Diarrhea is a typical gastrointestinal condition that causes loose or watery stools. Many people experience periodic diarrhea, which can be triggered by an illness like the stomach flu, however some individuals experience regular, persistent diarrhea due to underlying diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.1.
Nemeth V, Pfleghaar N. Diarrhea. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
Whether you’re experiencing diarrhea brought on by a virus, or have a medical condition that triggers more frequent episodes of diarrhea, making short-term modifications to your diet plan by removing specific foods and focusing on others might help enhance your signs.1 For one, it’s important to select foods that are simple on your digestion tract and assistance change fluids and nutrients that are lost through loose stools. For instance, foods that are low in fiber, fat, added sugar, and other components can make diarrhea worse.2.
The BRAT diet plan is a kind of low-fiber diet that’s typically recommended by healthcare providers to deal with short-term diarrhea.1 BRAT means bananas, rice, apples, and toast, which are the foods that comprise the BRAT diet. You don’t always have to restrict yourself to the BRAT diet plan if you’re experiencing diarrhea. Other foods, like plain crackers and low-fat protein sources are typically well-tolerated, too.3.
If you have diarrhea, consider attempting the following foods:.
Bananas: Unripe bananas are high in resistant starch, which might assist draw wetness out of stools and minimize diarrhea symptoms.4.
White rice: White rice is low in fiber and easier to absorb than high-fiber grains like wild rice and other entire grains.
Applesauce: Unlike entire, raw apples, applesauce is broken down into an easy-to-digest type, which is a good option for people with diarrhea.
Toast: White toast that’s low in fiber is simple for people with diarrhea to endure.
Plain crackers: Like white toast, plain crackers made with white flour or gluten-free low-fiber flour are easy to absorb and could help relieve your stomach.
Broths and soups: Low-fat and low-fiber soups and broths are hydrating and high in nutrients that can be lost through watery stools, like salt.
Pretzels: Pretzels and other salty, junk food like tortilla chips are low in fiber and provide salt, an electrolyte that’s lost through diarrhea.2.
Plain, low-fat sources of protein: Egg whites, chicken breast, lean beef, and lean fish are generally well-tolerated when you have diarrhea.2.
Low-fiber breakfast cereals: Corn flakes and farina ought to be selected over higher-fiber options.2.
Baked potatoes: Potatoes without the skin are simple on the stomach and consist of potassium, an electrolyte that’s lost through diarrhea.2.
Although these foods are typically advised by healthcare providers, they’re not the only foods that you can consume when you have diarrhea. In basic, you need to adhere to dull foods that are low in fat and fiber, but you can attempt to integrate other foods into your diet plan as long as you’re able to endure them and they do not make your diarrhea or other symptoms like stomach discomfort worse.
What to Drink When You Have Diarrhea.
Diarrhea causes you to lose larger amounts of water and electrolytes through your stool, which increases your threat of dehydration. Dehydration can make you feel weak and dizzy and can become unsafe if you’re unable to rehydrate.2.
To safeguard you from dehydration, it’s crucial to replace lost fluids when you’re experiencing diarrhea. Despite the fact that water needs differ, specifically when you have diarrhea, you need to aim to consume at least eight glasses of water daily. Some health experts also advise drinking a minimum of one cup of water every time you have a loose defecation.2.
In addition to water, beverages like sports drinks and tea may help you remain hydrated and change a few of the nutrients lost through loose stools.
Here are some drinks that can help you remain hydrated without aggravating diarrhea:2.
Water.
Sports beverages like Gatorade.
Broth like chicken or vegetable broth.
Certain decaffeinated teas like chamomile and ginger56.
Small amounts of diluted fruit juice are normally well-tolerated, but consuming large quantities of sweet beverages or beverages that are sweetened with sugar alcohols might get worse diarrhea by drawing water into your intestines.127.
The Worst Foods to Eat When You Have Diarrhea.
While certain foods and beverages could help you recover quicker and firm up your stools, others can make diarrhea even worse. In basic, you must avoid meals and snacks that are high in fat and fiber when you’re experiencing diarrhea.2 But there are a couple of other foods and beverages that you’ll want to limit or avoid as well.
Here are the worst foods and drinks for diarrhea:2.
Fried and oily items like french fries and bacon.
High-fat dairy products like entire milk and ice cream.
Gas-promoting veggies like broccoli and cabbage.
High-fiber foods like beans, dried fruit, and whole grains.
Caffeinated beverages like coffee and energy drinks.
Carbonated and sweet drinks like soda.
Although some individuals can endure specific dairy products like low-fat yogurt when they have diarrhea, lots of people are intolerant to lactose– a sugar found in milk. If you’re lactose intolerant, eating or drinking dairy items can make diarrhea worse.2.
Additional Treatments.
In addition to changing your diet plan, there are a couple of other ways to feel much better when you have diarrhea.2.
Eat smaller, more regular meals. Instead of consuming larger meals, which might aggravate diarrhea, select smaller sized parts that are most convenient to digest.
Stay hydrated by drinking water and other beverages like broth and sports drinks throughout the day.
Prevent difficult activity and rest if you’re able. This is specifically essential if you have a fever or are feeling weak or dizzy.
In addition to resting, staying hydrated, and consuming small portions of non-irritating foods, taking a non-prescription (OTC) medication like Pepto-Bismol or Imodium might help treat some types of diarrhea. However, you shouldn’t utilize these medications if you have bloody diarrhea or a fever.
When to Seek Medical Help.
It’s crucial to comprehend that there are several various types of diarrhea, each with different causes. Diarrhea can be brought on by an infection, an underlying medical condition, specific medications, and medical treatments like chemotherapy.2.
Although dietary modifications can help in reducing diarrhea symptoms, it’s not a proper way to deal with all types of diarrhea.
People with medical conditions that trigger diarrhea like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s illness should contact their healthcare provider if they’re experiencing diarrhea or other signs that indicate a flare of the disease.9.
Treatment for diarrhea depends upon the cause, so it’s crucial to never self-diagnose and to look for medical attention if you’re experiencing any of the following:2.
Diarrhea that lasts more than five days in adults or longer than two days in babies and children.
Diarrhea that has an uncommon odor or color.
Diarrhea and a fever that does not disappear.
Diarrhea along with other signs like nausea and vomiting.
Blood or mucus in your stool.
Serious stomach pain.
These symptoms could be a sign that you need medical attention right away.
