|  | Conditions Treatments | Illness

How to Cure Diarrhea & Sour Stomach

Diarrhea and a sour stomach usually are not cause for serious concern and most often go away on their own in one to five days. Diarrhea and a sour stomach usually are caused by viral gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu. However, there are several cheap, at-home options that can alleviate stomachaches, make stools less watery and help control diarrhea.

Things You'll Need

  • Anti-diarrhea and stomach medication such as Imodium and Pepto-Bismol
  • Anti-gas medications such as Gas-X and Mylanta
  • Ginger tea
  • Bananas, rice, apples and rice
Show More

Instructions

  1. How to Cure Diarrhea and Sour Stomach

    • 1

      Identify the source of your diarrhea or sour stomach. Stomachaches and diarrhea usually are caused by the common stomach flu, food poisoning or gas. Once you have identified the source of your diarrhea or sour stomach, you can begin treating it.

    • 2

      Over-the-counter medications such as Pepto-Bismol and Imodium can help decrease the frequency and severity of diarrhea and ease abdominal cramping and pain. If your sour stomach is caused by gas, try over-the-counter anti-gas medicines like Gas-X and Mylanta. If you believe your diarrhea or sour stomach is caused by a bacterial infection or a parasite, contact your doctor.

    • 3

      Avoid certain foods and liquids. Milk and other dairy products can make diarrhea and a sour stomach worse, as can alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods and artificial sweeteners. Also avoid foods high in fiber.

    • 4

      Follow the B.R.A.T diet. Individuals with diarrhea might want to stick to bananas, rice, apples and toast, which are food options that usually don't worsen diarrhea. Ginger tea also can ease abdominal pain and cramping associated with diarrhea.

    • 5

      Contact your doctor if diarrhea or sour stomach lasts more than five days; if there is blood in the stool; if the stool is black, oily or excessively foul-smelling; or if you have a fever over 101 degrees. Your doctor will be able to prescribe stronger medications or order lab work to determine if there is a more serious underlying cause stomach woes.

Illness - Related Articles