If you are searching for how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, the first priority is replacing the fluids and electrolytes your body is losing. Most cases of short-term diarrhea improve on their own, but proper hydration, suitable foods, rest, and appropriate over-the-counter medicines can help manage symptoms while your digestive system recovers.
There is no single remedy that immediately cures every case of diarrhea. Viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, medication side effects, food intolerances, and travel-related infections can all cause loose or watery stools. Understanding the possible cause is important when deciding how to stop diarrhea in adults fast without making symptoms worse or overlooking a condition that needs medical treatment.
Most uncomplicated acute diarrhea can be managed at home with hydration and supportive care. However, dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal or rectal pain, high fever, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea that continues for more than two days without improvement should prompt medical attention.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace diagnosis, treatment, or personalized advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Quick Answer: How to Stop Diarrhea in Adults Fast
The safest way to manage diarrhea quickly is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes first, preferably with water and an oral rehydration solution when needed. Eat small, easy-to-tolerate meals when you feel able and temporarily avoid alcohol, caffeine, and fatty foods. For uncomplicated watery diarrhea, some adults may use loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate according to the product label. Seek medical care if diarrhea is bloody or black, causes severe pain or dehydration, occurs with a high fever, or lasts more than two days without improvement.
Key Takeaways
- Hydration comes first. Diarrhea removes both water and electrolytes.
- Oral rehydration solution can be useful when fluid losses are significant.
- Fasting is generally unnecessary. Most adults can eat normally again as their appetite returns.
- Loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate may reduce symptoms, but they are not appropriate for every situation.
- Never exceed the recommended dose of loperamide.
- Antibiotics do not treat viral diarrhea and should not be taken without an appropriate medical reason.
- Bloody stool, black tarry stool, high fever, severe pain, or dehydration need medical attention.
- Recurring or long-lasting diarrhea requires investigation rather than repeated self-treatment.
What Is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea means passing loose or watery stools three or more times a day, or more often than is normal for you. It may occur with abdominal cramps, urgency, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, or mucus or blood in the stool.
Diarrhea is also classified according to how long it lasts:
| Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Acute diarrhea | Typically less than 1 week |
| Persistent diarrhea | More than 2 weeks but less than 4 weeks |
| Chronic diarrhea | At least 4 weeks |
These definitions describe the duration of diarrhea, but they do not mean you should wait weeks before seeking medical advice. If you are researching how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, it is also important to recognize warning signs. Adults should seek medical advice if diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement or sooner if dehydration, bloody or black stools, severe pain, high fever, or other concerning symptoms develop.
How to Stop Diarrhea in Adults Fast and Safely
When considering how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, the safest approach is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, eat as tolerated, manage symptoms appropriately, and watch for signs that medical care may be needed.
1. Start Replacing Fluids Immediately
Frequent watery stools can cause significant fluid loss, so begin drinking regularly rather than waiting until you become very thirsty.
Suitable options may include:
- Water
- Oral rehydration solution
- Broth
- Electrolyte-containing drinks
- Other fluids you can tolerate
If nausea or vomiting makes drinking difficult, take small, frequent sips instead of drinking a large amount at once.
2. Replace Lost Electrolytes
Diarrhea causes the body to lose electrolytes as well as water. For mild diarrhea, many otherwise healthy adults can replace these losses through normal fluids and food.
When diarrhea is frequent, fluid loss is greater, or signs of dehydration appear, an oral rehydration solution may be more appropriate. Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and adults with severe diarrhea or dehydration may need particular attention to fluid and electrolyte replacement.
3. Use Oral Rehydration Solution When Needed
An oral rehydration solution (ORS) contains glucose and electrolytes in carefully measured proportions that support fluid absorption.
Commercial ORS packets are generally the simplest option. Mix them with exactly the amount of safe water stated on the package. Do not use less water to make the solution stronger.
ORS can be particularly useful when diarrhea causes substantial fluid loss, including some cases of traveler’s diarrhea.
