What fluids are important for residents who have diarrhea?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, dehydration is the most severe threat posed by diarrhea, making proper rehydration with the correct fluids an essential part of care for residents. This guide details what fluids are important for residents who have diarrhea to ensure their safety and recovery.

Quick Summary

For residents with diarrhea, proper hydration with specific fluids is crucial to prevent dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Recommended fluids include oral rehydration solutions, broths, and water, while caffeinated, sugary, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided to support recovery.

Key Points

Electrolyte and Fluid Replacement: Diarrhea causes the loss of both water and crucial electrolytes, necessitating fluids that replace both, such as oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and broths.
Avoid Irritating Fluids: Caffeinated and sugary drinks, as well as alcohol, can worsen diarrhea and increase dehydration, so they must be avoided.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are Key: Pre-made or homemade ORS, which contain a balanced mix of sugar and salt, are highly effective because glucose aids the absorption of sodium and water.
Provide Small, Frequent Sips: Offering small, frequent amounts of fluid is often better tolerated than large volumes, which can induce vomiting.
Watch for Dehydration Signs: Caregivers must monitor for symptoms of dehydration, including extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased urination, and seek medical help if they appear.
Use Broths for Sodium: Clear broths, such as chicken or beef, are an excellent way to provide essential sodium and fluid to residents with diarrhea.
Consider Probiotics: Foods with probiotics, like some yogurts or kefir, may help restore a healthy gut balance, though they should be introduced carefully.

The Serious Risk of Dehydration in Residents

Residents, particularly the elderly, are at a higher risk of developing dehydration from diarrhea due to a lower total body water content and reduced sensation of thirst. Diarrhea causes the rapid loss of water and essential electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, which are vital for proper body function. Without prompt replacement, this fluid loss can lead to severe health complications, including organ damage, seizures, and hypovolemic shock. Effective hydration is not just about replacing lost water but also restoring the balance of these crucial minerals to aid a swift and safe recovery.

The Critical Role of Electrolytes and Glucose

While plain water is important for fluid replacement, it does not contain the necessary salts and minerals to correct electrolyte imbalances caused by diarrhea. This is where oral rehydration solutions (ORS) become invaluable. The World Health Organization (WHO) has specifically developed and recommended ORS formulas that contain a precise balance of glucose and electrolytes. This combination works through a physiological mechanism where glucose enhances the absorption of sodium and water in the small intestine, effectively rehydrating the body even in the presence of ongoing diarrhea.

Formulations and Availability

ORS is available in pre-mixed commercial products like Pedialyte or as powder sachets, which can be mixed with clean water. For older adults or those with specific health conditions, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine the most suitable solution. In severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluid replacement in a medical facility may be necessary, especially if the resident is unable to drink or is severely dehydrated.

Recommended Fluids for Rehydration

To manage a resident's hydration effectively, caregivers should offer a variety of fluids that are both rehydrating and gentle on the digestive system. A steady intake of these liquids is far more beneficial than infrequent large amounts.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): The most effective option for replacing both fluid and electrolytes.
Clear Broths: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broths are excellent sources of sodium and are easy to digest. They also provide some hydration.
Electrolyte-Enhanced Water: Commercial electrolyte waters or coconut water can help replenish minerals. Opt for versions without high sugar content.
Diluted Fruit Juice: Pulp-free apple or grape juice, diluted with water, can provide potassium. However, some fruit juices might worsen diarrhea for some individuals.
Weak, Decaffeinated Tea: Herbal teas like ginger tea can be soothing and contribute to fluid intake.
Water and Ice Chips: Plain water is the foundation of hydration. Sucking on ice chips can be helpful if the resident is nauseous or has difficulty drinking.

Fluids to Avoid During Diarrhea

Just as important as knowing what to drink is understanding what to avoid. Certain beverages can irritate the digestive system, worsen diarrhea symptoms, or increase dehydration.

Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, strong tea, and some sodas act as diuretics and can stimulate the bowels, intensifying diarrhea.
High-Sugar Drinks: Sodas, undiluted fruit juice, and other sugary beverages can pull water into the intestines, worsening loose stools.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a dehydrating diuretic and should be avoided entirely.
Milk and Dairy Products: Diarrhea can cause temporary lactose intolerance. While some may tolerate small amounts of probiotic-rich yogurt, it is often best to avoid other dairy until symptoms subside.
Carbonated Drinks: The fizziness in sodas and sparkling waters can cause bloating and gas, which are uncomfortable during diarrhea.

Hydration Best Practices and Dietary Management

Creating a consistent hydration plan is key for residents. Offer small, frequent sips of fluid rather than large amounts at once, which can trigger vomiting. Encourage residents to drink at least one cup of fluid after every loose bowel movement. Beyond fluids, managing the diet can significantly support recovery. A bland, low-fiber diet, often referred to as the BRAT diet (bananas, white rice, applesauce, toast), can help firm stools. After a person is rehydrated, reintroducing a normal diet gradually is recommended.

Good Fluids vs. Fluids to Avoid: A Quick Comparison


Fluid Type	Good Fluids	Fluids to Avoid
Water	Plain water, electrolyte-enhanced water, ice chips	N/A
Rehydration Solutions	Commercial ORS (e.g., Pedialyte), homemade ORS	N/A
Broths & Soups	Clear chicken, beef, or vegetable broths	Creamy soups, high-fat soups
Juices	Diluted, pulp-free juice (e.g., apple, grape)	Undiluted juices, fruit juices with high fructose, pulpy juices
Sports Drinks	In moderation, as an alternative to ORS (check sugar content)	High-sugar versions, use only if ORS is unavailable
Tea	Weak, decaffeinated tea (e.g., ginger, herbal)	Strong tea, black tea, green tea
Caffeine & Alcohol	N/A	Coffee, caffeinated sodas, alcohol
Dairy	Probiotic-rich yogurt (in moderation)	Milk, cheese, ice cream (can cause temporary intolerance)

Conclusion

Maintaining proper hydration is the single most important aspect of care for residents experiencing diarrhea. By prioritizing oral rehydration solutions, broths, and clear fluids, caregivers can effectively manage fluid and electrolyte loss. Equally important is the avoidance of irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and high-sugar drinks that can worsen symptoms. Proactive hydration, coupled with a supportive bland diet, can prevent dangerous dehydration and help residents recover more comfortably and quickly. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially for residents with underlying health issues or severe symptoms.

For more information on the management of diarrhoeal disease, consult the resources from the World Health Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

The single most important fluid is an oral rehydration solution (ORS). It is specifically formulated to replace both the water and the essential electrolytes lost during diarrhea, and its glucose-salt combination facilitates faster absorption.

While water is essential for hydration, it only replaces lost fluid and not the electrolytes like sodium and potassium that are also depleted during diarrhea. Relying solely on water can worsen electrolyte imbalances.

Avoid fluids that can irritate the digestive system or increase dehydration. These include caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, soda), sugary beverages, alcohol, and carbonated sodas.

Diluted, pulp-free fruit juice, such as apple or grape, can be used in moderation to provide some potassium. However, some juices can have a laxative effect and should be watched closely. High-sugar or undiluted juices should be avoided.

Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination or dark urine, fatigue, dizziness, and sunken eyes. In severe cases, confusion or irritability may be present.

Sports drinks can contain electrolytes but are often very high in sugar, which can exacerbate diarrhea. They are not an optimal choice compared to ORS, but can be used as a last resort if ORS is unavailable.

Offer small, frequent sips of fluid, rather than large quantities at once. A good rule of thumb is to encourage at least one cup of fluid after every loose bowel movement to actively replace lost fluids.

Diarrhea can cause a temporary lactose intolerance, making most dairy products difficult to digest. An exception may be a probiotic-rich yogurt, but it's often best to avoid milk, cheese, and ice cream until symptoms improve.