Are Potatoes Okay to Eat After Diarrhea?

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, most adults experience diarrhea a few times a year. When recovering from an upset stomach, many people wonder, "Are potatoes okay to eat after diarrhea?" The good news is that potatoes, particularly when prepared blandly, can be an excellent food choice for easing back into a normal diet.

Quick Summary

Potatoes are a solid dietary choice for recovery from diarrhea due to their bland nature, high potassium content, and easily digestible starch. This article details the benefits of potatoes during this time, explains proper preparation methods to avoid worsening symptoms, and compares them with other beneficial foods. A gradual reintroduction of bland foods is crucial for restoring digestive balance.

Key Points

Bland and Safe: Plain, boiled or baked potatoes are gentle on the digestive system and unlikely to cause irritation.
Replenish Potassium: Diarrhea causes a loss of electrolytes like potassium, which potatoes are rich in and can help restore.
Bulk Up Stool: The digestible starch in peeled potatoes acts as a binding agent to help firm up loose stools.
Peel the Skin: The high fiber in potato skin should be avoided during recovery as it can aggravate symptoms.
Avoid Rich Toppings: Stay away from fatty and rich additions like butter, cream, and cheese that can worsen diarrhea.
Reintroduce Gradually: Start with small portions and add back other foods slowly as your digestive health improves.
Pair with Other Safe Foods: Combine plain potatoes with other BRAT diet staples like bananas, white rice, and toast for balanced nutrition during recovery.

The Digestive Benefits of Potatoes After Diarrhea

When your digestive system is in turmoil, selecting foods that are gentle and restorative is key to a swift recovery. Potatoes, when prepared correctly, offer several advantages that make them a beneficial part of a post-diarrhea diet.

Key benefits of potatoes:

High in Potassium: Diarrhea causes the body to lose a significant amount of electrolytes, especially potassium. A medium-sized baked potato is packed with this essential mineral, helping to replenish lost stores and maintain proper fluid balance.
Binding Starch: The starch in potatoes acts as a bulking agent, which can help firm up loose stools. White potatoes, in particular, contain a type of carbohydrate that can be easily digested and used for energy, without irritating the gut.
Bland and Gentle: Plain potatoes have a bland flavor profile, making them easy on a sensitive stomach. This prevents the gastric irritation that can be caused by spicy, acidic, or fatty foods.
High-Quality Energy Source: As your body recovers, it needs a source of energy that is both nutritious and easy to process. The carbohydrates in potatoes provide this without putting extra strain on your digestive system.

How to Properly Prepare Potatoes for Digestive Recovery

The way you cook your potatoes is just as important as choosing them in the first place. Improper preparation can introduce fats and fibers that might worsen your symptoms. Follow these guidelines to ensure they are as gentle as possible:

Peel the skin: The skin of a potato is high in fiber, which can exacerbate diarrhea. For recovery, always peel the potato before cooking to reduce its fiber content and make it easier to digest.
Boil or Bake, Don't Fry: Frying adds excess fat and oil, which can be irritating to the digestive tract. The best methods are boiling or baking. For example, a simple, baked potato or plain mashed potatoes are excellent choices.
Avoid Rich Toppings: Steer clear of high-fat additions like butter, sour cream, cheese, or heavy cream. These can introduce unnecessary fat and dairy, which are known to worsen diarrhea symptoms, even in people who are not lactose intolerant. Instead, season with just a pinch of salt to help restore sodium levels.
Serve Plain: During the initial recovery phase, plain is best. Avoid adding strong seasonings, spices, or garlic, which can irritate the gut lining.

Potatoes vs. Other Foods in a Post-Diarrhea Diet

To put the benefits of potatoes into perspective, consider how they stack up against other common foods recommended for diarrhea recovery. The classic BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is a good starting point, and potatoes fit naturally into this bland, starchy food category.


Feature	Potatoes (Peeled, Boiled/Baked)	Bananas	White Rice	Applesauce	Fatty Foods	High-Fiber Veggies
Potassium Source	Excellent	Excellent	Poor	Poor	None	Good
Binding Effect	Good	Good	Excellent	Good (Pectin)	Poor (laxative effect)	Poor (laxative effect)
Digestibility	High	High	High	High	Low (Irritating)	Low (Gas-producing)
Energy Source	Good	Good	Excellent	Fair	Poor	Fair
Electrolyte Balance	Good	Good	Poor	Poor	None	Poor

Gradual Reintroduction and What to Avoid

While potatoes can be a fantastic aid for recovery, it is crucial to reintroduce them and other foods gradually. Start with small, frequent meals rather than three large ones to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.

Foods and beverages to avoid during recovery:

Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and ice cream can be difficult to digest and may worsen symptoms due to lactose.
Fatty and Fried Foods: Excess fat can trigger and prolong diarrhea. Avoid anything fried, greasy, or creamy.
Caffeine and Alcohol: These can act as diuretics and further dehydrate the body, which is already a risk during diarrhea.
High-Fiber Foods: While fiber is normally healthy, during recovery, it can stimulate the digestive system too much. Avoid high-fiber fruits (with skins), whole grains, and beans.
Artificial Sweeteners: Sugar alcohols like sorbitol can have a laxative effect and should be avoided.

Conclusion

In conclusion, potatoes are a very safe and effective food to eat after diarrhea, provided they are prepared correctly. Their bland nature, high potassium content, and binding starch make them an ideal choice for a sensitive stomach. By sticking to simple, peeled, and non-fried preparations, you can help your digestive system recover and replenish lost nutrients. As always, listen to your body and reintroduce foods slowly, and if symptoms persist, it is best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. Following a bland diet that includes properly prepared potatoes is a smart and safe step on the road to full digestive recovery. For more information on general digestive health, you can consult the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

The skin of a potato contains high amounts of fiber, which can increase intestinal activity and worsen diarrhea. Peeling the potato removes this excess fiber, making it easier to digest.

No, you should avoid fried potatoes or french fries. The high fat and oil content can be very irritating to a sensitive digestive system and can make your diarrhea symptoms worse.

Yes, mashed potatoes can be a good option if prepared simply. Use only plain mashed potatoes without butter, milk, or heavy cream. A little salt can be added to help replenish lost electrolytes.

Potatoes pair well with other bland foods like plain white rice, toast, baked skinless chicken, and bananas. These foods are all easy to digest and can be part of a balanced recovery diet.

You should generally stick to a bland diet for 1-2 days after your diarrhea symptoms have improved. As you feel better, you can gradually reintroduce other foods back into your diet.

Similar to white potatoes, plain, baked, or boiled sweet potatoes without the skin are generally safe to eat. They are also a good source of potassium and other nutrients.

It is crucial to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clear fluids like water, broth, or electrolyte-rich sports drinks. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration.