A person with diarrhea loses water faster than they replace it. It leads to frequent bowel movements and causes abdominal cramps. The symptoms usually last several days, but some experience them for weeks.

Does sudden watery diarrhea affect your daily life or cause you discomfort? If yes, try out these home remedies to help you get rid of diarrhea.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural home remedy for diarrhea. It contains acetic acid, which helps stimulate digestion and prevent diarrhea. It works by neutralizing the excess acidity in the stomach and intestines. 

Put 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink throughout the day. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to increase the flavor.

2. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a popular way to combat diarrhea. Add 1/2 cup ginger root pieces to boiling water, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Remove the ginger after steeping and strain out the solids. 

Allow the mixture to cool before drinking. Drink this tea three times per day. To prevent gas, drink tea after meals.

3. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice is a great way to treat diarrhea caused by food poisoning. Take aloe vera gel (the clear liquid inside) and mix it with equal amounts of warm water. Drink it at regular intervals. 

4. Lemon - Honey Juice

Lemon honey juice is a natural diuretic and can help flush out toxins from the body. Mix lemon juice with hot water, add some honey for taste and drink several glasses throughout the day. 

5. Watermelon Seeds

Watermelon seeds have been used for centuries to reduce bloating and flatulence. Soak dried watermelon seeds overnight in a bowl filled with water. In the morning, strain the seeds from the water and eat them.

6. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which can stimulate digestion and increase blood flow to the digestive tract. Some people may find that cayenne pepper helps relieve diarrhea, while others may find that it worsens the condition. 

7. Garlic

Garlic is known for its medicinal properties, and garlic juice is often recommended for diarrhea. You can eat raw cloves or make garlic tea. To make garlic tea, put one clove of garlic in hot water and sit overnight. Strain out the garlic before drinking. 

8. Drink Plenty of Fluids

During diarrhea, the body loses a significant amount of fluids. So drink plenty of fluids, especially water. It will help replace the fluids you lose.

9. Follow a BRAT Diet

BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It is a diet often recommended for people who are experiencing diarrhea. These are all bland foods that are easy to digest and are unlikely to cause a stomach upset.

10. Take a Hot Bath

A hot bath can help to soothe the symptoms of diarrhea by relaxing the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting bowel movements. Additionally, the hot water can help to cleanse and remove any traces of stool or bacteria that may be causing diarrhea.

What causes diarrhea? The first thing to know about diarrhea is that it is not always caused by food. Sometimes it's caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, or environmental toxins. Causes other than food poisoning include: 

• Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine 

• Viral infections such as the flu

• Lactose intolerance 

• Irritable bowel syndrome 

• Crohn's disease.

If you have severe diarrhea, you should consult your doctor about what may be causing it. You may need antibiotics if a bacterial infection causes your diarrhea. Sometimes, you may need to take antidiarrheal medicine like loperamide (Imodium) or diphenoxylate/atropine (Lomotil). These medicines relax muscles in the intestines and reduce contractions.

Side effects vary depending on the cause of diarrhea. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, weakness, tiredness, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and skin rash.

Take Enough Rest

If you're experiencing diarrhea, you should rest as much as possible. It will help your body recover. Take it easy and rest as much as possible until the diarrhea subsides.

If you're going to travel somewhere and experiencing diarrhea, there are some precautions you should take to avoid getting sicker.

• Maintain cleanliness, and keep your hands clean (wash them regularly).

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and open sores. 

• Keep yourself clean by frequently washing with warm water and using soap. 

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated. 

The main difference between diarrhea and dehydration is that diarrhea is a condition that causes watery and frequent bowel movements. In contrast, dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough water to function correctly. 

Other key differences between the two conditions include the following: 

• Dehydration can be caused by various factors, such as not drinking enough fluids, excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

• Viruses, bacteria, or food poisoning commonly cause diarrhea. 

• If not treated, dehydration can lead to serious health complications, such as seizures, kidney failure, and death.

Q1. What diarrhea symptoms should not be ignored?

If diarrhea symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if they are accompanied by a fever, blood in the stool, or severe abdominal pain, it is important to see a doctor.

Q2. What are the different types of diarrhea?

There are many types of diarrhea, but the most common are acute, chronic, and traveler's diarrhea. 

• Acute (Infectious) Diarrhea – This is the most common type. It is usually caused by food poisoning, or viral or bacterial infection, lasting for a few days. 

• Chronic Darrhea – This is a long-term condition that causes diarrhea regularly. It can be caused by various things, including a virus, bacteria, or a problem with the digestive system. 

• Traveler’s Diarrhea – This type of diarrhea is caused by eating or drinking something contaminated with bacteria or a virus. 

Q3. What is watery diarrhea a sign of?

Gradual or sudden watery diarrhea is a sign of many things, including food poisoning, a stomach virus, or a bacterial infection.

Q4. What is constant diarrhea a sign of?

If diarrhea is not managed, it might lead to dehydration. Severe diarrhea can cause dehydration, which is a serious condition. Symptoms of dehydration include extreme thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, extreme tiredness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. In the worst-case scenario, dehydration can lead to life-threatening seizures, coma, and even death.

Therefore, it is never a good idea to ignore diarrhea. Consult a specialist if you frequently experience symptoms of diarrhea.