What foods should you eat when you have diarrhea. Which foods worsen diarrhea symptoms. How can you prevent dehydration during a bout of diarrhea. What are the risks of prolonged diarrhea.

Understanding Diarrhea: Causes and Symptoms

Diarrhea is a common digestive issue characterized by loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than usual. While occasional diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern, it’s essential to understand its underlying causes and recognize when it might indicate a more serious condition.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

• Viral infections (e.g., stomach flu)
• Bacterial infections
• Food intolerances or allergies
• Medications
• Digestive disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease)
• Stress and anxiety

Can certain foods trigger diarrhea? Indeed, consuming specific foods or ingredients that don’t agree with your digestive system can lead to diarrhea. This is why it’s crucial to be mindful of your diet when experiencing digestive distress.

The BRAT Diet: A Time-Tested Approach to Diarrhea Relief

When it comes to managing diarrhea through diet, the BRAT approach has long been recommended by healthcare professionals. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are easily digestible and can help firm up stools.

Benefits of the BRAT Diet

1. Low in fiber, reducing bowel irritation
2. Helps replace lost nutrients
3. Gentle on the stomach
4. May help solidify stools

Is the BRAT diet suitable for everyone? While generally safe for most people, it’s important to note that the BRAT diet is not a long-term solution and may not provide all the nutrients your body needs. It’s best used as a short-term approach to manage acute diarrhea symptoms.

Beneficial Foods to Eat When You Have Diarrhea

Expanding beyond the BRAT diet, there are several other foods that can be beneficial when dealing with diarrhea. These foods are typically easy to digest and can help support your body’s recovery process.

Recommended Foods for Diarrhea Relief

• Plain, low-fat yogurt (containing probiotics)
• Boiled potatoes (without skin)
• Lean, grilled chicken or turkey
• Cooked carrots
• Pretzels or saltine crackers
• Clear broths and soups

Why are probiotics beneficial during diarrhea? Probiotics, found in yogurt and other fermented foods, can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut. This may assist in reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea symptoms.

Foods to Avoid During a Bout of Diarrhea

Just as important as knowing what to eat is understanding which foods to avoid when experiencing diarrhea. Certain foods can exacerbate symptoms and prolong recovery time.

Foods That May Worsen Diarrhea

• Fatty, greasy, or fried foods
• Dairy products (except for probiotic-rich yogurt)
• Alcohol and caffeinated beverages
• Sugary foods and drinks
• Spicy foods
• Raw vegetables and fruits with high fiber content
• Artificial sweeteners

Why should you avoid dairy products during diarrhea? Even if you’re not typically lactose intolerant, your digestive system may become temporarily sensitive to dairy products during a bout of diarrhea. This can lead to increased gas, bloating, and worsened diarrhea symptoms.

The Importance of Hydration in Managing Diarrhea

One of the most critical aspects of managing diarrhea is maintaining proper hydration. Diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss, potentially resulting in dehydration if not addressed promptly.

Recommended Fluids for Rehydration

• Water
• Clear broths
• Electrolyte solutions (e.g., Pedialyte)
• Diluted fruit juices (without added sugars)
• Herbal teas (non-caffeinated)

How can you tell if you’re properly hydrated? A good indicator of hydration is the color of your urine. If it’s clear or light yellow, you’re likely well-hydrated. Dark yellow or amber-colored urine may indicate dehydration.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for Diarrhea Relief

In addition to dietary changes, several natural remedies and supplements may help alleviate diarrhea symptoms. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any new treatments, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

Potential Natural Remedies

• Chamomile tea
• Peppermint oil
• Ginger
• Psyllium husk
• Probiotics (in supplement form)

Are probiotics effective for all types of diarrhea? While probiotics can be beneficial in many cases, their effectiveness may vary depending on the underlying cause of diarrhea. Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may be particularly helpful for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and viral gastroenteritis.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own within a few days, there are instances when medical attention is necessary. Recognizing the signs of a more serious condition is crucial for preventing complications.

Warning Signs That Require Medical Attention

• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Black, tarry stools
• High fever (above 102°F or 39°C)
• Signs of severe dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, dry mouth, little to no urination)
• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days

Can prolonged diarrhea lead to serious health complications? Yes, if left untreated, persistent diarrhea can result in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition. In some cases, it may also indicate an underlying chronic condition that requires medical management.

