Diarrhea can be a disruptive and uncomfortable experience. Fortunately, dietary adjustments can often provide relief. This guide explores which foods can help with diarrhea and which to avoid, offering a practical approach to managing symptoms.
Foods to Eat When You Have Diarrhea
A temporary diet focusing on bland, easily digestible foods can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms. This approach allows the digestive system to rest and recover. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can further reduce stress on the gut.
1. Bread and Toast
White bread, being a refined grain, is easy to digest and can help bind stools. Toasting the bread can further aid in digestion. Avoid whole grains, which are richer in fiber and can exacerbate diarrhea.
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2. Plain Pasta, Saltine Crackers, and Pretzels
Similar to white toast, plain pasta provides easily digestible carbohydrates that can help firm up stools. Saltine crackers and pretzels offer similar benefits.
3. White Potatoes, Carrots, and Squash
Boiled or steamed white potatoes, without the skin, are a good choice when experiencing diarrhea. The skin contains fiber that can worsen symptoms. Cooked carrots and squash are also gentle on the digestive system.
4. Bananas
Bananas are easily digested and a key component of the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast). They’re also a good source of potassium, an important electrolyte lost during diarrhea.
5. Applesauce and Canned Pears
Applesauce is preferable to raw apples because the skin of raw apples contains insoluble fiber, which can worsen diarrhea. Applesauce contains pectin, which can help bind stools. Canned pears are another safe fruit option.
6. Hot Cereals
Hot cereals like farina are easy to digest and often fortified with vitamins. Oats are also a good source of soluble fiber, which can help firm stools.
7. Lean Protein
Skinless chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein when you have diarrhea. Other good choices include lean cuts of turkey, beef, pork, and fish. Soft-cooked eggs are also a diarrhea-friendly protein source.
8. Low-Fat Yogurt
While most dairy should be avoided, low-fat yogurt containing probiotics can be beneficial. Probiotics help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which aids in digestion. Kefir is another probiotic-rich dairy option.
Foods to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea
Certain foods can aggravate diarrhea symptoms and should be avoided during recovery.
1. Dairy Products (Except Yogurt and Kefir)
Limit dairy products, as lactose can be difficult to digest and can worsen diarrhea.
2. Whole Grains
Avoid oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat bread, and other products containing the bran and germ of the grain. These are harder to digest.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds can worsen diarrhea due to their high fiber content. Beans and legumes should also be avoided.
4. Raw Vegetables
Raw vegetables and dried fruits are harder to digest. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower can cause gas and bloating and should be avoided. Also, skip corn, onion, and garlic.
5. Fried and Fatty Foods
Avoid fatty red meat and processed meats, which are high in saturated fat. Fried foods, including snack products like potato chips, can be difficult to digest.
6. Butters and Sauces
Nut butters and regular butter can worsen symptoms. Also, avoid sauces, gravy, mayonnaise, and heavy spices.
7. Sugar-Free Candy and Artificial Sweeteners
Avoid treats made with artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, xylitol, or erythritol, which can have a laxative effect.
What to Drink When You Have Diarrhea
Staying hydrated is crucial when you have diarrhea.
Good choices include:
- Plain water
- Coconut water
- Electrolyte-rich sports drinks (low in sugar)
- Clear bone broth
- Weakly brewed decaffeinated tea
- Kefir
Avoid these beverages:
- Caffeinated coffee and tea
- Citrus fruit juices
- Sodas
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks
- Extremely hot or cold drinks
Benefits of a Diarrhea Diet
A temporary, restrictive diet can bind watery stools and allow the bowels to rest. It can also help restore lost fluids and balance electrolytes. The foods that help are generally high in soluble fiber, which absorbs fluid in the gut, slowing digestion.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Consult a healthcare provider if diarrhea persists, or if accompanied by fever, fatigue, or trouble breathing. Also, seek advice before taking anti-diarrheal medications.
Summary
Managing diarrhea often involves making dietary adjustments. By focusing on bland, binding foods and staying hydrated, you can often alleviate symptoms. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
