Everyone has a memory of experiencing runny stools once or twice in their lives – it’s a very common condition that would often go away after a few days. Desperate to find a cure for that constant urge to swing by the toilet and to finally get rid of lethargy and fatigue?
One of the best beverages to build up your strength AFTER you’ve had a bout of diarrhea are energy drinks, particularly those with little to no caffeine content. I won’t recommend you to consume them during your episode as they have ingredients that may further aggravate your bathroom situation.
In this particular article, I will tackle the best energy drinks that can help you recover from your extreme battle with diarrhea.
Let’s get started!
Contents
Symptoms of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a familiar phenomenon that is characterized by a frequent need to use the bathroom due to loose, watery stools. In most cases, it is not a cause for worry as the body will immediately recover on its own. In fact, 4 billion people suffer from brief diarrhea each year.
Here are some of the common symptoms of diarrhea:
- Vomiting
- Blood and mucus in the stool
- Frequent bowel movement
- Fever
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Even though diarrhea goes away after some time, there are situations that should immediately be reported to your physician. If you’re an adult, contact your doctor if you experience the following:
- Loose bowel movements after two days
- Severe dehydration
- Black stools
- High fever above 39 degrees Celsius (102 F)
Diarrhea: The Root Causes
Healthy adults, young children, and even the elderly are not immune to diarrhea. Be it short-term or chronic loose stool movement, it is still best to identify the factors that contribute to this predicament.
Here are some of the root causes as to why you’re suffering from that annoying stomach ache on top of multiple visits to the toilet:
| Poor personal hygiene | Diarrhea can come from a stomach virus that can be transmitted from one person to another. Not adhering to hygiene protocols may be one significant factor that causes your diarrhea. |
| Alcohol abuse | Alcohol is a proven substance that speeds up digestion, which when abused can cause more than a few uncomfortable stomach problems. |
| Malabsorption | Food nutrients may not be absorbed by the small intestines, which results in sudden excretion or indigestion. |
| Allergic reaction to certain foods | When you consume certain foods, you’re more prone to suffer from watery stools especially if you have developed sensitivity. Gluten, for example, can cause diarrhea. |
| Contaminated water | Places you’re not familiar with that serve beverages and water that are unsanitized can definitely become a source of stomach problems. |
| Virus and bacteria | Diarrhea may be one of the earlier symptoms of a possibly extreme disease such as gastroenteritis or salmonella. |
| Lactose intolerance | This is a condition where a person has extreme adverse reactions to milk and anything containing lactose. If you ate dairy products while having this condition, this is the root cause of your diarrhea. |
| Medications | There are several prescriptive and over-the-counter medications that can cause diarrhea such as antacids, anti-depressants, and antibiotics. |
| Laxative abuse | One of the most common types of laxative is by drinking it through tea, which can lead to a very severe bowel movement when consumed excessively. Laxatives are often used to eliminate unwanted weight, which is harmful in the long run. |
Is Diarrhea a Caffeine Side Effect?
In some cases, caffeine can make you want to go to the bathroom or worsen diarrhea.
Filled to the brim with energy and nutrients, a cup of coffee is a great idea to kickstart your day. I find it very calming to hold a warm cup of coffee before doing my daily routines; it just provides me with a much-needed boost on days I don’t feel like consuming extreme beverages.
As an antioxidant, coffee can improve your overall health aside from driving off free radicals. If I were to decide, I’d drink caffeinated beverages without restriction. However, one downside of caffeine is stomach problems, including diarrhea.
Since caffeine has laxative properties, it’s no wonder that too much of it can cause diarrhea. More than two to three cups of coffee can make you go to the bathroom non-stop, which is why I would recommend you watch your caffeine intake.
Here is a video further explaining why caffeine can be the reason you’re undergoing a harsh journey to the bathroom:
Are Energy Drinks a Remedy for Diarrhea?
To put it simply, drinking too many energy drinks can cause diarrhea due to its excessive caffeine content. However, since these fizzy beverages are a great way to build up strength, I would totally recommend that you drink them AFTER your exhausting travels to the toilet.
Most energy drinks are on the higher end of the spectrum when talking about caffeine content. This is because they have a variety of ingredients aside from caffeine such as Guarana and Asian ginseng that are responsible for further stimulation.
Although they do have high caffeine content, energy drinks are an ideal way to boost up physical and mental performance, driving off tiredness and fatigue. They also have quite a few supplements that you may need after an exhausting experience.
Best Energy Drinks for Diarrhea
In my extensive journey to find the ideal thirst quencher that is the perfect fit for me, I have encountered more than enough to know which ones are suitable for certain situations.
Here are the best energy drinks (in no particular order!) for helping you stand on your own two feet after suffering from loose bowel movements:
Amino Energy Drink
Amino Energy drink is also one of the few who belongs in this energy drink section – this is because it’s sugar-free, has only 5 calories, and has an ideal 100mg of caffeine. However, what makes it an ideal candidate in this list is its 100mg of salt.
When you’re experiencing diarrhea, you tend to lose a lot of fluid. This may lead to dehydration and further complications down the road. Drinking sodium-containing beverages is one of the ways to kickstart your body’s recovery process.