Preventive Measures to Reduce the Risk of Diarrhea

While it’s not always possible to prevent diarrhea, certain practices can help reduce your risk of developing this uncomfortable condition. Implementing these preventive measures can contribute to overall digestive health and well-being.

Tips for Preventing Diarrhea

1. Practice good hygiene, especially handwashing
2. Cook foods thoroughly and store them properly
3. Drink clean, safe water
4. Be cautious when traveling to areas with poor sanitation
5. Manage stress through relaxation techniques
6. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber
7. Stay up-to-date with vaccinations

How effective is handwashing in preventing diarrhea? Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diarrhea. Studies have shown that regular handwashing with soap and water can reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases by up to 50%.

The Role of Gut Health in Diarrhea Prevention and Management

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall digestive health and can play a significant role in preventing and managing diarrhea. A balanced gut ecosystem helps support proper digestion and immune function.

Strategies for Promoting Gut Health

• Consume a diverse range of plant-based foods
• Include fermented foods in your diet (e.g., yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
• Limit processed foods and added sugars
• Stay hydrated
• Manage stress levels
• Exercise regularly
• Get adequate sleep

How does stress impact gut health and diarrhea? Chronic stress can negatively affect gut health by altering the balance of gut bacteria, increasing inflammation, and affecting gut motility. These changes can make you more susceptible to digestive issues, including diarrhea.

Understanding the Connection Between Diet and Diarrhea

The food we consume plays a crucial role in our digestive health. Understanding the relationship between diet and diarrhea can help you make informed choices to support your digestive system, both during episodes of diarrhea and in general.

Dietary Factors That May Influence Diarrhea

• Food intolerances or sensitivities
• Excessive consumption of sugar or artificial sweeteners
• High intake of fatty or greasy foods
• Overconsumption of caffeine or alcohol
• Inadequate fiber intake
• Sudden changes in diet

Can certain dietary patterns help prevent diarrhea? While no diet can guarantee complete prevention of diarrhea, some evidence suggests that a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and fermented foods may support overall gut health and potentially reduce the risk of certain types of diarrhea.

The Impact of Medications on Diarrhea

Various medications can affect digestive function and potentially cause or exacerbate diarrhea. Understanding these effects is important for managing your health and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Common Medications Associated with Diarrhea

• Antibiotics
• Antacids containing magnesium
• Some blood pressure medications
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Metformin (used for diabetes)

How can you manage medication-induced diarrhea? If you suspect that a medication is causing diarrhea, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage, switch to an alternative medication, or recommend strategies to manage the side effects.

The Role of Exercise in Digestive Health

Regular physical activity can have a positive impact on digestive health and may help prevent or alleviate certain types of diarrhea. However, it’s important to approach exercise carefully when experiencing acute diarrhea symptoms.

Benefits of Exercise for Digestive Health

1. Improves gut motility
2. Reduces stress and anxiety
3. Supports a healthy gut microbiome
4. Helps maintain a healthy body weight
5. Enhances overall immune function

Is it safe to exercise when you have diarrhea? While mild to moderate exercise can generally be beneficial for digestive health, it’s best to avoid intense workouts when experiencing acute diarrhea. Light activities like walking may be okay, but listen to your body and prioritize rest and hydration.

Long-Term Strategies for Digestive Health

Maintaining good digestive health goes beyond managing acute episodes of diarrhea. Implementing long-term strategies can help support overall gut function and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of digestive issues.

Key Principles for Long-Term Digestive Health

• Eat a balanced, varied diet rich in whole foods
• Stay adequately hydrated
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
• Get regular exercise
• Prioritize quality sleep
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Avoid smoking
• Consider periodic probiotic supplementation

How long does it take to improve gut health through dietary changes? While some improvements may be noticeable within a few weeks, significant changes in gut health often take several months of consistent healthy habits. It’s important to be patient and consistent in your approach to digestive health.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Digestive Issues

Chronic or recurrent digestive problems, including frequent bouts of diarrhea, can have a significant impact on mental health and quality of life. Recognizing and addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for comprehensive digestive health management.

