What Kind of Drink to Stop Diarrhea and Promote Recovery?

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Diarrhea is a common illness, with most people in the U.S. experiencing it at least once a year. When faced with this condition, knowing what kind of drink to stop diarrhea is vital, as it is the most critical step to prevent dehydration and ensure a swift recovery.

Quick Summary

The best strategy involves prioritizing clear, electrolyte-rich fluids, such as oral rehydration solutions, broths, and coconut water. Avoid beverages high in sugar, caffeine, or alcohol to prevent further irritation and fluid loss.

Key Points

Prioritize Electrolyte-Rich Fluids: Focus on Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), clear broths, and coconut water to replenish essential minerals lost during diarrhea.
Homemade ORS is a Viable Option: You can make a simple and effective oral rehydration solution at home using salt, sugar, and clean water.
Avoid Sugary and Caffeinated Drinks: Beverages high in sugar, caffeine, or alcohol can worsen diarrhea and increase dehydration.
Sip, Don't Gulp: Drinking small, frequent sips of fluid is more effective and less likely to cause nausea than drinking large amounts at once.
Consider Probiotics and Herbal Teas: Kefir, probiotic yogurt drinks, and ginger or chamomile tea can help soothe the digestive tract and aid recovery.
Seek Medical Advice for Severe Symptoms: If diarrhea is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.

The Critical Need for Rehydration

Diarrhea causes the body to lose significant amounts of fluid and electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, which are essential for proper bodily function. Replenishing these lost nutrients is the primary goal when selecting the right fluids to drink. Dehydration is a serious concern, especially for children and older adults, and can lead to complications if not addressed promptly. By consuming the right beverages, you can support your body's healing process while soothing an irritated digestive system.

Effective Drinks to Combat Diarrhea

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

Oral rehydration solutions are specifically formulated with a precise balance of water, salts, and sugars to help the body absorb fluids more efficiently. These solutions are widely recommended by medical professionals for treating dehydration caused by diarrhea. Commercial options like Pedialyte are readily available, while effective homemade versions can also be prepared. ORS is particularly beneficial for high-risk individuals, such as young children and the elderly, but is suitable for adults as well.

Clear Broths

Clear broths, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable, are excellent for replacing lost fluids and sodium. They are gentle on the stomach and provide warmth and comfort. To get the most benefit, opt for broths that are not overly fatty or greasy.

Water

While plain water is crucial for replacing fluids, it does not contain electrolytes. It is best to alternate drinking water with an ORS or other electrolyte-rich drinks to ensure all necessary nutrients are replenished. Sipping on ice chips can also be a good way to hydrate if nausea is an issue.

Coconut Water

Natural coconut water is a good source of electrolytes like potassium, which is often depleted during a bout of diarrhea. Be sure to choose a brand without added sugars, as excessive sugar can worsen symptoms. While helpful, it should not be the sole source of hydration, but rather part of a balanced rehydration strategy.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas can help soothe the stomach and provide hydration. Ginger tea is particularly known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm the digestive tract. Chamomile tea is another mild option that can help relax intestinal muscles. Always opt for decaffeinated versions to avoid further irritation.

Probiotic Drinks

Probiotic drinks like kefir or low-sugar yogurt drinks contain beneficial live bacteria that can help restore a healthy balance of gut flora. This can be particularly helpful after a diarrheal illness, which often disrupts the gut microbiome. While dairy can sometimes worsen symptoms, probiotic-rich options are often well-tolerated.

Drinks to Avoid During Diarrhea

Avoiding certain beverages is just as important as choosing the right ones. These drinks can irritate the digestive system, worsen dehydration, or increase stool frequency:

High-Sugar Drinks: Sodas, sugary juices, and excessively sweetened sports drinks can pull water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea.
Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, tea, and energy drinks act as diuretics, promoting fluid loss and potentially increasing dehydration.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are also dehydrating and can irritate the stomach and intestines.
Milk and Dairy (for some): Diarrhea can cause temporary lactose intolerance, so avoiding standard milk, cheese, and ice cream is often recommended.

Comparison of Rehydration Options


Feature	Commercial ORS (e.g., Pedialyte)	Homemade ORS	Coconut Water	Broth
Electrolyte Balance	Medically formulated for optimal absorption.	Effective when made correctly; can be imprecise.	Contains natural potassium, but less balanced than ORS.	High in sodium; potassium and other electrolyte levels vary.
Convenience	Easy to find in stores, ready to drink or mix.	Requires preparation but uses common ingredients.	Readily available but select low-sugar options.	Easy to prepare or find in stores.
Sugar Content	Carefully controlled, lower than sports drinks.	Controlled by the user; standard recipe is precise.	Varies by brand; opt for no-sugar-added versions.	Typically low in sugar.
Best For	Best for severe or persistent dehydration.	Good for mild to moderate cases and for a budget-friendly option.	Complementing an ORS for extra potassium.	Soothing and replacing lost sodium.

How and When to Drink

Once you have decided on the right fluid, it is important to consume it correctly. Drink small, frequent sips rather than large quantities at once. This is especially important if you are also experiencing nausea or vomiting, as it helps prevent further stomach upset. For every loose bowel movement, aim to drink at least one cup (240 ml) of liquid to replace lost fluids. The goal is to continuously replace fluids and electrolytes as they are lost, maintaining hydration throughout the recovery period.

The Role of Probiotics and Other Remedies

While not directly for stopping diarrhea, certain drinks can aid the recovery process. Fermented beverages like kefir contain probiotics that help repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria. Rice water, made by boiling rice and saving the starchy water, is a traditional remedy that can help bind stools. However, it is important to remember that these are supplementary and the priority remains fluid and electrolyte replacement.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct fluids is the most effective and safest approach for managing diarrhea and preventing dehydration. Focus on oral rehydration solutions, clear broths, and plain water to replenish lost fluids and essential electrolytes. Conversely, avoid high-sugar, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks, which can worsen symptoms. For most people, acute diarrhea will resolve with simple rehydration and dietary adjustments within a few days. However, if symptoms are severe, include a high fever or bloody stools, or last for more than a few days, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Prioritizing hydration is the key to a speedy and healthy recovery. For further information on managing diarrhea and dehydration, consult an authoritative source like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Gatorade contains electrolytes, it also has a high sugar content, which can worsen diarrhea by pulling excess water into the intestines. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte or homemade versions are generally better choices, especially for children, due to their lower sugar concentration.

It is best to avoid standard dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream when you have diarrhea, as the condition can cause temporary lactose intolerance. However, probiotic-rich dairy products such as kefir or some yogurts may be beneficial and well-tolerated.

Yes, ginger tea can be helpful. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe an upset stomach and calm the digestive tract during diarrhea.

You can make a simple Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) at home by mixing half a teaspoon of salt and six level teaspoons of sugar into one liter of boiled and cooled water. This solution helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Drink plenty of clear fluids throughout the day. A good guideline is to drink at least one cup (240 ml) of fluid after each loose bowel movement to replace what you've lost.

Yes, carbonated drinks and soda should be avoided. The high sugar content can worsen diarrhea, while the carbonation can cause bloating and gas, which may further irritate your stomach.

Rice water, the starchy water left over from boiling rice, is a traditional remedy that can help bind stools and provide some hydration. It can be a soothing addition to your fluid intake, especially for mild to moderate cases.