10 Effective Drinks and Juices for Treating Diarrhea: Quick and Natural Relief
Diarrhea is a common digestive issue that anyone might face during their lifetime. It can be caused by various factors such as viral or bacterial infections, stress, or consuming certain foods. While there are many medications available to treat diarrhea, using natural drinks and juices can be an effective and side-effect-free way to alleviate this problem. In this article, we will introduce 10 drinks and juices that can help reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and explain how to prepare each one.
Consuming Fiber during Diarrhea
During diarrhea, fiber intake should be more carefully managed. Fiber is divided into two types: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber, like the pectin found in apples and bananas, can help absorb excess water in the intestines and regulate bowel movements, while insoluble fiber, like the fiber found in wheat bran, may exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. Therefore, during diarrhea, it is better to increase the intake of soluble fiber and avoid insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber helps regulate bowel movements and reduce severe intestinal movements by forming a gel in the digestive tract. This type of fiber can improve digestive health and reduce diarrhea symptoms. On the other hand, insoluble fiber, such as that found in leafy green vegetables and whole grains, may irritate the intestines and worsen diarrhea. Therefore, choosing the right type of fiber during diarrhea is very important.
Suitable Vegetables for Diarrhea
During diarrhea, consuming cooked and soft vegetables can help improve digestive conditions. Vegetables like cooked carrots, potatoes, and squash are good choices because they are easily digestible and contain soluble fiber that helps absorb excess water. These vegetables are also a good source of vitamins and minerals that can help replenish lost nutrients in the body.
Vegetables that do not produce gas or are not irritating are the best options during diarrhea. Avoid raw vegetables or those high in fiber like cabbage, lettuce, and broccoli, as they may irritate the stomach and intestines and worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Suitable Dairy Products for Diarrhea
Dairy products are generally best avoided during diarrhea because the lactose in them may irritate the stomach and intestines. However, some dairy products like probiotic yogurt can help improve digestive function and reduce diarrhea symptoms due to their beneficial bacteria. These bacteria help balance the gut microbiota and reduce gastrointestinal infections.
Avoid consuming milk, cheese, and other non-probiotic dairy products during diarrhea, as they may exacerbate symptoms. Lactose in these products can be problematic for those who do not digest it well and can worsen diarrhea.
Suitable Grains for Diarrhea
Light and easily digestible grains like white rice, white bread, and oatmeal are suitable during diarrhea. These grains are easily digestible and lack high amounts of insoluble fiber that may irritate the intestines. Additionally, white rice and white bread can help absorb excess water in the digestive tract and reduce the frequency of bowel movements.
During diarrhea, avoid consuming whole grains like whole wheat bread, barley, and whole wheat, as these grains may exacerbate diarrhea symptoms due to their high fiber content. Instead, refined grains without insoluble fiber are the best choice to reduce intestinal irritation.
Foods to Avoid During Diarrhea
Some foods can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. Fatty, fried foods, and spicy foods may further irritate the stomach and intestines and worsen diarrhea symptoms. Additionally, sugary foods and high sugar content can increase water in the intestines and worsen diarrhea. Therefore, avoid consuming these types of foods during diarrhea.
Caffeinated drinks like coffee and carbonated beverages also stimulate the intestines and may increase the frequency of bowel movements. Avoid these drinks and instead use natural drinks like water and natural juices.
Suitable Foods and Drinks for Diarrhea
To reduce diarrhea symptoms, foods like white rice, plain toast, bananas, and cooked potatoes are the best choices. These foods are light and easily digestible and help regulate bowel movements. Bananas, due to their pectin and potassium content, can help absorb excess water in the intestines and replenish lost body liquids. White rice, due to its high starch content, helps reduce bowel movements.
Cooked potatoes, due to their simple carbohydrates, help provide energy and regulate blood sugar. Consuming these foods with enough water can help improve diarrhea symptoms and replenish lost electrolytes. Also, avoid heavy and fatty foods as they may further irritate the stomach and intestines.
Fat-free chicken soup with minimal spices is also one of the best options during diarrhea. This soup helps provide essential electrolytes and body liquids and soothes the stomach. Consuming simple and light soups can help reduce inflammation and gastrointestinal irritation and speed up the recovery process.
Carrot Juice for Diarrhea
Carrot juice is one of the best natural drinks for improving diarrhea symptoms. This drink, due to its vitamin A and soluble fiber content, can help regulate bowel movements and reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Carrot juice also helps provide nutrients and replenish lost vitamins during diarrhea.
