What is the best thing to drink for diarrhea and vomiting?

Dehydration is a serious risk when experiencing diarrhea and vomiting, and according to the World Health Organization, diarrheal disease is a leading cause of death in young children globally. Knowing what is the best thing to drink for diarrhea and vomiting is crucial to replacing lost fluids and electrolytes safely and effectively. This guide provides comprehensive information on the right beverages to consume for a faster recovery.

Quick Summary

Severe fluid loss from illness requires specific hydration strategies. Learn about the most effective drinks, from commercial and homemade solutions to simple, easily tolerated options, and discover which beverages should be avoided during recovery to prevent further irritation.

Key Points

• Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Commercial ORS like Pedialyte are the most effective way to restore the crucial balance of electrolytes and fluids lost during illness.

• Sip, Don't Gulp: When experiencing vomiting, sip clear fluids in small, frequent amounts to avoid overwhelming the stomach and triggering more episodes.

• Include Clear Broths: Warm chicken or vegetable broth is excellent for replacing sodium and providing comfort to an irritated digestive system.

• Avoid High-Sugar and Caffeinated Drinks: Beverages like sugary sodas, fruit juice, coffee, and energy drinks can worsen diarrhea and dehydration.

• Limit Dairy: Post-illness, your body might become temporarily lactose intolerant. Avoid milk and dairy products for a few days to prevent discomfort.

• Reintroduce Foods Gradually: After tolerating clear liquids, slowly add bland, low-fiber foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).

• Plain Water is Not Enough: While important, plain water doesn't replace electrolytes. It must be supplemented with electrolyte-rich fluids for effective rehydration.

When a stomach bug hits, causing both diarrhea and vomiting, the body loses essential fluids and electrolytes at a rapid pace. Replenishing these lost substances is the primary goal to prevent dehydration and support the body's recovery process. The best strategy involves sipping small, frequent amounts of the right fluids, rather than gulping large quantities, which can trigger more vomiting.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

For moderate to severe dehydration, commercial Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are the gold standard. Products like Pedialyte® or Gastrolyte® contain a scientifically formulated balance of water, glucose, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) that your body needs to absorb fluids efficiently.

• How ORS works: The combination of sugar (glucose) and sodium in a specific ratio helps the small intestine absorb water more effectively. This is a far more reliable method than drinking plain water alone, which does not replace lost salts and minerals.
• Administration: For adults, taking frequent, small sips is recommended. For children, a pediatrician should be consulted, but often small spoonfuls or syringe amounts are used every few minutes.

Clear, Bland Liquids

For less severe cases or when tolerating ORS is difficult, several other options are effective and easier on the stomach. The key is to stick to clear fluids and introduce them slowly.

• Clear Broths: Chicken or vegetable broth is excellent for replacing both fluid and sodium. The warmth can also be soothing to a sensitive stomach.
• Water: Plain water is a good base for hydration but should be supplemented with other sources of electrolytes, especially if the illness is prolonged or severe.
• Diluted, Clear Juices: Diluted apple or grape juice can provide some sugar and calories, but fruit juice is often not recommended as a primary rehydration source and should be heavily diluted. Apple juice, in particular, might worsen diarrhea.
• Gelatin and Ice Pops: Flavored gelatin (Jell-O) and fruit-flavored ice pops are easy to tolerate and help replenish fluids, though they offer minimal electrolytes.
• Flat Soda: While not ideal, small sips of flat ginger ale or cola can sometimes help settle an upset stomach for some individuals. The sugar content, however, can sometimes be too much for the digestive system.

Liquids to Avoid and Why

During and immediately after a bout of diarrhea and vomiting, it's critical to avoid certain beverages that can exacerbate symptoms and further dehydrate the body.

• Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, strong teas, and energy drinks act as mild diuretics, increasing urination and further dehydrating the body.
• Alcohol: Alcohol is a potent diuretic and should be completely avoided.
• High-Sugar Juices and Sodas: High sugar concentrations can draw water into the intestine, worsening diarrhea. This includes non-diluted fruit juices and regular sodas.
• Milk and Dairy Products: Many people experience temporary lactose intolerance after a stomach bug. Avoiding milk, cheese, and yogurt for a few days can help prevent increased gas and bloating.
• Sports Drinks: While some sports drinks contain electrolytes, many are also high in sugar and may not have the optimal balance for replacing fluids lost during illness. Commercial ORS is generally a better choice for illness-induced dehydration.

Comparison of Hydration Options for Diarrhea and Vomiting

Feature	Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)	Broth	Plain Water	High-Sugar Drinks (Soda/Juice)
Effectiveness	High: Optimal balance of fluids, electrolytes, and sugar for absorption.	Good: Replaces fluids and sodium; easy to tolerate.	Low: Replaces fluids only, no electrolytes.	Poor: Can worsen diarrhea and dehydration.
Tolerability	High: Designed for sick individuals; available in various forms (liquid, powder, freezies).	High: Warmth can soothe the stomach; salty flavor is often tolerated.	High: Easy to digest, but can be insufficient alone.	Low: Can cause cramping, gas, and further stomach upset.
Best For	Moderate to severe dehydration, especially in children and the elderly.	Mild dehydration, especially when solid foods aren't tolerated.	Mild dehydration, as a supplement to electrolyte-rich fluids.	Avoid: Should be minimized or avoided entirely during illness.

The Importance of Slow Reintroduction

Regardless of the fluid chosen, the method of consumption is as important as the fluid itself. Begin with small sips and gradually increase the amount as your body tolerates it. After 24-48 hours of tolerating clear liquids, you can gradually introduce bland, low-fiber foods like toast, bananas, rice, and applesauce (the BRAT diet).

Conclusion

When grappling with diarrhea and vomiting, the best strategy for hydration is to use oral rehydration solutions. These commercially prepared fluids offer the most effective way to restore the body's lost electrolytes and fluids. If not available, clear broths, diluted clear juices, and plain water are suitable alternatives. It is essential to avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol and caffeine, as well as high-sugar beverages and dairy products, which can prolong the recovery process. By sipping the right fluids slowly and consistently, you can effectively manage dehydration and aid your body's return to health.

MedlinePlus: Diarrhea and Vomiting Management

References

Diarrhea - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. (2025, January 18). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352246 Hydrating and rehydrating when you have gastroenteritis. (2022, December 02). Gouvernement du Québec. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/flu-cold-and-gastroenteritis/gastroenteritis/hydrating-and-rehydrating-when-you-have-gastroenteritis Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea When you have diarrhea: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2023, November 06). MedlinePlus.gov. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000121.htm Diarrhoeal disease. (2024, March 07). World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease

Frequently Asked Questions

What liquid is best for replacing electrolytes?

The best liquids for replacing electrolytes are Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), like Pedialyte, which are specifically formulated with the correct balance of salts and glucose for optimal absorption.

Can I drink sports drinks for diarrhea and vomiting?

It is generally not recommended to rely on sports drinks for treating diarrhea and vomiting. Many are high in sugar, which can worsen diarrhea, and they may not have the ideal electrolyte balance needed for illness-induced dehydration.

Is drinking water enough when I have diarrhea?

No, drinking plain water alone is not enough. While it replaces lost fluids, it does not replenish the electrolytes (like sodium and potassium) that are also lost. This is why supplementing with ORS or broths is crucial.

Should I avoid milk and dairy products?

Yes, it is often recommended to avoid milk and other dairy products temporarily. Gastroenteritis can cause temporary lactose intolerance, and dairy can exacerbate gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

What is the BRAT diet?

The BRAT diet stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It consists of bland, low-fiber foods that are easy to digest and can help firm up stool.

How should I rehydrate if I'm also vomiting?

If you are vomiting, focus on taking small, frequent sips of clear fluids rather than drinking large quantities at once. Taking a spoonful or two every few minutes can help keep fluids down.

When should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if symptoms persist for more than a couple of days, or if you experience severe dehydration (dizziness, very little urination), high fever, or blood in your vomit or stool.