Common Psychological Effects of Chronic Digestive Issues

• Anxiety about eating or social situations
• Depression
• Social isolation
• Reduced self-esteem
• Sleep disturbances
• Stress-related exacerbation of symptoms

How can you manage the psychological impact of chronic digestive issues? Seeking support from mental health professionals, joining support groups, and practicing stress-reduction techniques can be helpful. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in managing the psychological aspects of chronic digestive conditions.

Emerging Research in Digestive Health and Diarrhea Management

The field of digestive health is constantly evolving, with new research shedding light on potential treatments and management strategies for diarrhea and other digestive issues. Staying informed about these developments can help you make informed decisions about your health.

Recent Areas of Research in Digestive Health

• Microbiome-based therapies
• Personalized nutrition approaches
• Novel probiotic strains
• Fecal microbiota transplantation
• Gut-brain axis interventions
• Biomarkers for digestive disorders

What promising treatments are on the horizon for managing diarrhea? While research is ongoing, some promising areas include the development of targeted probiotic formulations, microbiome-modulating drugs, and personalized dietary interventions based on individual gut microbiome profiles. However, it’s important to note that many of these approaches are still in the experimental stages and require further study before becoming widely available.

Understanding the complexities of diarrhea and digestive health is crucial for effective management and prevention. By adopting a holistic approach that includes dietary considerations, lifestyle modifications, and attention to both physical and psychological well-being, individuals can work towards maintaining optimal digestive health. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice, especially when dealing with chronic or severe digestive issues. Stay informed about emerging research and be proactive in your approach to digestive health to enjoy a better quality of life.

What to Eat and What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

Occasional diarrhea is nothing to worry about. The causes of diarrhea can range from a stomach flu to a specific meal or ingredient you ate that didn’t sit well. Because certain foods can worsen symptoms, it’s good to know the foods you should eat when you have diarrhea — and what you should avoid. (1)

You want to eat plain, simple foods, especially in the first 24 hours, says Peter Higgins, MD, PhD, the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

“It is best to eat thicker, bland foods, including oatmeal, bananas, plain rice, and applesauce,” he says.

Avoid These Foods When You Have Diarrhea

As important as it is to know what to eat when you have diarrhea, you should also know which foods to avoid. Certain foods can travel through your intestines very quickly and aggravate your digestion, or worsen diarrhea in other ways.

Avoid the following for diarrhea relief:

• Fatty Foods These include foods that are fried, greasy, or covered in gravy, which can make diarrhea worse.
• Milk, Butter, Ice Cream, and Cheese Even if the diarrhea isn’t caused by lactose intolerance — a difficulty processing lactose, a sugar found in dairy products — stay away from these foods when you have diarrhea. You may be temporarily sensitive to dairy products, even if you usually have no problem with them. Probiotic-rich yogurt may be the one exception to this rule, as some studies have shown probiotics help rebalance intestinal flora and could shorten the duration of a bout of diarrhea.
• Alcohol and Sodas When you have diarrhea, you want to steer clear of foods and beverages that cause you to lose fluids. Alcohol can act as a diuretic, meaning it’s dehydrating, and should be avoided, Dr. Higgins says. Sodas with high-fructose corn syrup can also pose a problem if you have diarrhea. Large quantities of fructose can overwhelm your digestive system and lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea. (4)
• Sorbitol and Other Artificial Sweeteners Some people find that artificial sweeteners have a laxative effect on their digestive system. If you have diarrhea, it’s best to pass on sugarless candy and gum, diet soft drinks, and sugar substitutes. Consuming sugars, including artificial ones, causes your intestines to produce more water and electrolytes, which can then loosen bowel movements and lead to diarrhea. (5)
• Foods That Cause Excess Gas It’s important to eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables every day. But when diarrhea strikes, you want to avoid choices that are likely to increase intestinal gas, such as cabbage, beans, broccoli, and cauliflower, until you’re feeling better.
• Foods That May Be Spoiled Stay away from foods that may have been mishandled, including foods that have been out of the refrigerator for too long or improperly stored. Raw meat or fish can be problematic, too. Follow the old maxim, “When in doubt, throw it out,” and you may save yourself some stomach upset.

