What drinks can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and probiotic drinks are two of the most effective beverages for managing diarrhea. ORS replaces lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration, while probiotic drinks help restore healthy gut bacteria and may shorten symptom duration.

However, diarrhea can stem from many causes—viral infections, food intolerances, medications, or underlying conditions—and the right treatment depends on the root cause. If you're unsure why your symptoms started or how serious they may be, taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what's going on and decide whether home care or a doctor's visit is the best next step.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of diarrhea symptoms Learn if diarrhea needs urgent care See if it could be infection Find OTC diarrhea relief options Find a doctor for diarrhea care Discover medically valid home remedies for diarrhea Understand what’s causing your diarrhea symptoms

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Explanation

When you have diarrhea, it is important to drink the right fluids to help you feel better. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are specially made drinks that have the right mix of water, salts, and sugars to replace what your body loses during diarrhea. These drinks are designed to help your body absorb fluids better and keep you hydrated.

Another helpful drink is a probiotic drink. Probiotics are good bacteria that can help your stomach feel better. A type of probiotic drink with Lactobacillus casei Shirota has been shown to help reduce diarrhea symptoms by balancing the bacteria in your gut.

Together, these drinks can be very effective. The oral rehydration solutions make sure you don't get dehydrated, while the probiotic drinks help your gut stay healthy. Always remember to drink plenty of fluids and if your symptoms are severe or do not improve, use our free symptom checker to understand what might be causing your diarrhea and whether you need medical attention.

(References)

Cheuvront SN, Kenefick RW, Luque L, Mitchell KM, & Vidyasagar S. (2021). Are oral rehydration solutions optimized for treating diarrhea?. Nutrition and health, 33583247.
Wong S, Jamous A, O'Driscoll J, Sekhar R, Weldon M, Yau CY, et al. (2014). A Lactobacillus casei Shirota probiotic drink reduces .... The British journal of nutrition, 24044687.
Churgay CA, & Aftab Z. (2012). Gastroenteritis in children: Part II. Prevention and .... American family physician, 22962878.

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