What Kind of Toast Can I Eat with Diarrhea for a Sensitive Stomach?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, most adults experience acute diarrhea at least once or twice a year. When you have this condition, knowing what kind of toast can I eat with diarrhea is crucial, as the right bland foods can help firm up stools and settle your stomach. The key is choosing a low-fiber, non-irritating option and avoiding high-fat or sugary additions.

Quick Summary

This guide details the best types of toast for a sensitive digestive system during diarrhea, focusing on low-fiber options like plain white toast. It explains why some breads and toppings should be avoided to prevent further irritation.

Key Points

Choose Plain White Toast: Opt for refined white bread, not whole grain, as it is lower in fiber and easier to digest during diarrhea.
Go Bland and Plain: Avoid high-fat spreads like butter, margarine, and heavy jams. These can irritate a sensitive digestive system.
Follow the BRAT Diet: White toast is a core component of the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet, which consists of binding foods that help firm up stools.
Consider Bland Toppings: If plain is too dry, use toppings like mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce to add nutrients and aid digestion.
Stay Hydrated: Always accompany bland meals with plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or electrolyte drinks, to prevent dehydration.

Why Plain White Toast is the Best Option for Diarrhea

When dealing with diarrhea, the goal is to eat bland, simple foods that won't aggravate your digestive system. Plain white toast is highly recommended as part of the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet for several reasons:

Low in Fiber: Unlike whole-grain bread, which has a higher fiber content that can speed up bowel movements, white bread is made from refined flour. This lower fiber content makes it easier for your body to digest, helping to firm up loose stools.
Absorbent: The refined starches in plain white toast can help absorb excess fluid in your digestive tract. This binding effect helps slow down the frequency of bowel movements.
Easy on the Stomach: As a bland, non-greasy food, plain toast is less likely to irritate your stomach lining. Avoiding butter, margarine, or heavy spreads is crucial to keep it gentle on your system.
Energy Source: While you are sick, your body still needs energy. Plain toast provides simple carbohydrates that are easy for your body to convert into energy without straining your sensitive gut.

Comparison of Breads for Diarrhea


Bread Type	Diarrhea-Friendly?	Reason	Best For	What to Avoid
Plain White Toast	Yes	Low fiber, easy to digest, absorbs excess fluid.	Acute diarrhea, BRAT diet.	Butter, jam, high-fat spreads.
Whole Wheat/Whole Grain	No	High in fiber (insoluble) which can worsen diarrhea by stimulating bowel movements.	Regular diet, not for diarrhea.	All toppings.
Sourdough	Usually Avoid	Can be fermented and complex, potentially aggravating a sensitive gut, though some find it tolerable.	Regular digestion.	Heavy, fatty spreads.
Gluten-Free White Bread	Conditional	Depends on the individual's sensitivity. Could be an option if gluten is a trigger, but stick to bland versions.	Gluten-sensitive individuals.	High-fiber versions, fatty spreads.
Plain Crackers (e.g., Saltines)	Yes	Similar to white toast: bland, low in fiber, and can help settle the stomach.	Between meals or when toast feels too heavy.	Flavored or high-fat versions.

What to Put on Your Toast for Diarrhea

While plain is best, adding certain simple toppings can provide extra nutrients without causing distress. Stick to single-ingredient, bland options:

Mashed Banana: Part of the BRAT diet, bananas are easy to digest, rich in potassium (often depleted during diarrhea), and contain pectin to help bind stools.
Applesauce: Also a BRAT component, applesauce is another source of pectin that is gentle on the stomach. Opt for unsweetened applesauce to avoid excess sugar, which can worsen symptoms.
Smooth Peanut Butter: Creamy, smooth peanut butter can provide a boost of protein and calories. However, monitor your intake, as some find the fat content can still aggravate symptoms. Avoid chunky versions, which add more fiber.

A Sample Diet During Diarrhea

For a short bout of diarrhea, following a low-fiber, bland diet can speed up recovery. Here is a plan focusing on foods that are gentle on the stomach:

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids to replace lost electrolytes. This can include water, diluted fruit juices, broths, and sports drinks.
Start with the BRAT Diet: Begin with bananas, rice, applesauce, and plain white toast. These foods help firm up stools and are easy to digest.
Introduce Lean Proteins: Add lean, well-cooked protein sources like skinless chicken breast or fish. Avoid frying and heavy seasonings.
Include Probiotics: Once you feel slightly better, some plain yogurt with active cultures can help restore good bacteria in your gut. Avoid dairy products with high sugar content.
Reintroduce Foods Slowly: As symptoms improve, gradually add back other low-fiber foods and cooked vegetables like carrots and potatoes without skins.

Conclusion

When a sensitive stomach is affected by diarrhea, plain white toast is a safe and effective dietary choice due to its low fiber content and binding properties. It’s a key part of the BRAT diet, which has long been recommended for managing such conditions. To avoid further irritation, it is crucial to skip high-fat spreads like butter and jam, opting instead for simple, bland toppings like mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce. While focusing on bland, easily digestible foods, remember to prioritize hydration and slowly reintroduce other food groups as your symptoms subside. If diarrhea persists for more than a few days, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. For general digestive health, incorporating probiotic-rich foods like plain yogurt can aid in recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it's best to avoid whole wheat toast. Its high fiber content, while healthy normally, can stimulate bowel movements and worsen diarrhea.

Butter is high in fat, which can be difficult for a sensitive digestive system to process. The extra fat can aggravate diarrhea symptoms, so it is better to eat your toast plain.

You should avoid toast with jam. Many jams contain high amounts of sugar, and high sugar intake can make diarrhea worse by drawing excess fluid into the intestines.

Smooth, creamy peanut butter can be an option for some people as it provides protein. However, proceed with caution and only use a small amount, as the fat content might worsen symptoms for a very sensitive stomach.

Just like adults, children should eat plain white toast as part of the BRAT diet. Avoid giving them fatty spreads, jam, or whole-grain versions.

Yes, bland, dry carbohydrates like plain toast are often recommended for nausea. They are gentle on the stomach and can help absorb excess acid.

For acute, short-term diarrhea, you should stick to a bland diet for the first day or two. As symptoms improve, you can gradually reintroduce other foods.