How to Make a Homemade Rehydration Drink
Commercial ORS is preferable when available because the ingredients are precisely measured.
If ORS packets are unavailable, WHO guidance gives the following homemade mixture:
- 1 liter of clean, safe drinking water
- 6 level teaspoons of sugar
- 1/2 level teaspoon of salt
Mix until completely dissolved.
Do not add extra salt or sugar. Accurate measurements matter.
People with kidney disease, diabetes, significant heart disease, fluid restrictions, or other major medical conditions should ask a healthcare professional about the most appropriate rehydration strategy.
What Should You Drink When You Have Diarrhea?
If you are trying to understand how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, choosing the right fluids is important because frequent watery stools can lead to loss of both water and electrolytes. The goal is to stay hydrated without consuming drinks that may worsen diarrhea.
Better Choices
Good options may include:
- Water
- Oral rehydration solution
- Broth
- Appropriate electrolyte drinks
- Other fluids you tolerate well
For mild diarrhea, water and normal food may be enough for many otherwise healthy adults. When fluid loss is greater or dehydration is developing, oral rehydration solution can help replace both water and electrolytes.
Drinks to Limit
Consider temporarily limiting:
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Energy drinks
- Excessive caffeinated tea
- Very sugary soft drinks
- Large quantities of fruit juice
Alcohol and caffeine may worsen dehydration or digestive symptoms, while large amounts of simple sugars can make diarrhea worse in some people. Very sweet drinks consumed in large quantities may also contribute to osmotic diarrhea.
Should You Eat When You Have Diarrhea?
Yes. You can usually eat when you feel able.
You do not normally need to fast until diarrhea completely disappears. Most people with acute diarrhea can gradually return to their usual diet when their appetite returns, even if some loose stools continue.
If your appetite is poor, start with small portions of foods you tolerate well and gradually increase your intake as you recover.
Best Foods for Diarrhea in Adults
When learning how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, food should support recovery rather than be treated as an instant cure. No particular food can immediately stop diarrhea, but simple, easy-to-tolerate foods may be more comfortable while your digestive system recovers.
| Food | Why It May Be Suitable |
|---|---|
| Rice | Mild source of carbohydrates |
| Toast | Simple and generally easy to tolerate |
| Crackers | Light food that can provide some salt |
| Potatoes | Mild carbohydrate option |
| Bananas | Soft and easy to eat |
| Oatmeal | Gentle option for many adults |
| Eggs | Provides protein |
| Chicken | Lean protein when prepared simply |
| Broth-based soup | Provides fluid and some salt |
You do not need to eat only bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. The traditional BRAT diet is restrictive and does not provide everything needed for a balanced diet.
As your appetite and symptoms improve, gradually return to your usual balanced diet.
Foods and Drinks That May Make Diarrhea Worse
Certain foods and drinks can aggravate diarrhea in some people. During recovery, consider temporarily limiting:
- Fried foods
- Fast food
- Very fatty meals
- Alcohol
- Coffee and other caffeinated drinks
- Large amounts of sweets
- Very sugary beverages
- Sugar-free products containing sugar alcohols
- Milk and dairy products if lactose worsens your symptoms
After acute diarrhea, some people temporarily have more difficulty digesting lactose. This can cause dairy products to trigger additional bloating, gas, or loose stools even after the original illness begins to improve.
You do not need to eliminate all of these foods automatically. Focus on avoiding foods and drinks that clearly make your symptoms worse, then gradually return to your normal diet as you recover.
What Medicine Can Stop Diarrhea Fast in Adults?
