Which Water is Good for Diarrhea? The Best Hydration Choices

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

During a bout of diarrhea, your body can lose significant amounts of fluids and essential electrolytes. Rehydrating correctly is crucial for a swift recovery and to prevent serious complications, but not all liquids are equally beneficial for this purpose.

Quick Summary

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are the most effective fluids for combating dehydration from diarrhea by replacing lost water and electrolytes. Plain water is helpful for general hydration but lacks the necessary salts for full electrolyte balance. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can worsen your condition.

Key Points

Prioritize Electrolytes: Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and electrolyte drinks are superior to plain water for replacing lost salts and minerals during diarrhea.
Use Plain Water for Basic Hydration: While not enough on its own for severe cases, plain water is excellent for general fluid replenishment alongside electrolyte-rich drinks.
Avoid Sugary Drinks: High-sugar beverages like soda and fruit juice can draw more water into your intestines, worsening diarrhea.
Opt for Bland, Clear Broths: Broths are an excellent way to restore both fluids and sodium, helping to soothe your system without irritation.
Tailor Hydration to Severity: For mild cases, plain water and bland foods may suffice, but severe dehydration warrants ORS and medical consultation.
Homemade ORS is an Option: You can create a simple oral rehydration solution at home with safe ingredients like water, salt, and sugar if commercial options are unavailable.
Be Cautious with Coconut Water: Natural coconut water provides potassium, but monitor sugar content to prevent it from aggravating diarrhea.

The Importance of Rehydration During Diarrhea

Diarrhea causes the body to lose both water and crucial electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. If these are not replaced, dehydration can occur, leading to serious health issues, especially in children and older adults. While plain water is a good starting point for rehydration, it's often not enough to replenish the vital electrolytes lost during severe or prolonged diarrhea. The primary goal is to restore the body's fluid balance effectively and safely.

Electrolyte Solutions: The Optimal Choice

Electrolyte solutions are specifically formulated to rehydrate the body more efficiently than plain water. This is because the glucose in these solutions helps the body absorb sodium and, in turn, water.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are considered the gold standard for treating dehydration caused by diarrhea. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a specific formula that is scientifically proven to rehydrate effectively. ORS packets are available at pharmacies, or a simple, homemade version can be prepared using the right balance of water, salt, and sugar.

Commercial Electrolyte and Sports Drinks

Many commercial electrolyte drinks and sports drinks can be beneficial, but it's important to choose wisely. Look for options that are not excessively high in sugar, as high sugar content can exacerbate diarrhea. Diluting sports drinks with water can help reduce the sugar load while still providing necessary electrolytes.

When Is Plain Water Sufficient?

For very mild cases of diarrhea where fluid loss is minimal, plain water may be enough to maintain hydration. However, it is not recommended as the sole source of hydration for moderate to severe cases, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The lack of electrolytes in plain water means it can't fully correct the imbalances caused by significant fluid loss, potentially leading to low blood sugar or low sodium levels.

Beneficial Alternatives: Broths and Coconut Water

Beyond specialized solutions, other liquids can aid recovery:

Clear Broths: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broths are excellent for rehydration as they provide both water and sodium, which is often lost during diarrhea. Choosing clear broths without heavy fats or spices is best to avoid further stomach irritation.
Coconut Water: Natural coconut water is rich in potassium and can be a good fluid source. However, some brands contain high amounts of added sugar. Always check the label and consume in moderation to prevent worsening symptoms.
Weak, Decaffeinated Tea: Herbal teas like ginger tea can be soothing for the stomach and contribute to fluid intake. Always opt for decaf versions, as caffeine is a mild diuretic and can worsen dehydration.
Diluted, Pulp-Free Juice: In some cases, diluted, pulp-free juices can be used as a source of potassium and fluids, but this should be approached cautiously to avoid excess sugar intake.

