What To Eat When You Have Diarrhea

When you have diarrhea, it is important to give priority to foods containing soluble fibers, such as white bread, white rice and pasta, as well as to opt for lean meats, such as chicken or fish, and fruits without peel, which will help digestion, control the volume of bowel movements and relieve stomach pains. 

However, to avoid increased pain and diarrhea episodes, it is also recommended to exclude from the diet industrialized and very fatty foods, such as ready-made sauces, fried foods and sausages, as well as milk and its derivatives, and foods that can increase gas production, such as beans, chickpeas, broccoli or carbonated beverages. 

Also, it is essential to increase the intake of water, teas and coconut water to replenish some nutrients and avoid dehydration, as much water is lost through the stool during a diarrhea crisis.

Learn about other tips that can contribute to the treatment of diarrhea.

What to eat

Foods that should be prioritized in the diet are those with soluble fiber and lean protein, such as:

Shelled fruits, such as pear, banana, apple, guava, passion fruit, peach, cashew, cashew nut, cashew nut, cashew nut, and lemon;

Fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, chayote, cassava, potato, yam, carrot, eggplant, asparagus and green beans;

Lean proteins, such as chicken, white fish, eggs, tofu and lean beef;

Low-fiber cereals, such as white rice, cornmeal, white bread and white pasta. 

Apart from these foods, coconut water helps to replenish potassium and sodium, nutrients that are essential to maintain body functions, but which are eliminated in large amounts with diarrhea. 

Also, teas without caffeine, such as lemon balm, chamomile and rosemary, are also important to increase water replenishment and also have properties that soothe discomfort and promote digestion. 

See some teas that help treat diarrhea.

What to avoid

It is important to avoid foods that can make diarrhea worse, which include the following:

Fatty foods, such as milk and milk products, fried foods, butter and heavy cream;

Fruit skins, such as pear, apple, plum and peach;

Oilseeds, such as walnuts, chestnuts, peanuts and hazelnuts;

Whole grains, such as brown rice, brown pasta, whole wheat bread and oatmeal;

Leafy green vegetables, such as lettuce, arugula, kale, spinach, Swiss chard and watercress;

Foods that increase gas production, such as beans, radish, chickpeas, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lentils, cucumber, sweet potato and Brussels sprouts;

Fatty meats, such as bacon, lamb, pork and some cuts of beef;

Industrialized foods, such as soft drinks, ready-made sauces such as ketchup or mayonnaise, ice cream and instant pasta;

Condiments, such as pepper, curry, garlic and onion;

Cold cuts, such as sausage, cured ham, salami, mortadella and capicola;

Sweets, such as sugar, jams, chocolate, cakes and dried and syrupy fruits. 

It is also essential to avoid fruit juices, since this type of preparation contains a lot of fructose, which, in excess, stimulates the contraction of the intestine, worsening diarrhea. Likewise, caffeinated beverages such as coffee, mate and black tea should also be avoided during the crisis, as they can irritate the stomach and increase diarrhea. 

Sample menu for diarrhea

The following table shows a sample menu that can be followed when you have diarrhea:

Morning snack

This menu is only a model, so it is important to go for a consultation with a doctor to identify the possible causes of diarrhea and initiate the most appropriate treatment. 

In the following video, our nutritionist gives some tips on foods to eat when you have diarrhea:

Home remedies for diarrhea

Some home remedies can be used along with dietary care to improve diarrhea symptoms, such as: 

Chamomile tea;

Coconut water;

Carrot soup;

Apple juice;

Rice water.

Aside from these remedies, home whey also replenishes some nutrients, preventing dehydration and helping to control diarrhea. 

See how to prepare homemade whey. 

When to take medicine.The use of medications to treat diarrhea should only be done under medical indication, because if there is an intestinal infection, taking medications to stop diarrhea prevents the body from eliminating the microorganisms responsible. For this reason, if there are symptoms that may indicate an intestinal infection, such as fever or bloody stools, it is important to consult a physician to evaluate the cause of the problem and initiate the most appropriate treatment, which may include the use of antibiotics. 

When diarrhea is not caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses, the doctor may prescribe antidiarrheal medications, such as loperamide or rececadotril, which will decrease the contraction of the intestine, reducing episodes of diarrhea. It may also be necessary to take probiotic supplements, such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus casei, or prebiotic supplements, such as FOS, to combat harmful bacteria in the intestine and restore the balance of the intestinal flora. 

When to see a doctor

It is important to watch for symptoms and seek medical help if one or more of the following arise:

If diarrhea lasts longer than one week;

If the patient has signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth and skin, poor urination, weakness and indisposition;

Severe and persistent abdominal pain;

Dark stools or stools with blood or mucus;

High fever.

It is important to remember that diarrhea is more severe in children and older people, which is why you should be twice as careful in these cases, seeking medical help if the diarrhea persists for more than 3 days even with a change in diet.