For adults researching how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, two commonly used over-the-counter medicines are loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. These medicines may reduce diarrhea symptoms in appropriate situations, but they do not treat every underlying cause.
| Option | Main Purpose | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Oral rehydration solution | Replaces lost fluids and electrolytes | Helps prevent or treat dehydration but does not directly stop bowel movements |
| Loperamide | Slows intestinal movement and reduces stool frequency | Should not be used as the only treatment for bloody diarrhea or diarrhea with fever |
| Bismuth subsalicylate | May reduce diarrhea and stomach discomfort | Has important medication and health-condition precautions |
For uncomplicated acute diarrhea, some adults may use OTC loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate according to the product label. Antidiarrheal medicines may not be appropriate when stools are bloody, fever is present, or symptoms suggest a more serious intestinal infection.
Loperamide for Diarrhea
Loperamide slows intestinal movement, which can reduce stool frequency and urgency.
For adults in the United States, the FDA lists the maximum approved daily dose as:
- 8 mg per day for OTC loperamide
- 16 mg per day for prescription loperamide
Always follow the Drug Facts label or instructions from your healthcare professional. Taking substantially more than the recommended amount can cause serious heart rhythm problems and may be fatal.
If diarrhea lasts more than two days while you are taking OTC loperamide, stop using it and contact a healthcare professional.
When Loperamide May Not Be Appropriate
Do not rely on loperamide alone if you have:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Diarrhea accompanied by fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Symptoms suggesting a serious intestinal infection
Antimotility medicines such as loperamide should not be used alone for bloody diarrhea or diarrhea accompanied by fever.
Bismuth Subsalicylate for Diarrhea
Bismuth subsalicylate is another OTC medicine commonly used for short-term diarrhea and stomach upset.
Before taking it, check with a healthcare professional or pharmacist if you:
- Have an aspirin or salicylate allergy
- Take warfarin or another blood thinner
- Take daily aspirin
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Have kidney disease
- Already have bloody or black stools
- Have fever or mucus in your stool
- Take medicines that could interact with bismuth subsalicylate
Stop taking bismuth subsalicylate and seek medical advice if symptoms become worse or diarrhea continues beyond the period specified on the product label.
Can Bismuth Make Stool Black?
Yes. Bismuth subsalicylate can temporarily make the stool or tongue darker. This is a known effect and usually disappears after the medicine is stopped.
However, unexplained black, tarry stool can also be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. Do not automatically assume black stool is harmless if you have not taken bismuth, particularly if it occurs with dizziness, weakness, abdominal pain, or other concerning symptoms.
When deciding how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, remember that OTC medicines are intended mainly for symptom relief in appropriate cases. Hydration remains essential, and bloody stools, high fever, severe pain, dehydration, or persistent symptoms require medical attention rather than repeated self-treatment.
What Not to Do When Trying to Stop Diarrhea Fast
Searching for how to stop diarrhea in adults fast can lead people toward treatments that are unnecessary, ineffective, or potentially unsafe. Avoid these common mistakes while managing acute diarrhea.
Do Not Take Too Much Loperamide
Taking more loperamide than recommended does not mean diarrhea will stop faster.
Excessive doses can cause serious heart rhythm problems and may be fatal. Always follow the product label or instructions from a healthcare professional.
Do Not Take Leftover Antibiotics
Many cases of acute diarrhea are caused by viruses, which antibiotics cannot treat. Antibiotics can also cause diarrhea themselves and alter normal gut bacteria.
Do not use leftover antibiotics or take antibiotics specifically for diarrhea unless a qualified healthcare professional determines they are appropriate.
Do Not Stop Drinking Fluids
Avoid reducing your fluid intake because you are worried that drinking will cause another bowel movement.
Diarrhea causes ongoing fluid and electrolyte loss, so limiting fluids can increase the risk of dehydration. Take small, frequent sips if drinking larger amounts is difficult.
Do Not Fast Unnecessarily
Prolonged fasting is generally not recommended as routine treatment for acute diarrhea.
Most adults can begin eating again when they feel able, starting with smaller portions if their appetite is reduced.
Do Not Ignore Serious Symptoms
Do not repeatedly mask diarrhea with OTC medicines if you develop warning signs such as:
- Blood in the stool
- Black, tarry stool
- Severe abdominal or rectal pain
- Signs of significant dehydration
- High fever
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Confusion, severe weakness, or fainting
These symptoms may indicate dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, or another condition that requires medical evaluation.
Common Causes of Sudden Diarrhea in Adults
Understanding the possible cause is important when deciding how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, because the safest treatment can differ depending on whether symptoms are caused by an infection, contaminated food or water, medication, or another digestive problem.
Common causes of acute diarrhea include viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning, medication side effects, and infections associated with travel.
Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis is a common cause of sudden watery diarrhea. Depending on the virus, symptoms may include:
- Watery bowel movements
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
Treatment usually focuses on replacing lost fluids and electrolytes, managing symptoms appropriately, and allowing the infection to resolve.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning can occur after consuming contaminated food or drinks. Possible causes include:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Parasites
- Microbial toxins
Symptoms vary depending on the cause but may include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever
- Occasionally bloody stools
Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is an important part of managing diarrhea caused by foodborne illness. Bloody stools, high fever, severe pain, persistent vomiting, or significant dehydration should prompt medical evaluation.
Traveler’s Diarrhea
Traveler’s diarrhea can develop during or shortly after travel, particularly after exposure to contaminated food or water.
Fluid replacement is important, and oral rehydration solution can be particularly useful when fluid and electrolyte losses are substantial.
Loperamide may provide temporary symptom relief for some adults. However, antimotility medicine should not be relied on alone when traveler’s diarrhea is bloody or accompanied by fever.
Seek medical advice for severe illness, significant dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms that do not improve.
Medication-Related Diarrhea
Sometimes diarrhea is caused by a medicine or supplement rather than an infection. When considering how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, it is important to check whether a recently started medicine, supplement, or dose change could be contributing to the symptoms.
Possible triggers include:
- Antibiotics
- Some cancer medicines
- Laxatives
- Magnesium-containing products
- Certain liquid medicines
- Products containing sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol
Medicines, supplements, and poorly absorbed sugar alcohols can contribute to diarrhea in some people.
Do not stop or change an important prescription medication on your own. If you suspect a medicine is causing diarrhea, contact the healthcare professional who prescribed it or ask a pharmacist whether diarrhea is a known side effect and what steps are appropriate.
What If Diarrhea Starts After Antibiotics?
Mild diarrhea can occur while taking antibiotics. However, significant diarrhea during or after antibiotic treatment deserves attention because antibiotics can disrupt normal gut bacteria and increase the risk of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection.
Contact a healthcare professional if antibiotic-associated diarrhea is:
- Severe
- Persistent
- Bloody
- Accompanied by fever
- Associated with significant abdominal pain
- Causing signs of dehydration
Do not repeatedly self-treat severe or persistent antibiotic-associated diarrhea with OTC antidiarrheal medicines without medical advice. Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of choosing appropriate diarrhea treatment in adults.
Food Intolerances and Diarrhea
Difficulty digesting certain carbohydrates can cause or worsen diarrhea in some people.
Possible triggers include:
- Lactose
- Fructose
- Sucrose
- Sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and mannitol
If diarrhea repeatedly occurs after particular foods or drinks, keeping a food-and-symptom diary may help identify patterns. Recurrent symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than managed indefinitely through unnecessary food restriction.
Why Can Diarrhea Continue After an Infection?
Sometimes the original infection resolves before the digestive system fully returns to normal. After certain infections, some people temporarily have difficulty digesting particular carbohydrates, which can prolong loose stools.
Temporary lactose intolerance is one example. Dairy products may cause additional diarrhea, gas, or bloating until normal digestion recovers.
Seek medical advice if diarrhea persists, repeatedly returns, causes unintended weight loss, or does not follow an expected recovery pattern.
Do Antibiotics Stop Diarrhea Fast?
Usually not. Antibiotics work only against certain bacterial infections and do not treat viral gastroenteritis, a common cause of acute diarrhea.
Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can:
- Cause medication side effects
- Trigger antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Disrupt normal gut bacteria
- Contribute to antibiotic resistance
Certain bacterial or parasitic infections may require prescription treatment, but the decision depends on the cause, severity, travel history, symptoms, and other individual factors. Antibiotics should therefore not be considered a routine form of fast diarrhea relief for adults.
Do Probiotics Stop Diarrhea Fast?
Probiotics are commonly marketed for digestive health, but they should not be considered a guaranteed or immediate treatment for diarrhea.
Research on probiotics varies depending on the probiotic strain, type of diarrhea, and population being studied. Evidence is not strong enough to assume that any probiotic supplement will reliably stop acute diarrhea quickly.
Hydration and electrolyte replacement remain more important during acute diarrhea than relying on a probiotic supplement for rapid symptom relief.
People with weakened immune systems or serious medical conditions should speak with a healthcare professional before using probiotic supplements.
When Does Diarrhea Need Testing?
Most short-term cases of acute diarrhea do not require testing. However, testing may be needed when diarrhea is:
- Persistent or recurrent
- Severe or bloody
- Associated with unexplained weight loss
- Related to recent travel
- Accompanied by other concerning symptoms
For persistent diarrhea in adults, a healthcare professional may recommend stool tests, blood tests, breath tests, or occasionally an endoscopy depending on the symptoms and suspected cause.
Not everyone with diarrhea needs testing. The appropriate evaluation depends on how long symptoms last, their severity, and your medical history.
How Long Does Diarrhea Usually Last?
Acute diarrhea typically lasts less than one week and often improves sooner. Recovery time varies depending on the cause, including infections, food poisoning, medication side effects, and food intolerances.
When researching how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, remember that symptoms lasting more than two days without improvement should prompt medical advice rather than repeated self-treatment.
Signs of Dehydration From Diarrhea
Frequent diarrhea can cause dehydration, particularly when fluid losses are not adequately replaced.
Signs in adults may include:
- Extreme thirst or dry mouth
- Urinating less than usual
- Dark urine
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Confusion
Severe dehydration can become dangerous and requires prompt medical attention.
When to See a Doctor for Diarrhea
Seek medical advice if diarrhea:
- Lasts more than two days without improvement
- Causes signs of dehydration
- Is accompanied by severe abdominal or rectal pain
- Contains blood or unexplained black, tarry stool
- Occurs with a fever above 102°F (39°C)
Seek urgent medical help if you cannot keep fluids down, become confused or faint, develop severe dehydration, or your condition is rapidly worsening.
Who Should Be Extra Careful?
Some adults have a higher risk of complications from diarrhea, including people who:
- Are pregnant
- Are over age 65
- Are currently taking antibiotics
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have significant chronic medical conditions
If you are in a higher-risk group and searching for how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, consider contacting a healthcare professional earlier, especially if symptoms are severe, persistent, or causing dehydration.
How to Prevent Spreading Infectious Diarrhea
If diarrhea may be caused by an infection, simple hygiene measures can reduce the risk of spreading it to others.
- Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or cleaning vomit or diarrhea, and before eating, preparing food, or caring for another person.
- Avoid Preparing Food for Others: Avoid preparing food for other people while you are sick with suspected infectious diarrhea. This is particularly important for people working in restaurants, healthcare, schools, daycare, and long-term care facilities.
- Clean Contaminated Surfaces: Clean and appropriately disinfect bathrooms and other surfaces contaminated by stool or vomit.
What If Diarrhea Keeps Coming Back?
Recurring diarrhea should not simply be treated repeatedly with OTC medicines without investigating the cause.
Possible causes include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Food intolerances
- Medication side effects
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
- Other gastrointestinal conditions
If symptoms repeatedly return, consider keeping a simple diary of your foods, drinks, medications, supplements, stool changes, abdominal symptoms, travel, and possible triggers.
Persistent or recurring diarrhea should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly when it occurs with weight loss, blood in the stool, fever, significant pain, or other concerning symptoms.
