Can I eat white pasta with diarrhea? Here's what you need to know

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to MedlinePlus, low-fiber, refined foods like pasta and white rice are okay to eat when you have diarrhea. This means that for many people, the answer to 'Can I eat white pasta with diarrhea?' is yes, as long as it's prepared simply and without heavy sauces.

Quick Summary

Yes, plain white pasta is generally safe to eat with diarrhea because it is low in fiber and easy to digest. Simple preparation is key, as heavy sauces and high-fiber additions can worsen symptoms. Focus on bland, binding foods and proper hydration.

Key Points

Plain White Pasta is Permitted: Yes, you can eat plain white pasta with diarrhea because it is a low-fiber, bland, and easily digestible food that can help bind stools.
Avoid Rich Sauces: Do not add heavy, fatty, or spicy sauces, as these can irritate your sensitive digestive system. Use a small amount of olive oil or broth instead.
Steer Clear of Whole Grains: Whole-wheat pasta should be avoided due to its high fiber content, which can worsen diarrhea by speeding up digestion.
Focus on Hydration: Prioritize rehydrating with water, clear broth, or electrolyte drinks, as fluid loss is a major concern with diarrhea.
Complement with Other Bland Foods: Plain white pasta can be part of a bland diet that includes other easily digestible foods like rice, bananas, applesauce, and plain toast.
Seek Medical Advice for Severe Cases: If diarrhea is severe or persistent, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a professional evaluation.

Is White Pasta Good for Diarrhea?

During a bout of diarrhea, your digestive system is sensitive and needs time to rest and recover. The goal of eating during this time is to consume foods that are easy to digest, low in fiber, and can help bind your stool. Plain white pasta is one such food that fits these criteria.

The Benefits of White Pasta for Digestive Distress

Low Fiber: White pasta is made from refined flour, which has a much lower fiber content compared to whole-wheat varieties. A lower fiber intake can help reduce the frequency and severity of bowel movements.
Easily Digested: The starches in white pasta are simple for a compromised digestive system to break down. This means your body doesn't have to work as hard to process it, reducing irritation to the gut lining.
Binding Properties: Like white rice and toast, plain white pasta is considered a 'binding' food. It can absorb excess fluid in your gut, which helps firm up loose stools.
Source of Energy: Your body needs energy to recover, and simple carbohydrates like those found in white pasta can provide this energy without overwhelming your system.

How to Prepare White Pasta for a Sensitive Stomach

While the pasta itself is generally safe, the way you prepare it is crucial. Heavy, fatty, or spicy additions can counteract the benefits of a bland diet and further irritate your digestive system..

Boil Simply: Cook the pasta in unsalted water until it is soft and well-cooked, as this makes it even easier to digest than al dente.
Choose Light Toppings: Instead of heavy, acidic tomato sauces or creamy, fatty Alfredo, opt for a minimal addition of flavor. A small amount of olive oil is an excellent choice.
Avoid Rich Ingredients: Stay away from butter, excessive cheese, or anything with a high-fat content. If you tolerate dairy, a light sprinkle of parmesan might be okay, but listen to your body.
Rinse After Cooking: Some suggest rinsing the cooked pasta with warm water to remove excess starch, which can make it even more digestible.

White Pasta vs. Whole-Wheat Pasta for Diarrhea


Feature	White Pasta	Whole-Wheat Pasta
Fiber Content	Low, as the bran and germ are removed during processing.	High, as it retains the whole grain.
Digestibility	Easier to digest for a sensitive stomach.	More difficult to digest due to high fiber, potentially worsening diarrhea.
Impact on Stool	Binding effect helps firm up loose stool.	Can speed up digestion and loosen stools.
Recommended for Diarrhea?	Yes, in plain preparations.	No, should be avoided.

The BRAT Diet and Other Foods to Consider

Plain white pasta can be incorporated into a broader bland diet plan, which is often recommended for recovering from diarrhea. The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, is a classic example of this approach. Alongside plain pasta, here are other food considerations:

Foods to Eat with Diarrhea

Bananas: Provide potassium, which is lost during diarrhea.
White Rice: Easy to digest and helps bind stools.
Applesauce: A good source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can help firm stool.
Plain Toast or Crackers: Easily digested and can help absorb stomach acids.
Cooked Cereals: Options like cream of wheat or instant oatmeal (low fiber) are suitable.
Boiled Potatoes: A bland, starchy food that is gentle on the stomach.
Lean Protein: Cooked skinless chicken or turkey, and plain cooked eggs are good choices.
Yogurt with Live Cultures: Can help restore healthy gut bacteria.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

Dairy Products (except yogurt): Can be hard to digest and may worsen diarrhea.
High-Fat and Fried Foods: These include greasy foods, chips, and fatty meats.
Spicy Foods: Can irritate the digestive tract.
High-Fiber Foods: Avoid whole grains, raw vegetables, beans, and seeds.
Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can be dehydrating and irritate the stomach.
Sugary Foods and Drinks: Excess sugar can pull water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea.
Artificial Sweeteners: Some have a laxative effect.

Staying Hydrated is Essential

More important than what you eat is staying hydrated. Diarrhea can cause significant fluid loss, so it's critical to replenish electrolytes. Sip on water, clear broths, or electrolyte-rich drinks throughout the day. Avoid very hot or very cold beverages.

Conclusion

For most people experiencing non-severe diarrhea, eating plain white pasta that is simply prepared can be a safe and effective way to get some calories while resting the digestive system. The key is to avoid high-fiber whole-wheat alternatives and rich, fatty sauces, which could prolong or worsen your symptoms. Always focus on hydration and eating bland, easily digestible foods. If your diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like a fever, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and advice. This information is for general knowledge and should not replace professional medical advice. For more information on dealing with digestive issues, refer to trusted sources like MedlinePlus.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

White pasta is made from refined flour, giving it a lower fiber content. During diarrhea, high fiber can speed up digestion, so the low fiber in white pasta is gentler and can help firm up stools.

It is best to avoid butter or other fatty additions. The high fat content can sometimes worsen diarrhea symptoms. A little olive oil or plain broth is a better, gentler option.

Cook the white pasta until soft in unsalted water. Serve it plain or with a light drizzle of olive oil. Avoid rich sauces, heavy spices, and high-fat ingredients to prevent further irritation.

Other suitable foods include bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, toast, crackers, cooked cereals, boiled potatoes, and lean proteins like skinless chicken.

Avoid dairy products (except for some yogurt), fatty and fried foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, high-fiber whole grains, and raw vegetables.

Most dairy products, including cheese, are best avoided during diarrhea as they can be difficult to digest. Some yogurt with live cultures might be tolerated, but it's best to keep your pasta simple and dairy-free.

Staying hydrated is crucial. Focus on drinking plenty of water, clear broth, or electrolyte drinks. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol.

References

1
When you have diarrhea: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia