution. Breastfeeding or formula feeding should also continue. Avoid giving them sports drinks or high-sugar juices.

While sports drinks contain electrolytes, they are often high in sugar, which can worsen diarrhea. Diluted sports drinks can be used in a pinch, but ORS is a better, more balanced option for serious fluid loss.

Yes, in some people, a bout of diarrhea can lead to temporary lactose intolerance. It may be best to avoid dairy products like milk and cheese for a few days to see if symptoms improve.

The amount varies, but a good rule of thumb is to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of clear fluid per day. You can also aim for about 1 cup (240 mL) of liquid after each loose bowel movement to help replace lost fluids.

Consult a healthcare provider if diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days or if you experience signs of severe dehydration, such as reduced urination, extreme thirst, dizziness, or confusion.