Do cola and salt sticks help?

That cola and salt sticks are supposed to help with diarrhoea is a widespread assumption. However, this is to be seen critically and is only partially correct. Both foods are said to be able to compensate for the electrolyte loss caused by diarrhoea.

Therefore, cola and salt sticks should only be consumed under reserve in case of diarrhoea.

Salt sticks contain electrolytes, such as sodium, but no potassium, which is sometimes the most important electrolyte for balancing.
Cola contains phosphate and a lot of sugar. The latter can support the reproduction of infectious pathogens in the intestine.

How often and how long should I use the household remedies?

The home remedies that can help against diarrhea work mainly by compensating for the lack of fluid and electrolytes that are produced in the intestines by the diarrhea. To develop this effect properly, tea and vegetable broth should be drunk several times a day. Foods such as grated apples and bananas can also be eaten two or three times a day.

Caution is again advised with charcoal tablets. Here the intake should be according to the package insert. After the symptoms have subsided, the household remedies can also be reduced.

Treatment of the disease only with home remedies or only as supportive therapy?

Diarrhea is a common symptom, which in many cases is not dangerous. Therefore, it may be sufficient to treat diarrhea only with home remedies. The causes that trigger diarrhea are often self-limiting, which is why it is primarily important to compensate for the accompanying loss of water and electrolytes during diarrhea. However, if the diarrhea persists for a longer period of time or if there is a more serious cause, the home remedies should only be used supportively and in consultation with a doctor.

When do I have to go to the doctor?

Since diarrhea is often caused by harmless triggers, it is not necessary to see a doctor every time diarrhea occurs. Often the causes are stress or self-limiting diarrhoea pathogens, which is why the diarrhoea often goes away by itself within a few days. However, if this is not the case after about three days, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the cause of the diarrhea. Also in the case of other accompanying symptoms, such as fever or blood in the stool, a medical clarification should be made promptly.