Tips

What to Eat When You Have Diarrhea to Recover Quickly and Effectively?

Stomach aches and diarrhea are common ailments that can be a nuisance. During such episodes, it is crucial to adjust your diet to aid in the speedy recovery of your digestive system. So, what should you eat when faced with these uncomfortable symptoms, and what should you avoid?

Administrator

20 July, 2024

When experiencing an upset stomach and diarrhea, consuming soft, liquid, and easily digestible foods, along with proper hydration, can provide relief and help your digestive system work more gently. Check out the list of recommended and avoided foods in this situation below!

1What to Eat When Having Diarrhea?

When an individual is suffering from diarrhea and frequent bowel movements, it is advisable to consume foods that are low in fiber, soft, and easily digestible to reduce the burden on the stomach and digestive system.

For more information: 8 folk remedies for diarrhea using easily accessible ingredients. These remedies are effective and provide quick relief.

What to eat when having diarrhea?

White Rice or Porridge: White rice or porridge made from white rice has less fiber compared to brown rice, making it easier to digest and helping to solidify stools.

Mashed Potatoes: Rich in nutrients and easy to digest, mashed potatoes are a suitable option for those dealing with diarrhea.

White Bread: White bread is free from fiber, making it easier on the digestive system when dealing with diarrhea.

Soft Vegetables: Opt for soft vegetables with less fiber. You can steam or boil them and add them to soups to make them even easier to digest.

Eggs: Eggs are highly nutritious and easily digestible. They provide a good amount of protein to the body. Boiled eggs are the best option for those with diarrhea.

Low-Fiber Fruits: Bananas, apples, and blueberries, especially bananas, are excellent choices for diarrhea patients as they are rich in nutrients and easy to digest. The pectin in bananas also helps absorb liquids in the intestines and facilitates smoother bowel movements.

Yogurt: Yogurt contains beneficial gut bacteria that are excellent for a disturbed digestive system. It soothes the stomach and reduces diarrhea symptoms.

Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial. Diarrhea leads to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, so make sure to drink plenty of water, oral rehydration solutions, or fruit juices like apple, watermelon, or dragon fruit juice to replenish fluids, minerals, and nutrients.

For more information: A collection of that are simple and effective.

2Foods to Avoid When Having Diarrhea

To improve diarrhea and prevent its worsening, it is essential to be mindful of certain foods that should be avoided when experiencing frequent bowel movements:

Fried and Spicy Foods: Foods that are high in oil and spices can aggravate indigestion and make you feel more uncomfortable.

Raw Vegetables: Raw vegetables not only harbor bacteria but are also rich in cellulose, a difficult-to-digest fiber. They put a strain on the intestines and stomach, and after entering the digestive system, they absorb water and swell, worsening diarrhea.

Gas-Producing Foods: Foods like beans, cabbage, onions, broccoli, and dried fruits tend to cause gas and should be avoided when dealing with diarrhea.

Spicy Foods: Spicy foods require more effort from the stomach to digest, so it’s best to avoid them when experiencing diarrhea.

Milk and Dairy Products (except Yogurt): Milk and its derivatives, excluding yogurt, are not recommended for those with diarrhea. Milk contains lactose, which is hard to digest, and people with diarrhea may not be able to absorb it, leading to increased bloating and bowel movements.

For further insights, check out ? to discover 5 simple and effective ways to relieve stomach pain at home.

The above suggestions offer nutritional guidance for individuals experiencing diarrhea. However, if the condition persists for several days without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical attention for appropriate treatment.

Frequently asked questions

It is important to stay hydrated and replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. Start with small sips of water, clear broth, or an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Gradually introduce easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, toast, applesauce, and yogurt, which are known to help solidify stools. Avoid fatty, spicy, and high-fiber foods until your symptoms improve.

Probiotics, which are live microorganisms, can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Consider consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or taking a probiotic supplement. Additionally, prebiotics, found in foods like asparagus, oats, and bananas, can help feed the good bacteria in your gut and support their growth.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks as they can worsen diarrhea and dehydration. Stay away from high-fiber foods, especially insoluble fiber, as they can be difficult to digest and irritate the gut. Spicy and fatty foods can also trigger digestive issues, so it’s best to avoid them until your symptoms subside.

The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) or a similar bland diet can be followed for a couple of days until your symptoms improve. Gradually reintroduce other foods, preferably soft and easily digestible ones, to your diet. If your diarrhea persists or gets worse, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Antidiarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) can help slow down bowel movements and provide relief from diarrhea. Probiotics and prebiotics, as mentioned earlier, are also effective remedies. However, it’s always best to consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider for recommendations specific to your situation.