What foods should you eat when you have diarrhea. Which foods should be avoided during a bout of diarrhea. How can you prevent dehydration when experiencing diarrhea. What are the best strategies for managing diarrhea symptoms.

Understanding Diarrhea: Causes and Concerns

Diarrhea is a common digestive issue that most people experience occasionally. While it’s usually not a cause for alarm, understanding its causes and potential complications is crucial for effective management. Diarrhea can result from various factors, including stomach flu, food intolerances, or consuming certain ingredients that don’t agree with your digestive system.

Is diarrhea always a sign of a serious health problem? In most cases, occasional diarrhea is not a major concern. However, persistent or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and may indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.

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

When dealing with diarrhea, following a specific diet can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, has long been recommended for managing diarrhea.

Why is the BRAT diet effective for diarrhea? These foods are easy to digest, provide essential nutrients, and help firm up stools. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps replace electrolytes lost during diarrhea. Rice and toast provide easily digestible carbohydrates, while applesauce offers a gentle source of pectin, a soluble fiber that can help reduce diarrhea.

Expanding Beyond BRAT: Additional Foods to Consider

• Oatmeal: A bland, easily digestible source of soluble fiber
• Plain white pasta: Provides simple carbohydrates without irritating the digestive system
• Boiled or baked skinless chicken: Offers lean protein without added fats
• Cooked carrots: Provide nutrients and gentle fiber
• Clear broths: Help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance

Foods to Avoid During a Bout of Diarrhea

While knowing what to eat is important, it’s equally crucial to understand which foods can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. Avoiding certain foods can help speed up recovery and prevent further digestive distress.

Which foods should be eliminated from your diet when experiencing diarrhea? Here’s a comprehensive list of items to avoid:

1. Fatty and greasy foods
2. Dairy products (except for probiotic-rich yogurt)
3. Alcohol and carbonated beverages
4. Foods and drinks containing artificial sweeteners
5. Gas-producing vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and beans
6. Spicy foods
7. Caffeine
8. High-fiber foods
9. Raw or undercooked meats
10. Sugary foods and beverages

The Role 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.

How can you prevent dehydration during a bout of diarrhea? Consume plenty of clear fluids, such as water, clear broths, and electrolyte-rich beverages. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte can be particularly effective in replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

• Dark-colored urine or decreased urine output
• Dry mouth and lips
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sunken eyes

The Potential Benefits of Probiotics in Diarrhea Management

Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that support gut health, may play a role in managing diarrhea. While dairy products are generally discouraged during diarrhea, probiotic-rich yogurt might be an exception.

Can probiotics help reduce the duration of diarrhea? Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may help rebalance the gut microbiome and potentially shorten the duration of diarrhea. However, it’s essential to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt and consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating probiotics into your diarrhea management plan.

Probiotic-Rich Foods to Consider

• Plain, unsweetened yogurt
• Kefir (if tolerated)
• Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut (in small amounts)
• Miso soup (low-sodium versions)

Over-the-Counter Remedies for Diarrhea Relief

In addition to dietary modifications, over-the-counter medications can provide relief from diarrhea symptoms. However, it’s crucial to use these remedies judiciously and under appropriate circumstances.

When is it appropriate to use over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications? For short-term, uncomplicated diarrhea without signs of infection or blood in the stool, medications like loperamide (Imodium) can be used to slow bowel movements. However, these should only be taken for a day or two, and it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially in children or if symptoms persist.

Cautions When Using Anti-Diarrheal Medications

• Do not use in cases of bloody stools or suspected bacterial infection
• Avoid in children under 12 without medical advice
• Do not exceed recommended dosage or duration
• Discontinue use if symptoms worsen or persist beyond 48 hours

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own with proper home care, certain situations warrant medical attention. Recognizing these signs can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

What symptoms indicate that diarrhea requires medical evaluation? Seek medical care if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Fever above 102°F (39°C)
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Bloody or black stools
• Symptoms of diarrhea after traveling to a foreign country

Long-Term Strategies for Gut Health and Diarrhea Prevention

While managing acute diarrhea is important, maintaining overall gut health can help prevent future episodes and support digestive wellness. Incorporating certain habits and dietary choices can contribute to a healthier gut microbiome and more resilient digestive system.

