Understanding What Kind of Fluids Are Good for Diarrhea?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Diarrhea is a leading cause of dehydration worldwide, making proper fluid replacement critical for recovery. The key is knowing exactly what kind of fluids are good for diarrhea to replenish lost water and electrolytes effectively without irritating your digestive system further.

Quick Summary

Diarrhea causes significant loss of water and electrolytes, necessitating proper rehydration. Effective fluids include Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), clear broths, and coconut water. Avoiding highly sugary, caffeinated, or dairy-based beverages is crucial for a smooth recovery.

Key Points

Prioritize Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These scientifically balanced fluids are the most effective for replacing lost water and electrolytes during diarrhea.
Opt for Clear Broths: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broths provide a gentle, stomach-friendly source of fluids and sodium.
Choose Unsweetened Coconut Water with Caution: It's a natural source of potassium but should be supplemented with other fluids for a complete electrolyte profile during mild cases.
Dilute Fruit Juices to Reduce Sugar: Excessive sugar can worsen diarrhea, so water down any fruit juice you consume to limit its osmotic effect.
Avoid Caffeinated and Sugary Drinks: Coffee, alcohol, and sodas can increase fluid loss and irritate the gut, prolonging recovery.
Monitor Hydration in Children Carefully: Infants and children are highly susceptible to dehydration and should be given pediatric electrolyte solutions, breast milk, or formula; avoid plain water alone.

The Importance of Rehydration During a Diarrheal Episode

Diarrhea is the passage of three or more loose or watery stools per day and is most often caused by an infection of the intestines. Each bout leads to a loss of essential fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which are vital for proper nerve and muscle function. This loss can quickly lead to dehydration, a condition that can become serious, especially for young children and older adults. Replacing these lost fluids and electrolytes is the most important step in managing diarrhea and accelerating recovery.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

Oral Rehydration Solutions are specifically formulated with the correct balance of salts and sugars to maximize absorption by the intestines, even during a digestive illness. Commercially available products like Pedialyte or Rehydralyte are effective and convenient. For those without access to commercial solutions, a homemade version can be prepared using the right measurements of sugar and salt, although commercial options are generally preferred for accuracy.

Clear Broths and Soups

Clear broths, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, are excellent for rehydration because they provide both fluid and electrolytes like sodium. They are also gentle on the stomach and comforting to consume. Be sure to use clear broths without excessive grease or added ingredients that could irritate the digestive tract.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes and can be helpful for rehydration during mild diarrhea. It is rich in potassium and contains natural sugars, which aid in water absorption. However, it is lower in sodium than commercial ORS, so it's not a complete replacement for more severe cases. It's best to use unsweetened coconut water to avoid exacerbating symptoms with excess sugar.

Diluted Juices and Other Liquids

Some clear, pulp-free fruit juices, like apple juice, can be consumed if diluted with water. This lowers the sugar concentration, as high sugar content can worsen diarrhea. Weak, decaffeinated tea (such as ginger or chamomile) can also be soothing and contribute to fluid intake. Sucking on ice chips or fruit-flavored ice pops is another good way to slowly and frequently ingest fluids.

Fluids to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

Just as important as knowing what to drink is knowing what to avoid. Certain beverages can irritate the digestive tract, worsen symptoms, or increase dehydration. These include:

Caffeinated beverages: Coffee, black tea, energy drinks, and some sodas act as diuretics, increasing fluid loss.
High-sugar drinks: Sugary sodas, undiluted fruit juices, and sweetened teas can draw water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea.
Alcohol: Alcohol has a diuretic effect and can irritate the gut lining, prolonging recovery.
Dairy products: Many people experience temporary lactose intolerance during a bout of diarrhea, so milk, cream, and other dairy-based drinks can worsen symptoms.
Carbonated beverages: The gas and sugar in these drinks can cause bloating and irritation.

Hydration Strategies for Different Populations

Adults

Adults with mild diarrhea can often manage rehydration at home. The goal is to drink enough fluids to keep urine pale yellow. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least one cup of fluid after every loose bowel movement. Sip fluids slowly and frequently, rather than gulping down large amounts at once, which can stimulate bowel movements. For more information, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) offers excellent resources on managing diarrhea.

