What drinks make diarrhea go away? Hydration and recovery

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately one in six children under the age of five worldwide receives an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) when experiencing diarrhea, highlighting the critical need for proper fluid intake during this common illness. The cornerstone of effective management is knowing what drinks make diarrhea go away by preventing dangerous dehydration and soothing the digestive system.

Quick Summary

Hydration is the top priority for managing diarrhea by replacing lost fluids and crucial electrolytes. This guide explains which beverages, such as water, broth, and ORS, aid recovery and which drinks like sugary sodas, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided to prevent worsening symptoms.

Key Points

Prioritize Rehydration: Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the most important step in managing diarrhea to prevent dehydration.
Choose Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Commercial ORS or carefully prepared homemade versions provide the ideal balance of salts and sugar for effective recovery.
Opt for Clear Broths: Nonfat chicken, vegetable, or beef broths supply both fluid and much-needed sodium.
Avoid Sugary and Caffeinated Drinks: High-sugar sodas and caffeinated beverages can worsen symptoms by drawing water into the intestines and increasing fluid loss.
Steer Clear of Alcohol and High-Pulp Juices: Both irritate the gut and hinder the rehydration process. Likewise, avoid excessive dairy if you experience temporary lactose intolerance.
Sip, Don't Gulp: Drinking fluids slowly and frequently is more effective and less likely to cause discomfort than chugging them all at once.

The importance of rehydration

Diarrhea causes the body to lose significant amounts of water and essential electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. If these aren't replaced, dehydration can occur, leading to serious complications. The key to helping diarrhea subside is to continuously replenish these lost fluids and electrolytes, ideally by sipping drinks slowly throughout the day. The following beverages are considered the safest and most effective options for supporting your recovery.

The best hydrating beverages for recovery

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

For effective rehydration, Oral Rehydration Solutions are the gold standard. They contain the precise balance of glucose, sodium, and other electrolytes needed to replenish your body. Commercial brands like Pedialyte are widely available, or you can find recipes for homemade versions, although commercial products are recommended for their precise formulation.

Clear broths

Clear broths, such as vegetable, chicken, or beef broth, are excellent for rehydration. They provide both fluids and sodium, helping to replenish some of the salts lost during diarrhea. Nonfat varieties are recommended to avoid irritating a sensitive digestive system.

Water

Plain water is fundamental for hydration. While it replaces lost fluid, it does not contain the electrolytes needed. Therefore, water is best used in conjunction with other electrolyte-rich options to ensure a balanced approach to recovery.

Coconut water

As a natural source of electrolytes, especially potassium, coconut water can be a beneficial choice for mild diarrhea. It also contains natural sugars that assist with hydration. However, it is important to choose varieties without added sugar, as excessive sugar can worsen symptoms. Due to its high potassium content, moderation is key, especially for individuals with kidney issues.

Ginger tea

Real ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe an upset stomach and ease diarrhea symptoms. To make ginger tea, simply boil fresh ginger root in water. This is a much better option than commercial ginger ale, which is often high in sugar and contains minimal actual ginger.

Kefir

For some people, kefir can be beneficial. This fermented milk-based drink contains probiotics, which can help replenish the beneficial bacteria in your gut that may be lost during a diarrheal illness. However, individuals with temporary lactose intolerance due to diarrhea should approach dairy products with caution.

Drinks 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 system, increase fluid loss, and ultimately make your symptoms worse.

Sugary and carbonated drinks

Sodas, including commercial ginger ale, contain high amounts of sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. This can draw more water into your intestines, worsening diarrhea through osmotic effects. The carbonation can also lead to gas and bloating, causing further discomfort.

Caffeinated beverages

Drinks like coffee, black tea, and energy drinks act as diuretics, which means they increase urination and promote fluid loss. This works against your body's need for hydration and can worsen dehydration.

Alcohol

Alcohol not only has a diuretic effect but also irritates the digestive tract and can create imbalances in gut bacteria. This can prolong recovery and worsen symptoms.

High-fiber or pulpy fruit juices

While diluted, no-pulp juices can be acceptable, those with high fiber content or excessive pulp can be too harsh for a sensitive digestive system. High-fructose juices should also be avoided as they can pull water into the intestines.

Dairy products

During an episode of diarrhea, the enzymes needed to digest milk sugars (lactose) can be damaged, leading to temporary lactose intolerance. It is best to avoid milk, cheese, and ice cream until symptoms subside. Plain, low-fat yogurt with probiotics might be an exception for some people.

Comparison table: Best vs. worst drinks for diarrhea


Feature	Best Drinks	Worst Drinks
Primary Goal	Rehydrate and restore electrolytes.	Aggravate symptoms and increase fluid loss.
Effect on Diarrhea	Helps firm stools and soothe the gut.	Worsens loose stools and can cause bloating.
Electrolyte Content	Balanced electrolytes (ORS), sodium (broth), potassium (coconut water).	None or unbalanced electrolytes.
Sugar Content	Low to moderate natural sugars (ORS, coconut water).	High refined sugars (soda, sweetened juices).
Key Examples	Water, ORS, clear broth, diluted no-pulp juice, ginger tea.	Soda, coffee, alcohol, milk, sugary fruit juices, energy drinks.
Digestive Effect	Gentle and soothing.	Irritating and potentially inflammatory.

Prioritizing fluids for a swift recovery

The most important step in recovering from diarrhea is staying adequately hydrated. While acute diarrhea often resolves on its own within a day or two, maintaining your fluid and electrolyte balance is essential for managing symptoms and preventing complications. Prioritize sips of water, ORS, and clear broths, and remember to avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages. By making informed choices about what you drink, you can provide your body with the support it needs to recover faster and more comfortably. For persistent or severe symptoms, especially if accompanied by high fever or bloody stools, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

For additional information on managing diarrhea, consult the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, milk and other dairy products are generally not recommended during a bout of diarrhea. The condition can temporarily cause lactose intolerance, meaning your body has difficulty digesting milk sugars, which can worsen symptoms.

Commercial ginger ale is not a good choice for diarrhea. It contains high levels of sugar and minimal real ginger, and the sugar can draw water into your intestines and make symptoms worse. Fresh ginger tea is a much better alternative.

An ORS is a solution containing the precise balance of glucose, sodium, and other electrolytes that your body needs to effectively replace lost fluids. It is recommended for diarrhea because it ensures rapid and correct rehydration.

Coconut water is a good natural source of electrolytes, particularly potassium, which is beneficial during mild diarrhea. However, it should be consumed in moderation, and unsweetened varieties are best to avoid excessive sugar intake.

Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it increases urination and fluid loss. This directly counters your body's need for rehydration during diarrhea and can worsen the condition.

Yes, homemade solutions can be effective, but they carry a risk of incorrect ingredient ratios. For the safest and most reliable hydration, commercial ORS products are often recommended.

Signs of dehydration include increased thirst, a dry mouth, dark yellow urine, fatigue, and dizziness. If you notice these symptoms, it is crucial to increase your fluid intake immediately.