What fruit is good for stopping diarrhea?

January 12, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, one of the most effective dietary approaches for managing digestive upset is the BRAT diet, which includes bananas and applesauce. Choosing the right fruit is good for stopping diarrhea by providing easily digestible nutrients and binding properties that help restore normal bowel function.

Quick Summary

The BRAT diet is a key strategy for managing diarrhea, emphasizing bananas and applesauce for their binding effects and gentle nature on the digestive system. These fruits, rich in pectin and electrolytes, aid in firming stool and rehydrating the body.

Key Points

Bananas: Rich in pectin and potassium, bananas help firm stool and replace lost electrolytes, making them a top choice for soothing an upset stomach.
Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce provides a gentle source of pectin, a soluble fiber that absorbs excess fluid and helps regulate bowel movements.
BRAT Diet: Bananas and applesauce are key components of the BRAT diet, a bland eating plan recommended for recovering from digestive issues.
Cooked Fruits: Cooked fruits are generally more digestible than raw ones when experiencing diarrhea, as the cooking process breaks down tough fibers.
Fruits to Avoid: Stay away from high-fiber, acidic, or gas-producing fruits like citrus, berries with seeds, and dried fruits, which can aggravate symptoms.
Stay Hydrated: When dealing with diarrhea, it is vital to drink plenty of fluids, such as coconut water, to replenish lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration.

Understanding the Role of Fruits in Diarrhea Relief

When dealing with diarrhea, the food you consume can either soothe or aggravate your symptoms. The key is to choose low-fiber, binding foods that are gentle on the stomach. While many people think of fruits as high in fiber, certain cooked or bland fruits are particularly beneficial during a bout of digestive upset. The focus is on fruits that contain soluble fiber, like pectin, which absorbs excess fluid in the intestines and helps bulk up stool.

Bananas: The Diarrhea-Stopping Powerhouse

Bananas are a cornerstone of the BRAT diet for a reason. Their effectiveness in managing diarrhea is multi-faceted. First, bananas are high in pectin, a soluble fiber that absorbs liquid in the intestines, making stool firmer. Secondly, they are rich in potassium, an essential electrolyte that is often lost in significant amounts during frequent bowel movements. Replenishing potassium is crucial for preventing dehydration and restoring normal bodily functions. Lastly, bananas have a soft, low-residue texture, making them easy to digest without irritating a sensitive stomach.

Applesauce: The Pectin-Packed Solution

Unsweetened applesauce is another fruit-based remedy favored for its binding properties. Unlike raw apples, which contain insoluble fiber that can worsen diarrhea, cooked apples transform their fiber into a more soothing, soluble form. This concentrated dose of pectin helps firm the stool and regulate bowel movements. Applesauce also provides easily digestible carbohydrates for energy, a welcome boost when feeling drained from illness.

Other Beneficial Fruits and Preparation Methods

While bananas and applesauce are the most well-known, a few other fruits can be helpful. Cooked fruits, in general, are easier on the digestive system than their raw counterparts.

Canned Peaches and Pears: These soft, easy-to-digest fruits can be included in a bland diet, as long as they are canned in their own juices rather than heavy syrup.
Coconut: Coconut water is excellent for rehydration, thanks to its high electrolyte content. The meat of young coconuts is also easily digestible.
Avocado: For those who can tolerate it, avocado is a source of potassium and healthy fats. Its soft texture is gentle on the intestines.

Comparison of Diarrhea-Relieving Fruits


Feature	Bananas	Applesauce	Canned Pears/Peaches	Avocado	Coconut Water	Key Benefit
Pectin Content	High	High	Moderate	Low	None	Firming stool
Potassium Content	High	Moderate	Low	High	High	Replenishing electrolytes
Binding Effect	Strong	Strong	Mild	Weak	None	Solidifying bowel movements
Texture & Digestibility	Soft, low-residue, easily digestible	Smooth, easily digestible	Soft, easy to digest	Creamy, gentle on the gut	Liquid, hydrating	Gentle on sensitive stomachs
Energy Source	Easily digestible carbs	Easily digestible carbs	Mild energy boost	Healthy fats	Electrolytes and natural sugars	Quick energy restoration

Important Considerations and Fruits to Avoid

While focusing on what to eat, it's equally important to know which fruits to avoid. High-fiber or fibrous fruits can exacerbate symptoms by speeding up digestion. Raw fruits with skins, seeds, or high fructose content should generally be avoided.

Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are acidic and can irritate a sensitive digestive tract.
Seeded Berries: Fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries contain numerous seeds and high levels of insoluble fiber.
Dried Fruits: Prunes, figs, and raisins are high in fiber and sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can have a laxative effect.
Pineapple: While some sources suggest the enzyme bromelain might help, pineapple can be acidic and harsh on an irritated gut.

Always introduce new foods gradually to see how your body reacts. If your diarrhea is severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional. Remember to prioritize hydration by drinking plenty of clear fluids, including water, broths, and electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water.

Conclusion: The Fruit-Based Path to Recovery

For those wondering what fruit is good for stopping diarrhea, the simple answer lies in the BRAT-friendly options of bananas and unsweetened applesauce. Their high pectin and potassium content make them ideal for firming stool and replacing lost electrolytes, providing gentle yet effective relief. While other cooked, bland fruits like canned peaches and pears can be included, it is crucial to avoid raw, high-fiber, and acidic fruits that can worsen symptoms. By focusing on these digestible choices and staying well-hydrated, you can support your digestive system's recovery and feel better faster. Always listen to your body and seek medical advice for severe or prolonged symptoms.

Learn more about managing diarrhea through diet on MedlinePlus

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, unsweetened applesauce is a better choice for diarrhea than a whole apple because cooking the apple breaks down its insoluble fiber. The resulting applesauce is rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps bind stools without irritating the digestive system.

Bananas are recommended for diarrhea because they contain pectin, which helps firm up stool, and potassium, an electrolyte that needs to be replenished during bouts of frequent bowel movements. They are also easy to digest due to their soft, bland nature.

Besides applesauce, other cooked fruits that are good for diarrhea include canned peaches and canned pears (packed in their own juice). The cooking and canning process makes them soft and easy on the digestive system.

You should generally stick to electrolyte-rich liquids like coconut water or a small amount of diluted, low-sugar apple juice. High-sugar fruit juices should be avoided as they can worsen diarrhea symptoms.

You should avoid high-fiber, seeded, or acidic fruits. This includes citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), seeded berries, and dried fruits (prunes, figs), which can speed up digestion and irritate the gut.

Pectin is a type of soluble fiber found in fruits like bananas and apples. It works by absorbing liquid in the intestines, which adds bulk to the stool and helps to firm it up.

You can start with bland, cooked fruits like applesauce and bananas almost immediately as part of a gentle, low-residue diet. Listen to your body and introduce new foods slowly as your symptoms improve.