To prepare carrot juice, wash and peel a few fresh carrots, then put them in a juicer and extract the juice. Consume carrot juice fresh and preferably without adding sugar or artificial ingredients. This drink helps soothe the stomach and reduce inflammation.
Watermelon Juice for Diarrhea
Watermelon juice is a natural and refreshing drink that helps replenish lost liquids during diarrhea. This fruit is rich in water and electrolytes and can help alleviate dehydration, which is a common problem during diarrhea. Additionally, watermelon juice contains essential vitamins and antioxidants that help boost the immune system.
To prepare watermelon juice, put a few slices of fresh, seedless watermelon in a blender and blend until smooth. Consume watermelon juice fresh and without adding sugar to benefit from its natural properties.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is one of the best natural drinks for treating diarrhea. This drink is rich in electrolytes like potassium and sodium, which help replenish lost body liquids. Additionally, coconut water gently soothes the stomach and helps reduce inflammation caused by diarrhea. To prepare coconut water, simply open a fresh coconut and drink the water inside. It is best to use natural and fresh coconuts to benefit from all its properties.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is known as a natural anti-inflammatory that can help improve digestive issues like diarrhea. This medicinal plant not only helps reduce stomach inflammation but also soothes nausea and abdominal pain.
Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to a cup of boiling water and let it brews for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it. Adding a little honey can also improve its taste and increase its antibacterial properties.
Apple Juice
Apple juice is an excellent source of pectin, which helps absorb water in the intestines and reduce the severity of diarrhea. This juice also helps regulate bowel movements and reduce gastrointestinal inflammation.
Peel and chop two fresh apples, then put them in a juicer and extract the juice. It is best to consume apple juice fresh and avoid industrial juices.
Mint Tea
Mint, with its antispasmodic and soothing properties, can help reduce pain caused by diarrhea. This plant relaxes the stomach and intestinal muscles, reducing severe contractions and improving bowel movements.
Add a tablespoon of fresh or dried mint leaves to a cup of boiling water and let it brews for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add a little honey to improve its taste.
Doogh (yogurt drink)
Doogh, due to its probiotic content, can help balance beneficial gut bacteria and improve diarrhea. The beneficial bacteria in doogh can combat infectious agents and restore normal digestive function.
To prepare homemade doogh, mix a cup of fresh yogurt with a cup of cold water and add a little salt. Stir the doogh gently and drink it. It is best to consume doogh without gas and artificial additives.
Rice Water
Rice water is a traditional and effective remedy for diarrhea. This drink, due to its starch content, can help absorb water in the intestines and reduce the frequency of diarrhea. Rice water also soothes the stomach and aids digestion.
Cook one cup of rice in two cups of water. After cooking the rice, strain the remaining water and drink it. It is best to consume this drink warm to help soothe the stomach.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help reduce diarrhea symptoms. This tea helps calm the intestines and reduce stomach inflammation, facilitating bowel movements.
Add a tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water and let it brews for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add a little honey to improve its taste.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice, due to its vitamin C and antibacterial properties, can help reduce intestinal infections that cause diarrhea. This drink also helps boost the immune system and facilitate faster recovery.
Extract the juice of one fresh lemon and mix it with a cup of water. To reduce acidity, you can add a little honey. Consume this drink fresh and cold.
Fennel Tea
Fennel is known as an effective medicinal plant for soothing digestive issues. This plant helps reduce inflammation and improve bowel movements, reducing diarrhea symptoms. Additionally, fennel aids digestion.
Add a teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water and let it brews for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add a little honey to improve its taste.
Banana and Water
Bananas, due to their pectin and potassium content, are an excellent option for replenishing lost liquids and soothing diarrhea. Consuming bananas helps reduce intestinal inflammation and regulate bowel movements.
Preparation Method
Blend one ripe banana with a cup of water until smooth. Consume this drink fresh and cold.
Summary
Consuming natural drinks and juices can be a simple and effective way to reduce diarrhea symptoms and improve digestive function. These substances not only help replenish lost liquids and electrolytes but also soothe the stomach and intestines, and speeding up the recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it suitable for everyone with diarrhea to consume juices?
Natural juices like apple juice and banana juice are suitable for most people, but acidic juices like orange juice should be avoided as they may further irritate the stomach.
- How many times can these drinks be consumed daily?
Depending on the severity of the diarrhea, you can consume these drinks every 3 to 4 hours to replace lost liquids and electrolytes.
- Are drinks alone sufficient or should medication also be used?
In mild cases, natural drinks may be sufficient. However, if the diarrhea is severe or prolonged, you should consult a doctor and medication may be necessary.
