Diarrhea (2024)

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These tips may help you when you have diarrhea:

  • Low-fiber foods like plain yogurt, white bread, and white rice.
  • “Dry” forms of grains, such as crackers, pretzels, and toast, may be easiest to handle.
  • Try light meals of clear soups, such as chicken soup or bouillon cubes dissolved in hot water.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to replace what you are losing with diarrhea. Stay hydrated by sipping clear liquids throughout the day.
  • High-protein foods, such as skinless chicken or scrambled eggs.
  • Gingersnaps or ginger candy can be soothing to the stomach.
  • Potassium is an important mineral that is lost when you have diarrhea. Bananas, apricot or peach nectar, fish, and potatoes can help you replenish potassium.

Consider avoiding these foods while experiencing diarrhea:

  • High-fiber foods such as oatmeal and whole-wheat bread
  • Milk and milk products unless they are low lactose or lactose-free
  • Greasy, fatty, or fried foods
  • Raw vegetables and fruits
  • Legumes, broccoli, celery, and corn
  • Nuts and beans
  • High-sugar drinks such as juice and regular soda
  • Very hot or very cold drinks
  • Food or drinks with caffeine, like regular coffee, tea, some sodas, and chocolate
  • Alcohol

After a bout of diarrhea:

  • Eat 5-6 small meals and snacks throughout the day. Avoid eating three large meals a day.
  • Drink liquids between meals as well as during them.
  • Consider a nutrient-dense nutritional drink to help replenish and provide protein, vitamins and minerals.
  • Room-temperature drinks will be less of a shock to the system.
  • Avoid caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and milk.
Diarrhea (2024)

FAQs

Diarrhea? ›

Bland, starchy, low-fiber foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help you get rid of diarrhea fast. You can also try probiotics, glutamine supplements, or home remedies like herbal teas and rice water.

How to get rid of diarrhea quickly? ›

Bland, starchy, low-fiber foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help you get rid of diarrhea fast. You can also try probiotics, glutamine supplements, or home remedies like herbal teas and rice water.

What can I drink to stop diarrhea fast? ›

drinking plenty of water, juices, and broths to help avoid dehydration. taking OTC anti-diarrheal medications to help relieve pain from gas and bloating. getting plenty of rest to help slow the digestive process.

Does diarrhea flush out viruses? ›

Most of the time, diarrhea is simply your gut's way of getting rid of a harmful invader, like a bacteria or virus. However, in some cases, diarrhea is caused by a malfunction of the gut, as is the case with inflammatory bowel disease.

What foods stop diarrhea fast? ›

When a person has diarrhea, choosing bland foods such as bananas, plain white rice, and boiled potatoes is advisable. They can also try to have soups, broths, and sports drinks. It is advisable to avoid fried and greasy foods such as fries, pizzas, and cheeseburgers.

How to stop explosive diarrhea? ›

It's important to rehydrate. Keep sipping water and other fluids. Stick to a diet of clear liquids for a day or two until the diarrhea stops. Avoid sugary fruit juices, caffeine, carbonated drinks, dairy products, and food that's greasy, overly sweet, or high in fiber.

What helps with liquid diarrhea? ›

Drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken.

Does diarrhea flush out your system? ›

Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate)

Is your colon clean after diarrhea? ›

Your Colon Is Never Empty

Many people believe they have emptied out their colons after multiple episodes of diarrhea or that they can keep their colons empty by avoiding food. However, since stool is made up in large part of bacteria, fecal matter is continuously being formed. Stool is made up of: Bacteria.

How long is too long to have diarrhea? ›

Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days it may mean you have a more serious problem.

Why is the BRAT diet no longer recommended? ›

However, many health professionals no longer recommend it due to the risk of nutrient and calorie deficiencies. The foods in the BRAT diet are low in protein, fat, and fiber, which makes them easy to digest for most people.

Are scrambled eggs good for diarrhea? ›

If you have diarrhea, consuming eggs may provide relief. You may consume scrambled or boiled eggs that may slow bowel movements and provide relief from frequent trips to the bathroom. However, if you have constipation, consuming eggs may worsen symptoms.

How fast can diarrhea go away? ›

Short-term (acute) diarrhea lasts 1 or 2 days. Long-term (chronic) diarrhea lasts several weeks. Diarrhea symptoms may include belly cramps and an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Loss of fluids (dehydration) is one of the more serious side effects.

How to settle an upset stomach and diarrhea? ›

Treatment
  1. Sports drinks.
  2. Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as 7-Up, Sprite or ginger ale.
  3. Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry or cranberry (avoid citrus juices)
  4. Clear soup broth or bouillon.
  5. Popsicles.
  6. Decaffeinated tea.

What causes watery diarrhea? ›

The most common cause of diarrhea is the stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis). This mild viral infection most often goes away on its own within a few days. Eating or drinking food or water that contains certain types of bacteria or parasites can also lead to diarrhea. This problem may be called food poisoning.

What foods will firm up your stool? ›

Food that also firms stool includes: banana, white rice, peeled apple, apple sauce, cheese, white pasta, white bread, tapioca, smooth peanut butter, potato, pumpkin, yogurt, pretzels, and marshmallows. Insoluble Fibers speed up digestion and are useful for treating constipation.

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