Fast Diarrhea Relief: What Helps and What Does Not?
| Approach | General Guidance |
|---|---|
| Fluids and electrolytes | Essential for replacing losses |
| Oral rehydration solution | Useful when fluid loss is significant |
| Eating when able | Generally recommended |
| Loperamide | May help appropriate adults with uncomplicated watery diarrhea |
| Bismuth subsalicylate | May provide short-term symptom relief |
| Prolonged fasting | Usually unnecessary |
| Unnecessary antibiotics | Avoid |
| Excessive loperamide | Dangerous |
| Probiotics | Evidence for routine treatment is mixed |
| Alcohol | Best limited while recovering |
Simple First-Day Diarrhea Care Plan
If you are wondering how to stop diarrhea in adults fast, focus first on hydration, appropriate food, safe symptom relief, and monitoring for warning signs.
First Few Hours
- Drink fluids regularly.
- Take small, frequent sips if you feel nauseated.
- Consider ORS when fluid losses are significant.
- Rest and avoid alcohol.
When You Feel Hungry
Eat small portions of foods you tolerate, such as rice, toast, oatmeal, bananas, potatoes, eggs, soup, or simply prepared chicken. Gradually return to your normal balanced diet as symptoms improve.
If You Need Symptom Relief
Appropriate adults may consider loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate according to the product label. Do not rely on antidiarrheal medicines alone if diarrhea is bloody or accompanied by fever.
Monitor Your Symptoms
Seek medical advice for dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe pain, high fever, inability to keep fluids down, or diarrhea lasting more than two days without improvement.
Conclusion
Knowing how to stop diarrhea in adults fast starts with replacing lost fluids and electrolytes rather than simply trying to stop every bowel movement. Drink regularly, consider oral rehydration solution when fluid loss is significant, and eat foods you tolerate as your appetite returns.
For uncomplicated watery diarrhea, appropriate adults may consider OTC medicines such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate according to the product label. However, hydration remains essential, and antidiarrheal medicines are not appropriate for every situation.
The key to understanding how to stop diarrhea in adults fast is also knowing when home treatment is no longer enough. Seek medical advice for dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe pain, high fever, inability to keep fluids down, or diarrhea lasting more than two days without improvement. Recurring or chronic diarrhea should be evaluated to identify and treat the underlying cause.
FAQs About How to Stop Diarrhea in Adults Fast
1. Does stress affect how to stop diarrhea in adults fast?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can increase intestinal activity and may trigger or worsen diarrhea in some adults. Hydration and identifying the trigger are important.
2. Does sleep help when trying to understand how to stop diarrhea in adults fast?
Rest can support recovery, especially when diarrhea occurs with an infection or fatigue. However, sleep itself does not directly stop diarrhea.
3. Can soluble fiber help with how to stop diarrhea in adults fast?
Soluble fiber may help absorb water and add bulk to loose stools for some people. Introduce it carefully because individual tolerance varies.
4. Does meal size matter for how to stop diarrhea in adults fast?
It can. Smaller, easier-to-tolerate meals may be more comfortable than large meals while your digestive system is recovering.
5. Does exercise affect how to stop diarrhea in adults fast?
Strenuous exercise may be uncomfortable and can be risky if you are dehydrated. Rest or light activity is generally more appropriate until fluid losses are replaced.
6. Why does diarrhea sometimes get worse after eating?
Eating activates normal intestinal movement, which may increase urgency when the digestive system is irritated. Certain fatty, sugary, or poorly tolerated foods can also worsen symptoms.
7. Can diarrhea return after it seems to have stopped?
Yes. Symptoms may return if the digestive system has not fully recovered, a food or medication trigger remains, or an underlying condition is causing recurring diarrhea.
8. Can lack of sleep make diarrhea worse?
Poor sleep can affect digestive function and stress levels, but it is not necessarily the underlying cause of diarrhea. Persistent or recurring symptoms should be medically evaluated.
