What can be taken to help settle diarrhea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Diarrhea often stems from disruptions in gut health, including inflammation and imbalances in the gut microbiota. To help settle diarrhea, focus on restoring the gut by staying hydrated, eating bland foods (like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast), and considering probiotics to rebalance beneficial bacteria. Avoid dairy, caffeine, and high-fat foods until symptoms improve.

Because diarrhea can have many underlying causes—ranging from mild infections to food intolerances or chronic conditions—identifying the root cause is key to choosing the right treatment. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be driving your symptoms and guide your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn why diarrhea might be happening See if diarrhea needs urgent care Discover likely causes of your diarrhea Find OTC options for diarrhea relief Find a doctor for diarrhea care Explore home remedies for diarrhea Understand if diarrhea could signal something serious

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Explanation

Diarrhea can be uncomfortable and is often caused by inflammation and changes in the gut's microbiota. According to the provided references, restoring gut health involves addressing these underlying issues.

Gut Inflammation: Inflammation in the intestines can lead to diarrhea. Managing this inflammation is crucial for relief.
Microbiota Alteration: The balance of good bacteria in the gut can be disrupted, contributing to diarrhea. Supporting a healthy microbiota can help.

While the references do not provide specific treatments, they highlight the importance of gut health. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated are general recommendations to support recovery. If you're experiencing persistent diarrhea or other concerning symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your condition and determine if you need professional medical attention.

(References)

Saviano A, Brigida M, Petruzziello C, Zanza C, Candelli M, Morabito Loprete MR, et al. (2023). Intestinal Damage, Inflammation and Microbiota Alteration .... Biomedicines, 37189632.
Marshall JB, & Settles RH. (1980). Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: a clinical update. Postgraduate medicine, 7393784.
Stone NE, Nunnally AE, Jimenez V Jr, Cope EK, Sahl JW, Sheridan K, et al. (2019). Domestic canines do not display evidence of gut microbial .... Anaerobe, 30946985.

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