How can you promote long-term gut health and reduce the risk of diarrhea? Consider these strategies:

1. Eat a diverse, fiber-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
2. Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water throughout the day
3. Incorporate fermented foods into your regular diet
4. Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
5. Get regular physical activity
6. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
7. Practice good food hygiene and safety

Supplements for Gut Health

While a balanced diet should be the primary focus for gut health, certain supplements may offer additional support. Consider discussing these options with your healthcare provider:

• Probiotic supplements
• Prebiotic fiber supplements
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin D
• L-glutamine

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

Recent research has highlighted the intricate relationship between gut health and mental well-being, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. This connection can influence both digestive function and emotional state, potentially impacting the occurrence and severity of diarrhea.

How does the gut-brain connection affect digestive health? The gut and brain communicate bidirectionally through various pathways, including the nervous system, hormones, and immune system. Stress and anxiety can disrupt this balance, potentially leading to digestive issues like diarrhea. Conversely, gut health problems can influence mood and cognitive function.

Strategies to Support the Gut-Brain Axis

• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic stress or anxiety
• Explore mindful eating practices

The Impact of Medications on Digestive Health

Various medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can affect digestive function and potentially contribute to diarrhea. Understanding these effects can help in managing and preventing medication-related digestive issues.

Which common medications can cause or exacerbate diarrhea? Several types of drugs may lead to diarrhea as a side effect, including:

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

If you suspect a medication is causing persistent diarrhea, consult your healthcare provider. Never stop or change prescribed medications without professional medical advice.

Special Considerations for Chronic Digestive Conditions

Individuals with chronic digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or celiac disease, may require specialized approaches to managing diarrhea. These conditions can make the digestive system more sensitive and prone to episodes of diarrhea.

How should those with chronic digestive conditions approach diarrhea management? It’s crucial to work closely with a gastroenterologist or specialized dietitian to develop a tailored management plan. This may include:

• Identifying and avoiding trigger foods
• Following a specific diet plan (e.g., low FODMAP diet for IBS)
• Maintaining medication regimens as prescribed
• Regular monitoring and check-ups
• Stress management techniques
• Consideration of complementary therapies under medical supervision

The Role of Food Journaling

Keeping a detailed food and symptom journal can be particularly beneficial for those with chronic digestive conditions. This practice can help identify patterns and triggers, allowing for more effective management of diarrhea and other symptoms.

Traveling and Diarrhea: Prevention and Management

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common concern for those visiting foreign countries, particularly in areas with different sanitation standards or unfamiliar cuisines. Taking preventive measures and being prepared can help minimize the risk and impact of diarrhea while traveling.

How can you reduce the risk of traveler’s diarrhea? Consider these strategies:

1. Drink only bottled or boiled water
2. Avoid raw or undercooked foods
3. Be cautious with street food
4. Use hand sanitizer regularly
5. Consider probiotics before and during travel
6. Be mindful of ice cubes and fresh produce in high-risk areas
7. Pack oral rehydration solutions and appropriate medications

What to Do If You Get Diarrhea While Traveling

• Stay hydrated with safe fluids
• Stick to bland, easily digestible foods
• Use over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications if appropriate
• Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent
• Be cautious with local remedies and seek advice from reliable sources

The Role of Exercise in Digestive Health

Regular physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, including digestive function. However, the relationship between exercise and diarrhea can be complex, particularly for athletes or those engaged in intense physical training.

How does exercise affect digestive health and diarrhea risk? Moderate exercise can promote healthy digestion by stimulating intestinal contractions and improving blood flow to the digestive organs. However, intense or prolonged exercise can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea, particularly in endurance athletes.

Tips for Balancing Exercise and Digestive Health

• Stay well-hydrated before, during, and after exercise
• Avoid eating large meals immediately before intense workouts
• Experiment with timing and composition of pre-exercise meals
• Consider easily digestible energy sources for long workouts
• Gradually increase exercise intensity to allow your body to adapt
• Pay attention to your body and adjust your routine as needed

By understanding the intricate relationship between diet, lifestyle, and digestive health, you can better manage and prevent episodes of diarrhea. Remember that while occasional diarrhea is common, persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical attention. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits are key to supporting overall digestive wellness and resilience against digestive disturbances.

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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Medically Reviewed By

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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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Nutrition for indigestion and diarrhea

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Date last updated: 06/25/2023

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

Just because you have a sensitive gut doesn’t mean you can’t 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 food thoroughly, you not only slow down the intake of food, but also help the digestive system, providing it with 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.

Back to Table of Contents

How to Avoid Food Provocateurs

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

Back to Contents

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.

Back to Contents

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.

Back to Contents

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.

Back to Contents

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 found 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. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

Foods to eat and not to eat with diarrhea

A person’s diet is crucial 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.