Dietary Solutions: What Foods Stop Fecal Incontinence?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in the journal Gastroenterology, higher long-term dietary fiber intake was associated with a decreased risk of fecal incontinence in older women. This highlights the significant role that a mindful diet can play in managing symptoms of fecal incontinence and improving bowel control through proper nutrition.

Quick Summary

This guide examines how specific dietary changes can effectively address the underlying causes of fecal incontinence, whether stemming from loose stools or constipation. Learn which foods to increase, which to avoid, and how to use a food diary to create a personalized nutrition plan for better bowel health.

Key Points

Firm Up Stools: For diarrhea-related incontinence, consume binding foods like bananas, white rice, and peeled applesauce to add bulk and slow digestion.
Boost Insoluble Fiber: If constipation is the issue, increase your intake of insoluble fiber from whole grains, legumes, and raw vegetables to promote regular bowel movements.
Stay Hydrated: Always drink plenty of water, especially when increasing fiber, to prevent constipation and ensure soft, manageable stools.
Identify Triggers: Use a food and bowel diary to identify specific foods, like caffeine, alcohol, or spicy items, that worsen your symptoms.
Consult a Professional: Work with a doctor or dietitian to create a personalized plan, as underlying medical conditions may require additional treatment beyond diet alone.

Fecal incontinence can be a distressing condition, but for many, simple dietary adjustments can lead to significant improvements. The right nutrition can help regulate bowel movements and improve stool consistency, which are key to gaining better control. The approach to take depends largely on whether your incontinence is caused by chronic diarrhea or constipation.

Managing Diarrhea-Related Fecal Incontinence

If loose, watery stools are the primary cause of your incontinence, the goal is to consume foods that firm up your stool and slow down the digestive process.

Soluble Fiber: The Stool-Bulking Champion Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, which can absorb excess water in the gut and add bulk to your stool. This helps to slow down digestion and produce a more solid, manageable consistency.

Oats: A bowl of oatmeal is a great way to start the day. Choose rolled or quick oats for more soluble fiber.
Bananas: These are a key component of the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) for a reason. They are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that binds stools.
White Rice: Unlike brown rice, white rice is lower in insoluble fiber, making it easier on the digestive system and helpful for firming up stools.
Peeled Apples or Applesauce: Peeling apples removes some of the insoluble fiber, and cooking them makes the soluble fiber more readily available.
Potatoes: Peeled, boiled, or baked potatoes are a bland and binding option.

Foods to avoid with diarrhea:

Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks, caffeine is a stimulant that can increase bowel motility and worsen diarrhea.
Alcohol: An irritant to the digestive system that can lead to looser stools.
Dairy Products: If you have lactose intolerance, dairy can be a major trigger for diarrhea. Even if you don't, large amounts can irritate the bowel.
Fatty and Greasy Foods: Fried foods and high-fat items can accelerate digestion and trigger diarrhea.
Spicy Foods: Spices can irritate the lining of the digestive tract.
Artificial Sweeteners: Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and mannitol, found in sugar-free gum and candy, are known for their laxative effects.

Combating Constipation-Related Fecal Incontinence

Counterintuitively, constipation is a leading cause of fecal incontinence, especially in older adults. The issue arises when a blockage of hard, impacted stool allows liquid stool to leak around it. The solution is to soften stools and promote regular bowel movements.

Insoluble Fiber: The Bowel Regulator Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and acts like a broom, sweeping waste through the intestines to prevent impaction.

Whole Grains: Include whole-wheat bread, whole-grain cereals, and brown rice.
Vegetables: Raw vegetables, like carrots and spinach, are great sources of insoluble fiber.
Beans and Legumes: These are fiber powerhouses. Incorporate lentils, black beans, chickpeas, and split peas into your diet.
Prunes or Prune Juice: A classic and effective remedy for constipation.

Hydration and Fluids Alongside increased fiber, consuming plenty of fluids is critical. Fiber absorbs water, and without enough fluid, it can worsen constipation. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor.

The Power of a Food and Bowel Diary

Since every person's body reacts differently to foods, a food and bowel diary is an indispensable tool. By tracking what you eat and drink, and recording your bowel movements, you can identify personal triggers and safe foods.

How to Keep a Diary:

Log everything: Write down every meal, snack, and beverage.
Record bowel movements: Note the frequency, time, and consistency of your stools. Use the Bristol Stool Chart to help classify consistency.
Track symptoms: Mark when you experience any incontinence episodes or digestive discomfort.

This simple practice can provide clear insights, allowing you to tailor your diet for optimal bowel health. If a pattern emerges, you can try eliminating potential trigger foods one at a time to see if symptoms improve.

Comparison of Diets for Different Incontinence Causes


Feature	Diarrhea-Dominant Incontinence	Constipation-Dominant Incontinence
Dietary Focus	Binding, low-fiber foods	High-fiber, bowel-regulating foods
Key Food Groups	BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), cooked vegetables	Whole grains, beans, most fruits and vegetables
Primary Fiber Type	Emphasize soluble fiber (oats, banana, potatoes)	Emphasize insoluble fiber (whole wheat, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables)
Foods to Avoid	Caffeine, alcohol, high-fat foods, artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, dairy if intolerant	Refined grains, processed foods, low-fiber items
Fluid Intake	Maintain hydration, but sip fluids gradually to avoid flooding the system	Increase water intake significantly (8-10 glasses/day)
Meal Frequency	Smaller, more frequent meals to reduce digestive load	Regular meals to promote consistent bowel function

The Importance of Professional Guidance

While dietary modifications are a powerful first step, they are not a cure-all. For persistent or severe fecal incontinence, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. They can help pinpoint underlying causes and recommend a personalized plan that may include medication, pelvic floor exercises, or other treatments. For example, chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or nerve damage require specialized care beyond just diet.

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between your diet and your digestive health is the first step toward managing fecal incontinence. By identifying whether diarrhea or constipation is the root cause, you can adjust your nutrition to either firm up or regulate your stools. Incorporating fiber, staying hydrated, and keeping a food diary are practical strategies that empower you to take control. Remember to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive approach, as diet is one piece of the puzzle in achieving better bowel control and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) consists of bland, binding foods that are low in fiber. It is often recommended for managing diarrhea because these foods can help firm up stool and are gentle on the digestive system.

Yes, if your incontinence is caused by chronic constipation, gradually increasing your intake of insoluble fiber (found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans) can help regulate bowel movements and prevent hard stools.

You should consider avoiding alcohol, caffeinated beverages (including coffee, tea, and some sodas), and carbonated drinks. These can all act as stimulants or irritants to the bowel, worsening symptoms.

Yes, especially if you have lactose intolerance. For some people, dairy products can cause bloating, gas, and loose stools, which can worsen incontinence symptoms. Opt for lactose-free alternatives or limit dairy intake.

Yes, some over-the-counter fiber supplements containing psyllium (like Metamucil) or methylcellulose can be helpful, particularly for constipation-related incontinence. It's best to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement.

Keeping a food and bowel diary is the most effective way. By tracking your food intake and bowel movement consistency (using a tool like the Bristol Stool Chart), you can identify patterns and determine the underlying cause.

Proper hydration is crucial for both diarrhea and constipation. It helps prevent dehydration when you have diarrhea and ensures that fiber can work effectively to soften stools if you are constipated. Dehydration can exacerbate both conditions.