What Drinks Should I Have with Diarrhea?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, making dehydration a serious risk. Knowing what drinks should I have with diarrhea is crucial for replenishing lost fluids and essential minerals to aid recovery.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the best beverages to rehydrate with during diarrhea, including water, electrolyte solutions, and broths. It also explains which drinks to avoid, such as those high in sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms. Proper fluid intake is key to managing diarrhea and preventing dehydration.

Key Points

Hydrate with Clear Fluids: Focus on plain water, broths, and clear soups to replenish fluids and electrolytes without irritating your digestive system.
Utilize Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): For moderate to severe fluid loss, use ORS to ensure proper electrolyte balance, as they are specifically formulated for efficient fluid absorption.
Avoid High-Sugar and Caffeinated Drinks: Sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages can worsen diarrhea and increase the risk of dehydration.
Be Cautious with Dairy: Many individuals experience temporary lactose intolerance during diarrhea, so it's often best to avoid milk and other dairy products until recovery.
Introduce Gentle Teas: Weak, decaffeinated herbal teas like ginger or peppermint can be soothing for the stomach.
Monitor for Severe Dehydration: Watch for signs of severe dehydration, such as dizziness or reduced urination, and consult a doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Make a Homemade ORS: A simple and effective homemade oral rehydration solution can be made using water, sugar, and salt.

Rehydrating Safely: The Best Drinks for Diarrhea

Diarrhea causes the body to lose more fluid and electrolytes than usual, leading to a high risk of dehydration. Choosing the right beverages is critical for replenishing these losses and supporting your body's recovery. The focus should be on clear liquids that are easy on the digestive system.

Water: The Foundation of Rehydration

Plain water is your primary go-to drink. It effectively replaces lost fluids without adding any irritants or sugars that could exacerbate the problem. It's best to sip water consistently throughout the day rather than chugging large amounts at once. Sucking on ice chips can also be a good way to stay hydrated, especially if nausea is a factor.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

For more severe cases of fluid loss, especially in children, oral rehydration solutions are the gold standard. These specifically formulated liquids contain the precise balance of sugar and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) needed to help the body absorb fluids more efficiently. Commercial products like Pedialyte are readily available, but homemade versions can also be made using recipes from reliable sources.

Broths and Clear Soups

Clear broths, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, are excellent for replacing lost sodium. They are also gentle on the stomach and provide some nutrients without the bulk of solid food. Warm broth can be very soothing and is a great way to maintain hydration while easing back into eating.

Electrolyte-Enhanced Beverages

While high-sugar sports drinks should be avoided, some options can be helpful in moderation. Look for lower-sugar sports drinks or electrolyte-enhanced coconut water. These can help restore potassium and other minerals. However, always check the label for excessive sugar, as too much can worsen diarrhea.

Herbal Teas

Weak, decaffeinated herbal teas can be a soothing and gentle option. Ginger tea is well-known for its ability to calm an upset stomach, while peppermint tea can help with nausea. Just be sure to avoid strong, caffeinated teas which can act as a diuretic.

Drinks to Avoid During a Bout of Diarrhea

Equally important is knowing which drinks to avoid. Certain beverages can irritate the digestive system, worsen dehydration, or simply prolong recovery. Steering clear of these is a key part of managing symptoms.

Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, black tea, and certain sodas act as diuretics and can stimulate the digestive tract, increasing fluid loss.
High-Sugar Beverages: Regular soda, fruit juices with pulp, and heavily sweetened drinks can pull water into the intestines, making diarrhea worse.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a diuretic and can lead to significant dehydration. It also irritates the digestive lining, making it a definite no-go.
Dairy Products: While some probiotics might be helpful, many people become temporarily lactose intolerant during diarrhea. It's best to avoid milk, ice cream, and cheese for a few days.
Excessively Hot or Cold Drinks: Beverages at extreme temperatures can sometimes shock the stomach. Aim for lukewarm or room temperature fluids.

Comparison Table: Best vs. Worst Drinks


Drink Category	Best Options (Good for Rehydration)	Worst Options (Avoid)
Water & Electrolytes	Plain Water, Ice Chips, Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte, Lower-sugar sports drinks	Regular sports drinks with high sugar content
Broths & Soups	Clear broths (chicken, beef, vegetable)	Creamy or fatty soups and broths
Teas	Weak, decaffeinated herbal teas (Ginger, Peppermint)	Caffeinated teas (Black, Green)
Juices	Diluted, pulp-free apple juice, Carrot juice (in moderation)	High-pulp juices, highly sweetened fruit juices, prune juice
Sodas	Clear, non-caffeinated sodas (Ginger Ale) after fizz has settled	All other sodas, especially those with caffeine and high sugar
Dairy	Kefir (contains probiotics, but test tolerance)	Milk, ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products

Staying Hydrated and Seeking Medical Advice

For most people, a temporary bout of diarrhea can be managed at home by focusing on hydration and avoiding trigger foods and drinks. However, if symptoms persist, are severe, or accompanied by other signs of illness, it is important to seek medical advice. Signs of serious dehydration, such as dizziness, reduced urination, or bloody stools, warrant immediate medical attention.

In conclusion, the key to managing diarrhea through fluid intake is a measured, gentle approach. Prioritize plain water and electrolyte solutions, and introduce bland broths and gentle herbal teas as tolerated. By systematically avoiding the drinks that can worsen your condition, you can support your body's natural recovery process and prevent the more serious consequences of dehydration.

How to make a simple homemade ORS

For a quick and effective homemade Oral Rehydration Solution, follow a simple recipe using ingredients you likely have at home. This can be a cost-effective alternative to store-bought solutions.

Ingredients:

1 litre of safe drinking water
8 level teaspoons of sugar
1/2 level teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

Wash your hands and utensils thoroughly.
Mix the sugar and salt into the clean water until fully dissolved.
Drink small, frequent sips throughout the day. Refrigerate any unused portion and discard after 24 hours.

Conclusion: Prioritize Fluids, Be Mindful of Sugars

Managing diarrhea is fundamentally about preventing and correcting dehydration. By sticking to a regimen of clear, low-sugar, and electrolyte-rich fluids, you can help your body recover effectively. Always avoid irritating beverages like caffeine, alcohol, and excessive sugar. In many cases, these simple dietary adjustments can make a significant difference in your recovery. Remember to seek professional medical advice if your symptoms are severe or don't improve.

Outbound Link

World Health Organization information on Oral Rehydration Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

The best thing to drink is an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), which contains a balanced mix of water, sugar, and electrolytes to replace lost fluids effectively. Plain water is also essential, along with clear broths.

Most sports drinks are too high in sugar, which can worsen diarrhea. However, lower-sugar electrolyte-enhanced drinks can be suitable in moderation. ORS is a more balanced and recommended choice.

During diarrhea, the body can become temporarily lactose intolerant. Consuming milk or other dairy products can exacerbate symptoms and increase bloating and gas.

No, you should avoid caffeinated coffee and tea. Caffeine is a diuretic and can stimulate the digestive tract, increasing fluid loss and worsening your condition.

Clear, non-caffeinated sodas like ginger ale are often recommended, but they should be consumed once the fizz has settled. The high sugar content in many sodas can still be a problem, so clear broths or water are safer bets.

You should aim to drink small, frequent sips of clear fluids throughout the day. It is recommended to drink at least one cup of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement to replace the lost fluid.

The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) focuses on bland foods that are easy to digest and can help firm up stools. While it primarily addresses food, the principle of choosing gentle, non-irritating options extends to your beverage choices as well, like avoiding acidic juices and dairy.