Other Strategies for Tackling Your Diarrhea

One of the more serious complications of diarrhea is dehydration. When you have diarrhea for any length of time, take steps to avoid becoming dehydrated by consuming enough liquids, Higgins says.

More in Digestive Health

3 Ways to Treat Diarrhea

“Look for liquids with sugar and salt — Pedialyte or full-salt soups work well,” he says. “If your urine is not clear, or you are not making much urine, you are not drinking enough.”

In terms of diarrhea treatment, Higgins says, if you don’t have an infection and are not seeing blood, you can take over-the-counter loperamide (Imodium) to slow your bowel movements. But this kind of medication should only be taken for a day or two.

If diet and simple remedies aren’t working, and if symptoms persist for more than a few days and include bleeding, gas, and bloating, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can determine whether the diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, and can recommend treatment.

RELATED: When Diarrhea Is More Serious Than You Think

Additional reporting by María Villaseñor.

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What to Eat and What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

What to Eat and What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

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Medically reviewed by Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN, Nutrition — By Ana Gotter — Updated on May 11, 2023

Eating bland foods can help diarrhea go away faster and prevent stomach upset and irritation. You can follow the BRAT diet, which stands for “bananas, rice, applesauce, toast.” This diet also helps firm up stool.

Whether your diarrhea is caused by allergies, food poisoning, or a chronic condition like irritable bowel syndrome, diet and diarrhea are intricately linked.

Even if you have long-term conditions that affect the digestive system, your food can affect your comfort levels.

When you’re experiencing an episode of diarrhea, certain foods you eat can help your digestive system get back on track. Other foods might prolong or worsen your symptoms.

When you have diarrhea, the foods you eat and avoid can be critical to a quicker recovery. This is where BRAT foods come in.

The BRAT diet includes:

• bananas
• white rice
• applesauce
• toast made from white bread

These foods are bland and low in fiber so they won’t aggravate the digestive system. They’re also binding, so they help firm up stool. While following a BRAT diet, you can combine these ingredients, such as putting applesauce or bananas on toast.

You can eat additional foods as part of a bland diet. These can include:

• cooked cereal, like oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, or Farina
• soda crackers
• apple juice that’s low in added sugar
• baked or boiled potatoes

Drinking plenty of liquids can help you stay hydrated and replace the lost fluids. Options to try include:

• water or sucking on ice chips
• clear broths, like vegetable, chicken, or beef broth with any grease removed
• electrolyte-enhanced water or coconut water with vitamins or electrolytes (try to avoid ones high in sugar)
• solutions like Pedialyte
• weak, decaffeinated tea

After you’ve started to recover, you can try to add in foods like scrambled eggs and cooked vegetables.

When you’re experiencing diarrhea or recovering from it, certain foods can trigger the digestive system and worsen or prolong diarrhea.

Foods to avoid while experiencing diarrhea include:

• milk and dairy products (including milk-based protein drinks)
• fried, fatty, greasy foods
• spicy foods
• processed foods, especially those with additives
• pork and veal
• sardines
• raw vegetables
• onions
• corn
• all citrus fruits
• other fruits, like pineapples, cherries, seeded berries, figs, currants, and grapes
• alcohol
• coffee, soda, and other caffeinated or carbonated drinks
• artificial sweeteners, including sorbitol

Many cases of diarrhea are short-lived and respond well to home treatments such as:

• modified diet
• increased fluid intake
• over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as anti-diarrheal medications like Pepto-Bismol, which can help stop or slow down diarrhea
• rest

But you may also develop diarrhea due to a bacterial infection. In these cases, a doctor may recommend antibiotics.

Taking probiotics after taking antibiotics can help prevent adverse reactions to antibiotics by introducing healthy bacteria back into the digestive system. This can also help prevent future cases of diarrhea.

If your diarrhea is severe, you may need to be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.

While many cases of diarrhea can be treated at home, if your bout is prolonged or you experience concerning symptoms, you may have an underlying medical condition. Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days without improvement or occurs with dehydration may require medical care.

