How to Treat Watery Diarrhea
Watery stool, more often called diarrhea, is a common problem that most individuals develop at one point or another.
Watery stool, more often called diarrhea, is a common problem that most individuals develop at one point or another. The cause of watery diarrhea may differ from one case to the next, but common causes include an imbalance in digestive tract bacteria, an infection or parasite found in the body or a change in your diet, particularly if you are eating large amounts of foods that are high in fiber and water content. Many times, diarrhea runs its course, and the body corrects itself naturally, but you can expedite the process and help get your system back to normal.
Step 1
Drink plenty of fluids, including water and fruit juices. Watery diarrhea causes your body to expel water and bodily fluids at a quick rate, which can lead to dehydration if you're not careful. This can be particularly risky to young children. Consume lots of fluids for the duration of your diarrhea episode.
Step 2
Eat foods with low amounts of fiber to provide nutrients to your body while also attempting to stabilize your digestives system. High-fiber foods can be more disruptive to your system, forcing the flushing of foods when you are trying to curb this purging of fluids and materials. Instead, eat low-fiber foods featuring proteins and carbohydrates, such as crackers, noodles, rice and chicken.
Step 3
Take an over-the-counter medication used to help regulate the digestive system and combat diarrhea. Loperamide, bismuth sub-salicylate and other diarrhea medications are available under a number of brand names and can help stabilize your intestinal tract functioning.
Step 4
Take a probiotic supplement daily to help restore proper bacteria balance in the digestive system. Diarrhea results from an unhealthy proportion of healthy bacteria to unwanted bacteria in the digestive system. Lactobacillus GG is a probiotic supplement that can be purchased in grocery stores and taken periodically to provide healthy bacteria for your system. These supplements are often found in powder form or as capsules.
Step 5
Visit your doctor to obtain a prescription medication to alleviate your water diarrhea. These medications can take some time to fully take hold in your body, but most prescription medications will correct your diarrhea issues.