What to Avoid: Worsening Your Condition

Certain beverages can make diarrhea worse and should be avoided:

Caffeine: Coffee, black tea, and some sodas contain caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and can have a mild laxative effect, increasing fluid loss.
Alcohol: Alcohol is dehydrating and should be completely avoided.
Sugary Drinks: Sugary sodas, sweetened juices, and excessive amounts of sugary sports drinks can pull water into the intestines, increasing the severity of diarrhea.
Carbonated Beverages: The gas in carbonated drinks can cause bloating and discomfort.

A Comparison of Hydration Fluids for Diarrhea


Fluid Type	Primary Benefit	Sodium (Electrolyte)	Sugar Content	Best For	What to Watch For
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)	Optimized electrolyte and fluid replacement	High (specific ratio)	Balanced (specific ratio)	Moderate to severe dehydration	Proper mixing if using powder
Plain Water	Basic fluid replacement	None	None	Mild cases, in addition to electrolyte sources	Inadequate for electrolyte replenishment
Clear Broth	Replenishes fluids and sodium	High	Low	Soothing relief, replacing sodium	High sodium brands, heavy fats
Commercial Electrolyte Drink	Quick fluid and electrolyte replacement	High (varies)	Varies, can be high	Moderate cases, quick fix	Excessive sugar content
Natural Coconut Water	Good source of potassium and fluids	Varies	Can be high in some brands	Mild cases, potassium boost	High sugar, may worsen diarrhea

Rehydration for Special Populations

Special care must be taken when rehydrating certain individuals:

Infants and Children: Children are more susceptible to dehydration and should be given a properly mixed oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte. Do not use plain water or sugary juices for infants, as this can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances. Breastfed infants should continue breastfeeding frequently.
Older Adults: Seniors may have a reduced sense of thirst and are also at higher risk for dehydration. A consistent schedule of ORS and clear fluids is vital. For severe cases, or those with underlying health conditions like kidney disease, a doctor should be consulted.
Pregnant Individuals: Maintaining hydration is essential during pregnancy. When experiencing diarrhea, follow the general guidelines but consult a healthcare provider to ensure both the mother and baby remain safe.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Rehydration for Recovery

When dealing with diarrhea, the most effective hydration strategy involves prioritizing oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. While plain water plays a role in overall fluid intake, it cannot correct electrolyte imbalances on its own. Clear broths offer a soothing and saline alternative, while coconut water can provide a potassium boost, provided you avoid high-sugar versions. Equally important is knowing what to avoid: caffeine, alcohol, and excessively sugary drinks that can worsen your symptoms. By making informed choices about the liquids you consume, you can significantly support your body's recovery process and prevent dangerous dehydration.

To learn more about the treatment of dehydration from diarrhea, consult authoritative sources like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) for comprehensive guidance and treatment plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best type of fluid for diarrhea is an oral rehydration solution (ORS). These are specifically designed with the correct balance of electrolytes and glucose to replace the water and salts your body loses.

Plain water is helpful for general hydration, but it is not sufficient to replace the lost electrolytes, particularly in moderate to severe cases. It should be supplemented with an electrolyte-rich fluid.

Sugary drinks can worsen diarrhea. The high sugar content can draw more water into your intestines, increasing the frequency and watery consistency of your stools.

Sports drinks can be effective for replacing electrolytes. However, many are high in sugar, so it's best to choose a low-sugar option or dilute it with water to avoid worsening symptoms.

Clear broths, such as chicken or vegetable broth, are excellent for rehydration. They help replace lost fluids and sodium, which is a key electrolyte depleted during diarrhea.

Natural coconut water contains potassium and can help with rehydration. However, check for high sugar content in store-bought versions, as this could be counterproductive. Use it in moderation.

Infants and children are at a higher risk of dehydration. They should be given an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte, as recommended by a doctor. Do not give them plain water or sugary drinks, and continue breastfeeding if applicable.

Symptoms of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, weakness, dizziness, and fatigue. If these symptoms are severe, seek medical help immediately.