What is the Best Food to Avoid Diarrhea?

According to the National Institutes of Health, most cases of acute diarrhea resolve within a week, but dietary choices can significantly impact the severity and duration of symptoms. When managing a stomach bug or other gastrointestinal upset, knowing what is the best food to avoid diarrhea is crucial for a quicker recovery and minimizing irritation.

Quick Summary

An effective diet for managing diarrhea centers on bland, low-fiber foods and proper hydration to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Certain probiotic foods can also help restore gut health, while trigger foods like fatty, spicy, and high-sugar items should be avoided to prevent irritation.

Key Points

• Embrace the BRAT Diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce, and white toast are core components for soothing the digestive tract and adding bulk to stools due to their bland, low-fiber nature.

• Prioritize Hydration and Electrolytes: Dehydration is a major risk with diarrhea; replenish fluids and lost minerals by drinking water, clear broths, and electrolyte-rich beverages.

• Introduce Lean Proteins Carefully: As symptoms improve, incorporate easily digestible, lean proteins like skinless chicken or fish that have been baked or broiled, not fried.

• Avoid Gut Irritants: Stay away from fatty, spicy, high-sugar, and greasy foods, which can overwhelm a sensitive digestive system and exacerbate symptoms.

• Limit Dairy and High-Fiber Foods: Dairy products and high-fiber foods can worsen diarrhea, so it is best to avoid them temporarily, except for some low-sugar, probiotic yogurts.

• Focus on Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can be gentler on your digestive system.

• Incorporate Soluble Fiber: Foods with soluble fiber, like bananas and applesauce, can absorb water and help firm up stools, unlike insoluble fiber which should be avoided.

Understanding Diarrhea and Your Diet

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools and can be caused by infections, food intolerances, medications, and stress. While it is often a temporary condition, the right diet is essential to provide comfort and prevent dehydration. The primary goals are to eat foods that are gentle on the digestive system and help firm up stools, while avoiding those that can exacerbate the problem.

The BRAT Diet: A Time-Tested Approach

For decades, the BRAT diet has been the standard recommendation for recovering from diarrhea. BRAT is an acronym for:

• Bananas: These are easy to digest and rich in potassium, an important electrolyte that can be lost during bouts of diarrhea. They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps absorb excess fluid.
• Rice: Bland, white rice is easily digested and has a binding effect on stools. Brown rice, due to its higher fiber content, should be avoided initially.
• Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is a good source of pectin and provides energy without irritating the digestive tract.
• Toast: Plain, white toast is a low-fiber carbohydrate that is simple for the body to process. Avoid whole-grain toast, which can be tougher to digest when your gut is sensitive.

Expanding Beyond the Basics: Other Gentle Foods

While the BRAT diet provides a solid foundation, other foods can be introduced as symptoms improve. These options offer more variety while remaining gentle on the stomach:

• Boiled or baked potatoes: Peeled potatoes are an excellent source of energy and potassium and are easy to digest.
• Plain crackers: Saltine crackers or pretzels can help replenish lost sodium.
• Oatmeal and Cream of Wheat: These cooked cereals are soft, low in fiber, and comforting for an upset stomach.
• Lean protein: Skinless, baked chicken or turkey and lean fish are easy-to-digest protein sources. Stick to baking or broiling instead of frying.
• Clear broths: Chicken or beef broth helps replenish fluids and sodium.
• Cooked vegetables: Carrots, green beans, and peeled zucchini are gentle vegetable options when well-cooked.
• Probiotic-rich foods: Plain, unsweetened yogurt and kefir contain beneficial live bacteria that can help restore a healthy balance to your gut microbiome. Note that if you are temporarily lactose intolerant, opt for lactose-free or non-dairy alternatives.

A Comparison of Foods for Diarrhea

Food Type	Recommended Foods	Foods to Avoid	Reason
Grains	Plain white rice, white toast, crackers, Cream of Wheat	Whole grains, brown rice, high-fiber cereals	Insoluble fiber in whole grains can accelerate bowel movements and worsen symptoms.
Fruits	Bananas, applesauce, canned peaches/pears	Raw fruit, berries, citrus fruits, prunes	Raw fruits and those with skins or seeds can contain high levels of insoluble fiber. Prunes have a laxative effect.
Dairy	Plain yogurt (check for lactose tolerance), lactose-free milk, aged cheese	Milk, cream, soft cheeses, ice cream	Lactose can be difficult to digest during a diarrheal episode, exacerbating symptoms.
Protein	Baked chicken, lean fish, scrambled eggs, tofu	Fatty meats (bacon, sausage), processed meats, fried foods	High-fat foods are hard for a sensitive digestive system to break down and can worsen diarrhea.
Vegetables	Cooked carrots, peeled potatoes, green beans, asparagus tips	Raw vegetables, gas-producing vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower)	Cooking vegetables makes them easier to digest, while certain raw or cruciferous vegetables can cause excess gas.

