Diet Tips: Foods to Consume and Avoid During Diarrhea

Learn effective dietary strategies for managing diarrhea with recommended foods that soothe the gut and harmful items to avoid. Proper nutrition can aid recovery and reduce symptoms quickly.

Diet Tips: Foods to Consume and Avoid During Diarrhea

Diarrhea involves frequent loose stools that typically resolve spontaneously within a few days. Managing your diet effectively can help ease symptoms and promote recovery.

Recommended Foods During Diarrhea

Opt for bland, low-fiber grains and foods high in potassium and pectin, which help replenish lost nutrients and soothe the digestive system. Carbohydrate-rich, low-fiber options are also beneficial to reduce bowel movements.

What to Include:

Bananas: Provide potassium and help solidify stool.

Yogurt: Supports healthy digestion and soothes the gut.

White rice: Easy to digest and adds bulk to stools.

Steamed carrots, celery, potatoes: Gentle on the intestines.

White bread and pasta: Easy energy sources that bulk stool.

Lean proteins like baked chicken, turkey, fish: Nutritious and gentle on the digestive system.

Applesauce: Contains pectin, which helps reduce diarrhea symptoms.

Clear broths: Keep you hydrated; serve without spices for best results.

Foods to Steer Clear Of During Diarrhea

Avoid foods that may worsen symptoms, such as high-fiber items, caffeinated drinks, and artificial sweeteners. Limit intake of products that cause bloating or gas.

Refrain from excessive consumption of oral rehydration solutions and foods that increase bloating. Maintaining proper hydration is essential.

To Avoid:

Dairy (except yogurt): Lactose digestion is impaired during diarrhea, leading to bloating and gas.

Legumes: Cause bloating and gas.

Spicy food: Irritates the intestinal lining.

Greasy and fatty foods: May intensify symptoms.

Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli: Trigger bloating.

Fruits such as pears, peaches, plums, dried fruits: Can cause gas.

Nuts: May induce bowel contractions.

Whole grain bread and pasta: May irritate the intestines.

Ensure adequate hydration to replace fluids lost and consult your healthcare provider for tailored dietary advice to promote faster recovery.