What To Eat When You Have Diarrhea

What To Eat When You Have Diarrhea

Eating bland foods can help diarrhea go away faster and prevent stomach upset and irritation. When you’re experiencing an episode of diarrhea, certain foods you eat can help your digestive system get back on track. The BRAT diet, which stands for “bananas, rice, applesauce, toast,” is a popular choice as it helps firm up stool and is low in fiber, reducing the risk of aggravating the digestive system.

BRAT Diet and Bland Foods

The BRAT diet includes bananas, white rice, applesauce, and toast made from white bread. These foods are binding and low in fiber, making them gentle on the stomach. Other bland foods that can be included in your diet are cooked cereal like oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, or Farina, soda crackers, and apple juice that’s low in added sugar. These foods are easy to digest and can help absorb excess water from the stool.

It’s essential to stay hydrated when experiencing diarrhea. Drinking water, clear broths, electrolyte-enhanced water, or coconut water can help replace lost fluids. Once you start to recover, you can gradually introduce foods like scrambled eggs and cooked vegetables back into your diet.

Foods to Avoid

While certain foods can aid in recovery, others can trigger digestive issues and worsen diarrhea symptoms. Foods to avoid when experiencing diarrhea include milk and dairy products, fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, processed foods with additives, pork, veal, sardines, raw vegetables, onions, corn, citrus fruits, and alcohol. Additionally, caffeinated or carbonated drinks and artificial sweeteners like sorbitol should be avoided.

Probiotics and Other Remedies

Probiotic foods like yogurt and kefir can help restore healthy gut bacteria and aid in digestion. It’s important to consult with a doctor before using probiotics, especially if dairy products typically trigger digestive issues for you. Additionally, foods high in salt like saltine crackers or pretzels can help replenish lost sodium levels due to diarrhea.

Other remedies for managing diarrhea include over-the-counter medications like bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) and loperamide (Imodium). These medications can help alleviate symptoms of diarrhea, but it’s advisable to seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

When to Seek Medical Care

While many cases of diarrhea can be managed at home, prolonged or severe diarrhea may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires medical attention. If diarrhea persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by concerning symptoms like black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or a fever of 102°F or higher, it’s important to seek medical care promptly.

For children experiencing diarrhea, it’s crucial to monitor their symptoms closely. If a child shows signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, or a sunken appearance in the abdomen, immediate medical attention is necessary.

By following a diet that includes bland, easily digestible foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding trigger foods, you can help manage diarrhea symptoms and promote faster recovery. Remember to listen to your body, rest, and gradually reintroduce regular foods once your digestive system has stabilized.