Diarrhea can be an uncomfortable and disruptive experience. Fortunately, dietary adjustments can often provide relief. A temporary diet focusing on bland, “binding” foods can ease symptoms. This guide explores the best foods to eat and avoid when dealing with diarrhea, focusing on answering the question: What Foods Bind You Up?
Foods to Eat When You Have Diarrhea
A diet specifically designed for diarrhea is typically easier to follow than many other dietary restrictions because its effects are often quickly noticeable. It emphasizes foods that aid in solidifying stools and minimizing digestive distress. Remember that this diet is intended for short-term use.
To maximize the effectiveness of this diet, consider consuming smaller, snack-sized meals throughout the day instead of three larger ones. This approach reduces stress on your digestive system. Also, opt for beverages at room temperature to avoid further irritation.
1. Bread or Toast
Refined wheat products, such as white bread and toast, are effective in binding stools. They are easily digestible, making them a suitable choice. However, it’s best to avoid whole grains, as they are more difficult to digest.
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2. Regular Pasta
Plain pasta shares similar benefits to plain toast in aiding recovery from diarrhea. Saltine crackers and pretzels can also help firm up stools.
3. White Potatoes
Plain white potatoes, especially boiled or steamed, can provide relief. It’s recommended to avoid the peels, as they can exacerbate digestive issues. Cooked carrots, plain white rice, and squash are also beneficial options.
4. Bananas
Bananas are easily digested and gentle on the stomach, making them an excellent choice for managing diarrhea. They are also a valuable source of potassium, an essential electrolyte that can be depleted during diarrhea.
5. Applesauce
Applesauce is preferable to raw apples, as the skin of raw apples contains insoluble fiber, which can worsen diarrhea. Applesauce contains pectin, which can help bind stools. Canned pears offer another safe fruit alternative.
6. Cereals
Hot cereals like farina are easy to digest and often fortified with vitamins. Oats are also rich in soluble fiber, which can help solidify stools.
7. Lean Protein
Skinless chicken breast is a great option when experiencing diarrhea. You can also include lean, fat-free cuts of turkey, beef, pork, and fish in your diet. Soft-cooked eggs are another diarrhea-friendly source of protein.
8. Low-Fat Yogurt
Although most dairy products should be avoided, yogurt is an exception. It contains probiotics that can help restore a healthy balance of gut microorganisms, which supports normal digestion. Kefir is another probiotic-rich dairy option to consider.
Foods to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea
Certain foods can aggravate diarrhea symptoms and should be avoided while seeking relief.
1. Dairy
Limit dairy products, with the exception of yogurt and kefir, until your condition improves. Lactose, the sugar in dairy, can be challenging to digest and may worsen diarrhea.
2. Whole Grains
Avoid oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat, and other bread products containing bran and germ. The refined grains in white bread are easier to digest when you have diarrhea.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds can worsen diarrhea, so avoid them. You should also avoid beans and legumes, including lentils.
4. Raw Vegetables
Raw vegetables and dried fruits are harder to digest and should be avoided when you have diarrhea. Also, avoid cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, as they can cause gas and bloating. Skip corn, onion, and garlic as well.
5. Fried and Fatty Foods
Avoid fatty red meat, especially ground beef and processed meats like sausage, bacon, and salami, which are high in saturated fat. Fried foods, including snack products like potato chips, can also be harder to digest.
6. Butters and Sauces
Nut butters, such as peanut butter, can worsen symptoms. Regular butter should also be avoided, as it is a dairy product. Additionally, stay away from sauces, gravy, mayonnaise, and heavily spiced foods.
7. Sugar-Free Candy
Avoid treats made with artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, xylitol, or erythritol, as they can have a mild laxative effect. Also avoid ice cream, baked goods, pudding, and whipped topping, which may contain these sweeteners as well as fats and other problematic ingredients.
What Should You Drink With Diarrhea?
Replacing fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea is essential. Plain water is a good choice, but coconut water, electrolyte-rich sports drinks, and other beverages may be used as long as they are low in sugar.
Good options to consider also include:
- Clear bone broth
- Weakly brewed decaffeinated tea
- Kefir
Avoid the following beverages until your diarrhea symptoms have resolved:
- Caffeinated coffee and tea
- Citrus fruit juices
- Sodas
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks
- Extremely hot or cold drinks
These drinks can stimulate bowel movements or cause gas and bloating. Also, limit your milk intake.
Ice pops can help prevent dehydration, especially in young children. Brands like Pedialyte offer freezer pops that are low in sugar and provide added nutrition.
Benefits of a Diarrhea Diet
A temporary, restrictive diet can help bind watery stools and give your bowels a chance to rest. It also helps restore lost fluids and balance electrolytes in your body.
The foods that help are generally high in soluble fiber, which absorbs fluid in the gut, slowing digestion down.
This diet is intended for the short-term treatment of occasional diarrhea. It can also ease severe bouts of diarrhea in people with chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and celiac disease.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Consult your healthcare provider if your diarrhea persists or if you experience other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or trouble breathing. Also, ask if it’s safe for you to use anti-diarrheal medications, as they can be dangerous in certain conditions.
If symptoms improve by day three, you can gradually reintroduce other foods back into your diet over one to two weeks.
A diarrhea diet is generally safe for older children and adults, but watch for signs of nutritional deficiency. This diet is not intended for long-term use.
Summary
Managing diarrhea often involves making short-term dietary changes focused on bland, binding, and easily digestible foods. Staying adequately hydrated is also crucial. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment. Remember, understanding what foods bind you up is a key step in managing diarrhea effectively.
