Diarrhea can be an uncomfortable and disruptive experience. Fortunately, dietary adjustments can often provide relief. This article explores what foods can help stop diarrhea and which ones to avoid, offering practical guidance for managing this common ailment.
Foods to Eat When You Have Diarrhea
When experiencing diarrhea, focus on easily digestible and binding foods. These options can help slow down bowel movements and ease discomfort.
1. The BRAT Diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast
The BRAT diet is a classic recommendation for managing diarrhea. These foods are gentle on the stomach and help to firm up stools.
- Bananas: Easily digested and packed with potassium, an essential electrolyte often lost during diarrhea.
- Rice: White rice is preferable to brown rice due to its lower fiber content, making it easier to digest.
- Applesauce: Provides pectin, a soluble fiber that can help bind stools. Avoid raw apples, as the skin contains insoluble fiber that can worsen diarrhea.
- Toast: White toast is a better option than whole-wheat bread, as it is lower in fiber and easier on the digestive system.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1362018331-421af41f689448a097a47a2101157885.jpg)
2. Other Binding Foods
Beyond the BRAT diet, several other foods can help stop diarrhea:
- Plain Pasta: Similar to toast, plain pasta is easy to digest and can help firm stools.
- Saltine Crackers and Pretzels: These salty snacks can also aid in solidifying stools.
- White Potatoes: Boiled or steamed white potatoes (without the skin) are gentle on the stomach.
- Cooked Carrots and Squash: These cooked vegetables are easily digestible and can be beneficial.
3. Lean Protein
Lean protein sources are generally safe and easy to digest during a bout of diarrhea:
- Skinless Chicken Breast: A good source of protein that is low in fat and easy to digest.
- Lean Cuts of Turkey, Beef, Pork, and Fish: Choose lean options to minimize fat intake.
- Soft-Cooked Eggs: Another easily digestible source of protein.
4. Probiotic-Rich Yogurt
- Low-Fat Yogurt: Contains probiotics, which help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Look for yogurts with live and active cultures.
- Kefir: Similar to yogurt, kefir is a fermented milk drink that is also rich in probiotics.
5. Cooked Cereals
- Hot Cereals (Farina, Oatmeal): Easy to digest and often fortified with vitamins. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber, which helps solidify stools.
Foods to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea
Certain foods can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. It’s best to avoid them until your condition improves.
1. Dairy Products
- Limit Dairy: Most dairy products, except for yogurt and kefir, should be avoided. Lactose, the sugar in dairy, can be difficult to digest and worsen diarrhea.
2. High-Fiber Foods
- Whole Grains: Avoid oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread, as these are high in fiber and can stimulate bowel movements.
- Nuts and Seeds: These are also high in fiber and can worsen diarrhea.
- Beans and Legumes: Including lentils, should also be avoided due to their high fiber content.
3. Raw Vegetables and Certain Fruits
- Raw Vegetables: Harder to digest, especially cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, which can cause gas and bloating. Also avoid corn, onions, and garlic.
- Dried Fruit: Should be avoided because it is harder to digest.
4. Fried and Fatty Foods
- Fatty Meats: Avoid fatty red meat, processed meats (sausage, bacon, salami), and fried foods, as they can be difficult to digest and high in saturated fat.
5. Butters, Sauces, and High Sugar Items
- Limit Butters and Sauces: Nut butters, regular butter, sauces, gravy, mayonnaise, and heavy spices can aggravate symptoms.
- Sugar-Free Candy and Desserts: Avoid treats with artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, xylitol, or erythritol, as these have a laxative effect. Also avoid ice cream, baked goods, pudding, and whipped topping.
What to Drink When You Have Diarrhea
Staying hydrated is crucial when you have diarrhea to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
- Water: The best option for hydration.
- Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes.
- Electrolyte-Rich Sports Drinks: Helpful for replenishing lost electrolytes, but choose low-sugar options.
- Clear Bone Broth: Provides fluids and electrolytes.
- Weakly Brewed Decaffeinated Tea: Can be soothing and hydrating.
Avoid these beverages:
- Caffeinated Coffee and Tea: Can stimulate bowel movements.
- Citrus Fruit Juices: Can be acidic and irritating.
- Sodas and Carbonated Drinks: May cause gas and bloating.
- Alcohol: Can worsen dehydration.
- Extremely Hot or Cold Drinks: Can irritate the digestive system.
Benefits of Diet for Diarrhea
A temporary, restrictive diet can help bind watery stools, allow the bowels to rest, and restore lost fluids and electrolytes. Soluble fiber-rich foods, like bananas and white potatoes, absorb fluid in the gut, slowing down digestion.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Consult a healthcare provider if diarrhea persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, fatigue, or trouble breathing. It’s also important to seek medical advice before using anti-diarrheal medications, as they may be inappropriate for certain conditions.
Conclusion
Managing diarrhea often involves making temporary dietary changes. By focusing on easily digestible, binding foods and avoiding those that can worsen symptoms, you can often find relief and support your body’s recovery. Remember to stay hydrated and consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms don’t improve.