If you have concerning symptoms, you may need to go to the emergency room for treatment. These symptoms can include:

• black or bloody stools
• severe abdominal pain
• a fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher

If a child has diarrhea, they may need urgent or emergency care if they:

• don’t improve after 24 hours
• haven’t had a wet diaper in 3 or more hours
• have a fever of 100. 4°F (38°C) in children under 3 months old or 102.2°F (39°C) or higher in children between 3 and 36 months old
• have a dry mouth or tongue
• cry without tears
• have skin that doesn’t flatten if pinched and released
• have a sunken appearance to the abdomen, cheeks, or eyes
• have black or bloody stools

The foods you eat can cause and help your body recover from diarrhea.

When you have diarrhea, get lots of rest, drink plenty of water, and start introducing BRAT foods after a few hours. After a day or 2 of bland, soft foods, you can add in foods like lean ground chicken and scrambled eggs.

Sticking to this diet can help you recover faster and feel better sooner, so you can return to eating all the foods you love as soon as possible.

Eating bland foods low in fiber can help your diarrhea go away faster. Always remember to rehydrate to replenish lost fluids.

Last medically reviewed on May 11, 2023

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Diarrhea. (2016).
  niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea
• Nemeth V, et al. (2022). Diarrhea.
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448082/
• Weir S-B, et al. (2022). Bland diet.
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538142/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Aug 30, 2021

Written By

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Medically reviewed by Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN, Nutrition — By Ana Gotter — Updated on May 11, 2023

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Foods to eat and not to eat with diarrhea

A person’s diet is critical if they are experiencing diarrhea. Some foods can help relieve this symptom, while others can make it worse.

What to eat and drink

To relieve diarrhea, it is recommended to eat soft, simple foods that are easy to digest, which will help absorb excess water from the stool. Among them it is worth noting: oatmeal, rice porridge, bananas, plain white rice, bread or toast, boiled potatoes. These foods may be especially helpful on the first day of diarrhea treatment. Frequent consumption of such food in small quantities throughout the day will help improve the functions of the digestive system.

Probiotic foods such as yogurt and kefir may help in some cases, but can sometimes further irritate the digestive system.

Fluids are vital to recovery. Persons with diarrhea should drink plenty of water, during the day it is necessary to drink an additional cup of water after each bowel movement. A large intake of fluid helps prevent dehydration and remove toxins from the body. However, in addition to water, the body also loses minerals and electrolytes. To replenish them, it is recommended to use soup-broth, electrolyte water, sports drinks.

Foods and drinks to avoid

Many foods can aggravate irritation of the digestive system and increase the severity of diarrhea. These include: spicy foods, fried foods, sweets and foods with artificial sweeteners, foods high in fiber, onions and garlic, raw vegetables, foods that lead to gas formation in the intestines (cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower), citrus fruits, fatty meat, including pork and veal, dairy products. You should also avoid carbonated drinks, those containing caffeine, alcohol.

In addition to diet, over-the-counter medications can help manage diarrhea. Persons with diarrhea should also be provided with sufficient rest, as stressful situations can worsen the situation. Physical activity can lead to a higher risk of dehydration and should be limited.

Hospitalization is required if there is blood or mucus in the stool accompanied by fever. In severe cases of diarrhea, hospitalization and intravenous electrolytes may also be required. Diarrhea in children requires special attention. If your child shows any signs of dehydration, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms include: dry mouth, weight loss, crying without tears.

Many cases of diarrhea last only a few days and are well controlled by home treatments. A simple diet, increased fluid intake, and use of over-the-counter medications as needed can help relieve symptoms quickly. In cases where the body does not respond to these procedures, you should consult a doctor after 2-3 days.

Based on www.medicalnewstoday.com

Nutrition for indigestion and diarrhea

Author, editor and medical expert – Zavgorodnyaya Ekaterina Aleksandrovna.

Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.

Number of views: 245 277

Date last updated: 06/25/2023

Average read time: 7 minutes

Contents:

Take care of your digestive system
Good eating habits
Foods and drinks that cause diarrhea
How to avoid food triggers
Keep a food diary
Eliminate foods that are not suitable for you
Do you have a food intolerance?
Is fiber a problem for you?

To normalize digestion, you need to watch not only what you eat, but also how you do it.

Back to content

Take care of your digestive system

If you have a sensitive bowel, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy life. Just follow some rules in order to help your digestive system.