Children

Children, especially infants and toddlers, are at a higher risk of dehydration and need careful monitoring. Pediatric electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte are the gold standard for children. Breastfed infants should continue nursing, as breast milk is highly nutritious and easily absorbed. Formula-fed infants should continue their usual formula without dilution unless advised otherwise by a doctor. Avoid giving children sugary juices, sodas, or plain water alone, as these can be harmful. Popsicles and electrolyte freezer pops can also be good options for fluid intake. Consult a pediatrician for advice, especially if a child shows signs of severe dehydration, such as no tears, decreased urination, or sunken eyes.

Comparison Table: Good vs. Bad Fluids for Diarrhea


Fluid Type	Good for Diarrhea	Why	Not Good for Diarrhea	Why
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)	Yes	Restores electrolytes and water with optimal absorption.	No	Formulated for ideal rehydration, so it is the best option.
Clear Broths	Yes	Replenishes sodium and fluid, easy to digest.	No	Clear broths are soothing and provide necessary electrolytes.
Coconut Water	Yes	Good source of potassium; can aid in mild rehydration.	Yes	Lower in sodium than ORS; excessive intake can have a laxative effect.
Diluted Fruit Juice	Yes	Provides some fluids and taste; should be watered down.	Yes	High sugar content can worsen diarrhea and dehydration if not diluted.
Water	Yes	Essential for hydration, but lacks necessary electrolytes.	No	Good, but should be combined with electrolytes to be fully effective.
Caffeinated Beverages	No	Act as diuretics, increasing fluid loss.	Yes	The caffeine can stimulate bowel movements and increase dehydration.
Sugary Sodas	No	High sugar content can worsen diarrhea.	Yes	Excess sugar can draw water into the intestines, exacerbating symptoms.
Alcohol	No	Diuretic that irritates the gut and increases dehydration.	Yes	Impairs the body's ability to retain fluids and damages the gut lining.
Milk/Dairy	No	Many people become temporarily lactose intolerant, making digestion difficult.	Yes	Can cause gas, bloating, and worsen symptoms for some individuals.

Conclusion

Maintaining hydration is the most crucial step in managing diarrhea. By choosing the right fluids, such as Oral Rehydration Solutions, clear broths, and diluted juices, you can effectively replenish lost electrolytes and water. Equally important is avoiding fluids that can worsen symptoms, like highly sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. Paying attention to your body's signals and selecting appropriate beverages will support a quicker and more comfortable recovery. Always consult a healthcare provider for severe or persistent diarrhea, especially if it affects children or the elderly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, water is essential for rehydration, but it doesn't contain the necessary electrolytes that are also lost. For effective recovery, water should be supplemented with an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), broth, or other electrolyte-rich fluids.

While sports drinks contain electrolytes, many have high levels of sugar. Excessive sugar can draw water into the intestines and worsen diarrhea. They are not as balanced as an ORS and are often not recommended, especially for children.

It is best to avoid undiluted fruit juice for children. The high sugar content can worsen diarrhea. If given, it should be heavily diluted with water. Pediatric electrolyte solutions are the best choice for young children.

Many people develop temporary lactose intolerance during a diarrheal episode. It is often best to avoid milk and other dairy products until symptoms resolve, as they can cause gas, bloating, and make diarrhea worse.

For mild cases, sipping clear liquids like water, clear broths, and diluted, pulp-free juices is best. Oral Rehydration Solutions are always a reliable option for all severities.

A simple homemade solution can be made by mixing half a teaspoon of salt and six level teaspoons of sugar into one liter of clean, boiled and cooled water. However, this should only be used if commercial ORS packets are unavailable, as precise measurements are critical.

You should seek medical attention if diarrhea lasts for more than 24-48 hours, or if you experience signs of severe dehydration such as decreased urination, no tears, dizziness, sunken eyes, or confusion. Infants and the elderly should be monitored especially closely.