An ideal thirst quencher should have about 82-163mg of sodium content. Amino energy drinks definitely fit that spectrum; it’s not too much or too little!
Sodium is used by the body to regulate blood pressure and volume, it’s also needed for muscle and nerve control. However, we tend to lose salt when we sweat, and yup! We definitely sweat a lot on diarrhea days.
Bing Energy
Containing 120mg of caffeine, 40 calories, and 9g of sugar, Bing Energy drink is also one brand that you can count on when it comes to diarrhea recovery. This is because of its natural flavors and real fruit juice, which may give more than a few benefits to your still recovering stomach.
This delicious pick-me-up drink is naturally formulated – with no additional food coloring. Its fruit flavors are definitely an edge and it is even jam-packed with nutrients such as niacin, vitamin C, and vitamin B.
What’s more? It’s also keto and vegan-friendly.
Organic Ginger Zinger
There are energy drinks that completely eliminate caffeine from their ingredients list and Organic Ginger Zinger is one of them. You may be thinking, “What’s an energy drink without caffeine” – it’s still an energy-boosting beverage, just subtract the jitteriness!
When you’re recovering from mild or severe diarrhea, your stomach is at its most sensitive peak. This is why I would recommend trying out non-caffeinated beverages like Organic Ginger Zinger.
One particular thing I like about this energy supplement is its taste. It completely captures both the good sides of apple and ginger without all its bad, tangy characteristics. Personally, I take this beverage on days I want to feel energized without worrying about the looming effects of caffeine.
This natural energy booster with its natural ingredients will definitely give your stomach some good old loving!
Other notable mentions
What gets rid of diarrhea fast?
Drinks like water, fruit juices, caffeine-free cola, and salty broths are all healthy options. The Cleveland Clinic suggests taking a salt and sugar pill together to assist the body retain fluids.
Also, make sure you’re getting lots of fluids, such as water, broth, and juice. Stay off the coffee and booze. As your bowel motions normalize, you may start adding semisolid and low-fiber meals back in. Soda crackers, bread, eggs, rice, and chicken are all good options.
How long should diarrhea last?
In kids, diarrhea typically lasts no more than two weeks and typically resolves itself within 5 to 7 days. In adults, diarrhea normally gets better within 2–4 days, however, some illnesses might persist for a week or longer.
Unrelenting diarrhea for more than two days. Extreme fatigue, dizziness, or fainting; dark-colored urine; loss of appetite or skin; insufficient urination; all of these symptoms may point to dehydration.
How much diarrhea is too much?
Acute diarrhea often improves on its own without medical intervention. However, dehydration, which may be fatal if left untreated in cases of severe diarrhea (defined as more than 10 bowel movements per day or diarrhea in which fluid losses are much more than oral intake).
To be more specific, the medical definition of chronic diarrhea includes having three or more watery stools each day for at least four weeks. Chronic diarrhea may have a variety of reasons. Diarrhea treatment focuses on stopping diarrhea, dealing with any consequences, and addressing the underlying cause (where feasible).”
Does Consuming Energy Drinks Cause Stomach Pains?
Too many energy drinks can cause stomach pains and other health implications. One thing to consider is the amount of caffeine it contains. Caffeine is a natural stimulant doubling as a laxative, which can cause diarrhea, bloating, and gastroenteritis.
Energy drinks are mostly formulated to give a quick boost to your everyday routines. While they may taste fruity, sweet, and delicious, it does not mean that they’re free to be consumed in your own jurisdiction.
Ideally, the daily caffeine intake should not exceed more than 400mg. This is roughly equal to four or five cups of coffee or two energy shot drinks. Most energy drinks fall under the high to moderate tier, which means that they easily occupy half the recommended caffeine level.
Too much caffeine and energy drinks can lead to:
- Palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Muscle tremors
- Heartburn
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
How To Prevent Diarrhea
Since diarrhea is a common enough occurrence, there are certain ways to minimize the risk of suffering from it. Here are some of the tips to prevent diarrhea:
- Always sanitize your hands before and after eating.
- Drink bottled water when you travel.
- Avoid eating in potentially-contaminated places.
- Do not eat uncooked or stale meals.
- Drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes.
- Avoid consuming foods that you’re allergic to.
- Try to integrate probiotics in your diet.
If you feel like your body is still not ready to take on energy drink beverages, there are a variety of fluid substitutes that can aid you in your journey towards diarrhea recovery. Two of my go-to thirst-quenchers aside from energy drinks and coffee are coconut water and clear fruit juices!
I find them invigorating and energy-giving especially on warm afternoons. Just make sure that you’ll provide your body adequate resting time and leeway in order to completely heal itself.
Conclusion
Energy drinks are a genius way to restore the lost vigor and jazz after suffering from short or long-term watery bowel movements. In my own take, it is best to choose energy drinks that contain minimal caffeine and have no particular chemical additive that can upset the stomach.
Just remember that energy drinks aren’t health supplements and shouldn’t be used to treat diarrhea. However, they can be useful in replacing lost fluids after the worst is ever.
So, if you’ve just finished your battle with diarrhea and looking for a pick-me-up, make sure you pick the right energy drink brand for you!