Back to Contents

Good Eating Habits

• Eat more slowly. Your stomach needs 20 minutes to signal to your brain that it is full. Therefore, if you eat slowly, you can eat less food and, accordingly, reduce the load on the digestive system.

• Chew your food. When you chew your food thoroughly, you not only slow down the intake of food, but also help the digestive system by giving it small pieces to digest.

• Do not swallow food quickly. When you swallow food quickly, you also swallow air, which can lead to bloating and poor digestion.

• Eat smaller and lighter meals. Large volumes of heavy food take longer to digest, making it harder for the digestive system to work.

• Do not eat late at night. Your digestive system is less efficient at the end of the day, so try to eat at least 3 hours before bed.

Back to Contents

Foods and Drinks that Cause Diarrhea

Everyone is unique, so our body reacts differently and at different times. Foods that can cause diarrhea in one person may not cause it in another. You may also find that a product that did not cause a reaction yesterday is causing a problem today.

Check out some foods that can cause diarrhea.

• Alcohol. Your favorite wine or other alcoholic drink can be a stomach irritant. But drinks affect everyone differently, so try not to drink those that do not suit you.

• Spicy food. Recent studies show that fatty and spicy foods, such as Indian and Chinese dishes, may exacerbate abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

• Fried and fatty foods. Such food may increase the contraction of the intestinal muscles during digestion and cause diarrhea.

• Fibrous food. Many products are rich in insoluble fiber. For example, bran and wheat are difficult to digest and can lead to diarrhea. Look on the back of a cereal package to see what types of fiber it contains and may not be right for you.

• Too many fruits and vegetables in the diet. Eating large amounts of plums, kiwi, beans, broccoli and cabbage can cause diarrhea in some people.

• Dairy products. Milk, cheese, sour cream and other dairy products are known to cause diarrhea. Look for non-dairy alternatives such as almond or soy milk.

• Coffee and tea. Caffeine causes digestive problems in many people who often suffer from diarrhea. Try to limit your caffeine intake and drink herbal and green teas instead.

• Sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners (eg sorbitol and fructose) found in diet drinks and sweets may cause diarrhea. This is partly because they are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. Pay attention to the information on the packaging and try to choose natural analogues.

Remember that symptoms may not be caused by the food you just ate, but by the food you ate the day before. Also, not the food itself, but the speed, time and amount of food eaten may be to blame for their appearance.

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How to Avoid Food Provocateurs

If your diarrhea is caused by certain foods, you can identify them by keeping a diary of the food you eat each day and when your diarrhea episodes occur.

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Keep a food diary

• Get a notebook and make entries daily.

• Record absolutely everything you eat, including seasonings, spices (if possible), and drinks.

• Specify the degree of stress during the day. You will be surprised how powerful the impact of stress on the digestive system can be.

• Study the composition of food. Pasta, pizza, and sandwiches are different foods, but they can all contain wheat.

• Start with a general approach and then look at the ingredients. This way, by learning first about the products that are not suitable for you, you will be able to determine which individual ingredients you should avoid.

• Keep a diary for a long time. At first, you may not notice the connection, but over time everything will become clear, and you can discuss the problem with your doctor.

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Eliminate Unhealthy Foods

You may have found that eating pasta with tomato sauce causes diarrhea, but you don’t know which ingredient is causing the problem. To identify it, try eating pasta without tomato sauce, and vice versa. This applies to all types of food.

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Do you have a food intolerance?

The most common causes of food intolerance are:

• gluten, a protein found in many types of grains, including wheat, barley, and oatmeal;

• lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products.

If you think you have a food allergy or intolerance, talk to your doctor.

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Is fiber a problem for you?

A high-fiber diet may cause or worsen diarrhea in some people. But keep in mind that there are two types of fibers.

Soluble dietary fiber. It is present in most citrus fruits and vegetables such as potatoes and legumes. This fiber can be helpful for diarrhea as it absorbs water and makes the stool firmer.

Insoluble fibre. It can be found in bran, whole grains, rice, and the skins of some fruits and vegetables. It can help with constipation, but worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and recurrent diarrhea. This does not mean that you should avoid insoluble fiber when you have diarrhea. Just be mindful of what you eat and what effect these foods have on you.

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice.