What to Eat When You Have Diarrhea: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Diarrhea can be quite a discomfort. Whether it’s a result of a viral stomach flu, bacterial infection, or contaminated food, finding the right foods to eat when you have diarrhea is crucial for your recovery. In this article, we will explore some common recommendations for foods that can help reduce diarrhea symptoms and give your digestive system a much-needed break.

Understanding Diarrhea and Its Causes

Diarrhea can occur for various reasons. Acute diarrhea typically lasts a couple of days and is often caused by a viral stomach flu, bacterial infection, or contaminated food. On the other hand, persistent diarrhea lasts for more than two weeks but less than a month and can result from prolonged antibiotic use, infections like E. coli and C. difficile, or certain food intolerances. Chronic diarrhea, which lasts for more than a month, may indicate underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Choosing the Right Foods

When it comes to diarrhea, it’s essential to choose foods that won’t further strain your digestive system or worsen your symptoms. Gut rest is a top recommendation for allowing your sensitive digestive system to heal. This means opting for foods that are easy to digest and provide necessary nutrients. The outdated BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is no longer recommended due to its restrictive nature.

Low-Fiber Foods

While fiber is generally beneficial for gut health, it can be problematic during episodes of diarrhea. Soluble fiber can speed up bowel transit time, while insoluble fiber can irritate already inflamed intestinal tissue. If you have IBS or IBD, the role of fiber remains uncertain. It is advisable to limit your fiber intake to slow down digestion and allow your bowels to heal.

Easily Digestible Carbohydrates

Foods like boiled potatoes, white bread, soda crackers, plain rice, and other easily digestible starches and carbohydrates can provide nourishment without overburdening your digestive system.

Well-Cooked Vegetables

Well-cooked vegetables, like those found in chicken noodle soup, can offer essential nutrients and extra fluids during recovery. Opt for low-fiber options and avoid raw leafy greens or heavily spiced vegetables.

Lean Proteins

Plain and lean protein sources such as eggs, chicken breast, turkey, and lean fish are usually well-tolerated and can be added to a bland diet during episodes of diarrhea.

Low-FODMAP Foods

While bananas are often recommended for breakfast during diarrhea, they may worsen symptoms for individuals with IBS or IBD due to their high oligo-fructan content. If you have chronic diarrhea, a low-FODMAP diet may be helpful in reducing flare-ups and controlling symptoms in the short term.

Hydration is Key

Staying hydrated is crucial when recovering from diarrhea to prevent dehydration, which is the most significant complication associated with this condition.

Water with Electrolytes

While drinking plenty of water is important, replenishing lost fluids with electrolytes is equally essential. Adding a little salt and some carbohydrates to your fluids can aid proper hydration. You can try adding a small amount of orange juice, salt, and sugar to your water.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is an excellent option for replacing lost fluids as it is rich in natural electrolytes, including potassium. However, be cautious of coconut water with added sugar, as excessively sugary foods and drinks can aggravate diarrhea symptoms.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are formulated to combat dehydration caused by fluid loss. However, these drinks can be high in sugar, so they might not be the best option for some individuals. Additionally, sugar-free sports drinks often contain artificial sweeteners, which can exacerbate intestinal distress for many people.

Salty Broth

Salty broths can serve as an intermediate option if your system isn’t ready to handle solid foods yet. They provide necessary electrolytes and micronutrients while helping maintain fluid intake. Incorporating a little ginger into the broth can be beneficial, especially if you experience vomiting along with diarrhea.

Foods to Avoid

Alongside knowing what to eat, it’s equally important to be aware of foods to avoid when you have diarrhea. Until your symptoms have completely resolved, it is best to steer clear of:

• Caffeinated beverages
• Sugar-free candy and artificial sweeteners
• High-fiber foods
• Spicy foods
• Fatty foods
• Sugary foods
• Carbonated drinks
• Dairy products
• Green leafy vegetables
• Fried foods

If your diarrhea is a result of a food sensitivity or chronic condition like Celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or IBD, it is crucial to consult with your doctor for specific triggers to avoid.

Additional Treatments and When to Seek Medical Attention

Some teas or juices intended for detoxification or bowel cleansing can unintentionally lead to diarrhea. If you notice that certain products trigger your symptoms, it is essential to avoid them in the future.

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help alleviate most types of acute diarrhea, while bacterial and parasitic diarrhea require strong medications and medical attention.

If you or your child show signs of dehydration or are unable to keep fluids down, intravenous fluids may be necessary to prevent more serious complications.

It is important to consult a doctor if:

• Your child has diarrhea accompanied by a fever over 102°F (39°C), black or bloody stool, or no urination for over three hours.
• Your child appears unusually drowsy, sleepy, unresponsive, or irritable.
• Diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours without improvement.
• Your child has a dry mouth or does not produce tears when crying.
• You notice sunken eyes, abdomen, cheeks, or fontanelles.
• You have a digestive or kidney disease, as diarrhea can be a symptom of underlying conditions.
• You experience severe diarrhea, a fever over 102°F (39°C) along with diarrhea or vomiting, signs of dehydration, or severe pain in the abdomen or rectum.

Conclusion

Dealing with diarrhea is no walk in the park. However, most cases of acute diarrhea will resolve within a day or two. Adhering to an easily digestible diet can provide relief and help your intestines recover. If you experience frequent or prolonged diarrhea, it is important to consult with your doctor to prevent nutritional deficiencies and additional complications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does acute diarrhea usually last?
A: Acute diarrhea typically lasts for a couple of days and is often caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or contaminated food.

Q: Can I eat high-fiber foods during diarrhea?
A: It is advisable to limit your fiber intake during diarrhea as fiber can speed up bowel transit time and irritate already inflamed intestinal tissue.

Q: Can I drink coffee or caffeinated beverages during diarrhea?
A: It is best to avoid caffeinated beverages as they can worsen diarrhea symptoms.

Q: How can I stay hydrated while recovering from diarrhea?
A: Ensuring adequate fluid intake is essential. You can try water with electrolytes, coconut water, or salty broths to replenish lost fluids.

Q: When should I seek medical attention for diarrhea?
A: You should consult a doctor if your child has severe symptoms, signs of dehydration, or if you experience severe diarrhea, fever, signs of dehydration, or abdominal pain.

Remember, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your specific situation.