Can juicing help with diarrhea?

Diarrhea is an uncomfortable and inconvenient condition that many people experience from time to time. While over-the-counter medications can provide some relief, many people are interested in natural remedies, like juicing, that may help manage symptoms.

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. It is typically caused by:

• Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Reactions to medications
• Diseases affecting the intestines

Diarrhea can last for a few days or persist longer into a chronic condition. It leads to symptoms like:

• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Dehydration

While usually not serious, diarrhea needs to be managed to avoid complications from dehydration and malnutrition.

How Can Juicing Help Diarrhea?

Drinking fresh juices may help mitigate some of the symptoms and risks of diarrhea. There are a few reasons juicing may be beneficial:

1. Hydration

One of the biggest concerns with diarrhea is dehydration from the loss of fluids and electrolytes. Juices help provide hydration from their high water content, allowing the body to replenish what is being lost.

2. Nutrients

Diarrhea can also lead to nutrient deficiencies since food passes through the body so quickly. Juices contain essential vitamins and minerals that are easy to absorb, even with diarrhea.

3. Probiotics

Some juices provide probiotics from fermented ingredients like cabbage, kefir, or kombucha. Probiotics may help restore the gut microbiome and promote healthy digestion.

4. Fiber

While insoluble fiber found in produce should be limited to avoid aggravating diarrhea, juices containing soluble fiber from fruits and vegetables can help regulate stool formation.

5. Soothing Ingredients

Ginger, turmeric, mint, and other ingredients commonly found in juices have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe intestinal discomfort and cramping.

Best Juices for Diarrhea

Certain types of juices may be most helpful for managing diarrhea symptoms based on their nutrient content and medicinal properties. Some top choices include:

Coconut Water

Coconut water is naturally hydrating and rich in electrolytes like potassium that are depleted during diarrhea. It also contains lauric acid with antimicrobial effects to support gut health.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice has antibacterial compounds that can inhibit the growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria like E. coli. It also provides vitamin C for immune support.

Carrot Juice

Carrot juice is packed with potassium and vitamin A, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. It also has soluble fiber to regulate stools.

Apple Juice

Apple juice contains pectin, a type of soluble fiber that soaks up excess water in stools. Apples also have prebiotics to nourish probiotics and polyphenols that enhance gut barrier function.

Ginger Tea

Ginger can help relax intestinal muscles and decrease cramping and inflammation associated with diarrhea. Brewed into a tea, it supplies fluids and electrolytes.

Mint Tea

Like ginger, mint has soothing properties for the digestive tract. A mint tea provides hydration and may help reduce abdominal discomfort from diarrhea.

Vegetable Juice

Low-fiber vegetable juices like those made from carrots, tomatoes, beets, or zucchini provide hydration and nutrients without aggravating diarrhea like insoluble fiber can.

Foods to Avoid

While juices can be beneficial for diarrhea, there are some foods that should be avoided until symptoms subside:

Foods to Avoid	Reason for Avoidance
Raw fruits and vegetables	Insoluble fiber can worsen diarrhea
Dairy products	Lactose may not be digested properly
Fatty, greasy, or spicy foods	May aggravate the GI tract
Caffeine	Stimulant that speeds bowel movements
Alcohol	Altered intestinal motility and secretion
Artificial sweeteners	May disrupt healthy gut flora

Other Remedies for Diarrhea

While juices can be one part of a diarrhea management plan, there are other natural approaches that may provide additional relief when used alongside juicing:

• Probiotics: Supplements support healthy gut flora.
• Digestive enzymes: Replace enzymes lost during diarrhea.
• Glutamine powder: Repairs intestinal lining.
• Peppermint oil: Relaxes GI smooth muscle.
• Zinc: Supports immune function.
• Oral rehydration salts: Replace lost electrolytes.

It’s also important to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity until diarrhea resolves. Following the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) can help transition back to regular foods.

When to See a Doctor

Juicing and other natural approaches can often help manage temporary diarrhea. However, it’s important to consult a doctor if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
• Severely dehydrated with dizziness or fainting
• Bloody stools
• High fever over 101°F
• Severe abdominal pain or tenderness

These may indicate a serious underlying condition requiring medical treatment. Prompt evaluation is needed to identify and properly treat the cause.

The Bottom Line

Drinking fresh, hydrating juices containing nutrients, probiotics, fiber, and anti-inflammatory compounds can aid in managing diarrhea episodes. Juices like coconut water, cranberry, carrot, apple, ginger tea, mint tea, and low-fiber vegetable juices are great options. However, severe, bloody, or persistent diarrhea warrants medical attention. With juices and other natural approaches, most cases of diarrhea can be handled at home with little discomfort.