What to Drink When You Have Diarrhea

Staying hydrated is the most important step in managing diarrhea, as frequent bowel movements lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss. Water is always a good choice, but it does not replace lost electrolytes. To replenish essential minerals, consider these options:

• Broth or soup: Clear chicken or vegetable broth is hydrating and provides sodium.
• Oral rehydration solutions: Products like Pedialyte are specifically formulated to replace fluids and electrolytes.
• Sports drinks: Some sports drinks can help, but it is best to avoid those high in sugar, which can worsen diarrhea. Read the label carefully.
• Decaffeinated tea: Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can be soothing.
• Coconut water: Certain brands contain electrolytes and can be beneficial.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

To give your digestive system a break and promote healing, several types of food and drink should be avoided:

• High-fiber and gas-producing foods: Raw fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts can stimulate the bowels and increase gas and bloating.
• Spicy foods: Capsaicin in chili peppers and other spices can irritate the stomach lining.
• Fatty and greasy foods: High-fat items like fried foods, rich sauces, and fatty meats are difficult to digest.
• Dairy products: As mentioned, lactose can be problematic for many people with diarrhea.
• Caffeine and alcohol: Both can act as diuretics and stimulate the gut, leading to further fluid loss and dehydration.
• Sugar and artificial sweeteners: High sugar intake and certain sugar alcohols like sorbitol can draw excess water into the intestines.
• Carbonated beverages: Fizzy drinks can cause gas and bloating, making discomfort worse.

Conclusion: A Gentle Diet for Recovery

When dealing with diarrhea, the best food choices are bland, low-fiber, and easy to digest. Following the BRAT diet initially, coupled with plenty of fluids, can help settle your stomach and firm up stools. As you start to feel better, you can gradually reintroduce other gentle foods like cooked vegetables and lean proteins. Remember to avoid common triggers such as fatty, spicy, and high-sugar foods to prevent a setback. Always listen to your body, and if symptoms persist or are severe, consult a healthcare professional. For more detailed information on specific dietary management strategies, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders offers valuable resources.

Optional Outbound Link

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diet Strategies for Managing Chronic Diarrhea

Key Takeaways

• Eat Bland Foods: Opt for the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and other simple, low-fiber options like oatmeal to soothe your digestive system.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of clear fluids, broths, and electrolyte-enhanced drinks to replace lost fluids and minerals.
• Avoid Irritating Foods: Steer clear of fatty, greasy, spicy, high-sugar, and high-fiber foods that can worsen symptoms and cause gas.
• Consider Probiotics: Plain, unsweetened yogurt or kefir can help restore beneficial gut bacteria, but avoid if you are sensitive to lactose.
• Reintroduce Foods Gradually: Start with small, frequent, and bland meals, slowly adding more variety back into your diet as your symptoms improve.
• Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can dehydrate you and stimulate your gut, so it's best to avoid them during a diarrheal episode.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to which foods cause discomfort and adjust your diet accordingly. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BRAT diet for diarrhea?

The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are all bland, binding, and low-fiber foods that can help soothe your digestive system and firm up loose stools.

Can I eat yogurt when I have diarrhea?

Yes, some yogurt can be beneficial. Opt for plain, low-sugar varieties that contain live active cultures (probiotics) to help restore healthy gut bacteria. If you are lactose intolerant, choose a lactose-free or non-dairy yogurt.

What should I drink to avoid dehydration from diarrhea?

To stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, clear broths (like chicken or vegetable), diluted fruit juices (apple or grape), and electrolyte-enhanced beverages or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

Should I avoid all fiber when I have diarrhea?

No, you should not avoid all fiber, but you should limit high-fiber foods. The low-fiber foods of the BRAT diet and other soluble-fiber sources like applesauce can be helpful, while insoluble fiber from whole grains, nuts, and raw vegetables should be avoided initially.

Are bananas good or bad for diarrhea?

Bananas are excellent for diarrhea. They are high in potassium, which helps replenish lost electrolytes, and contain pectin, a soluble fiber that absorbs fluid in the intestines and helps firm up stool.

What foods should I avoid to prevent diarrhea from getting worse?

To prevent worsening diarrhea, avoid fatty, greasy, and fried foods; spicy items; high-sugar drinks and artificial sweeteners; caffeine; alcohol; and high-fiber, gas-producing vegetables.

How long should I follow a bland diet for diarrhea?

You should follow a bland diet for the first 24 to 48 hours, or until your symptoms improve. As your condition stabilizes, you can gradually reintroduce more varied foods to ensure balanced nutrition.