What is the best liquid to drink with diarrhea?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Globally, diarrheal diseases cause hundreds of thousands of pediatric deaths annually, with dehydration being the most severe threat. Therefore, knowing what is the best liquid to drink with diarrhea is critical for people of all ages to replace lost fluids and electrolytes and prevent life-threatening complications.

Quick Summary

The most effective fluids for diarrhea are Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), which contain a balanced mix of water, salts, and sugar to maximize fluid absorption. Clear broths, water, and diluted, low-sugar juices are also beneficial, while high-sugar, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided.

Key Points

Prioritize Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): These are the most effective liquids for restoring lost fluids and electrolytes during diarrhea.
Complement with Clear Fluids: Use water, clear broths, and weak, decaffeinated teas to aid hydration and provide soothing warmth.
Avoid Sugary, Caffeinated, and Alcoholic Drinks: High sugar can worsen diarrhea, while caffeine and alcohol further dehydrate the body.
Sip Frequently and Slowly: Avoid drinking large quantities at once, as this can exacerbate bowel movements. Opt for small, continuous sips.
Monitor Signs of Dehydration: Look for symptoms like decreased urination, thirst, and fatigue, and seek medical attention if they persist or worsen.
For Infants, Rely on Breastfeeding/ORS: Breastfeeding or formula feeding should continue, supplemented with an age-appropriate ORS under medical supervision.

The Critical Need for Hydration with Diarrhea

Diarrhea causes the body to lose significant amounts of both fluid and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. This loss can rapidly lead to dehydration, a particularly dangerous condition for infants, young children, and older adults. Severe dehydration can cause complications like kidney damage, altered mental status, and in extreme cases, even death. The primary goal during a bout of diarrhea is therefore to prevent or reverse dehydration by actively replacing lost fluids and minerals.

The Best Liquid Choices for Rehydration

Replenishing your body's fluid and electrolyte levels is best done with liquids that are easy to digest and have the right balance of nutrients. The ideal choices include:

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): The gold standard for treating dehydration from diarrhea, ORS contain a specific ratio of glucose and electrolytes to maximize absorption in the small intestine. These are available commercially (e.g., Pedialyte) or can be prepared at home with care. They are essential for infants and young children.
Water: Plain water is excellent for replacing lost fluids, but it does not contain electrolytes. It should be consumed alongside other electrolyte-rich options to ensure proper mineral replacement.
Clear Broths: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broths provide both fluid and sodium, a crucial electrolyte lost during diarrhea. They can also be soothing and add some nourishment when appetite is low.
Coconut Water: For those who can tolerate it, unflavored coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, including potassium. It should be consumed without added sugars.
Weak, Decaffeinated Tea: Teas like ginger or chamomile can help soothe an upset stomach while contributing to fluid intake. Make sure they are not caffeinated, as caffeine can act as a mild laxative.
Diluted, Low-Sugar Fruit Juice: Juices like apple or grape can provide some potassium but must be diluted significantly with water to prevent the high sugar content from worsening diarrhea. No-pulp options are preferable.

Liquids to Strictly Avoid

Certain drinks can aggravate diarrhea symptoms and worsen dehydration, and should be avoided until recovery is complete:

High-Sugar Drinks: This includes soda, full-sugar sports drinks, and sweetened fruit juices. The high sugar content can pull water into the intestines and increase diarrhea.
Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee, black tea, green tea, and energy drinks act as diuretics and can stimulate the digestive system, worsening fluid loss.
Alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates the body and irritates the digestive system, making it detrimental to recovery.
Dairy-Based Drinks: Diarrhea can cause temporary lactose intolerance, so milk, milkshakes, and high-lactose dairy products should be limited or avoided.

Comparison of Hydration Options


Liquid Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)	Replaces both water and electrolytes in ideal balance; highly effective.	Can taste salty; requires proper mixing if using packets.	Best overall option for moderate to severe diarrhea and dehydration.
Clear Broth	Provides sodium and fluid; comforting.	Lower electrolyte content than ORS; may not be sufficient on its own.	Supplementing ORS or as a comforting, low-appetite option.
Water	Excellent for fluid replacement; readily available.	Contains no electrolytes; insufficient for replenishing lost minerals alone.	Consuming alongside electrolyte-rich fluids.
Coconut Water	Natural source of electrolytes, especially potassium.	Sugar content can be a concern if not monitored; avoid flavored varieties.	Supplementing fluid intake if tolerated.
Sports Drinks	Contain electrolytes.	Often high in sugar, which can worsen diarrhea; not formulated for disease-related dehydration.	Only if no other ORS is available and diluted with water.

Guidance for Children and Infants

For children and infants, dehydration is a more immediate and serious risk. The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that treatments for children are different than for adults and that over-the-counter medications can be dangerous for them. The following guidelines are crucial:

Oral Rehydration Solutions: Products like Pedialyte are recommended for older children to ensure proper electrolyte balance.
Breastfeeding/Formula: Infants should continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as usual. Do not dilute formula.
Professional Consultation: For infants and young children, always consult a pediatrician before giving ORS or any medication.

Practical Hydration Tips

To maximize the effectiveness of your rehydration strategy:

Sip, don't gulp: Drinking large volumes of liquid at once can trigger more bowel movements. Instead, take small, frequent sips throughout the day.
Time it right: Try to drink between meals rather than with food to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.
Temperature matters: Room-temperature or slightly cool drinks can be easier on the stomach than very hot or cold beverages.

Conclusion

When battling diarrhea, the best liquid to drink is one that effectively replaces lost fluids and electrolytes without irritating the digestive system. While plain water is a good start, Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) and clear broths offer the most complete replenishment. Conversely, high-sugar, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks can worsen symptoms and should be avoided. Paying close attention to hydration and following a gentle diet can significantly speed up recovery and prevent dangerous dehydration. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent symptoms or signs of severe dehydration, especially in children and older adults.

Visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases for more information on managing diarrhea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking plain water is essential for replacing lost fluids. However, it doesn't contain the necessary electrolytes. You should combine water with an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) or clear broth to restore lost salts and minerals.

Most sports drinks are not ideal because they are often too high in sugar, which can worsen diarrhea by pulling water into the intestines. An Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a more balanced and effective choice. If no ORS is available, some experts suggest diluting a sports drink with water.

For children, specialized Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte are recommended. Infants should continue breastfeeding or formula feeding. Always consult a doctor before giving ORS or any medication to an infant.

Diarrhea can temporarily cause lactose intolerance, meaning the body struggles to digest milk and dairy products. Limiting or avoiding dairy for a few days can help prevent symptoms from worsening.

Yes, clear broths like chicken or vegetable broth are beneficial. They provide fluid and sodium, helping to replace lost electrolytes. They can also be a soothing source of nourishment when your appetite is low.

Yes, simple homemade ORS recipes involving water, salt, and sugar exist, but experts often advise caution due to potential mixing errors that can affect the electrolyte balance. Commercial ORS packets are a safer and more consistent option.

You should see a doctor if diarrhea persists for more than two days, you show signs of severe dehydration (e.g., decreased urination, extreme thirst), or if you experience severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, or a high fever.