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What should i do if i have diarrhea: Diarrhea – what to ask your health care provider – adult Information | Mount Sinai

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Foods to Eat & Avoid 2023National Coalition on Health Care

Learn what to eat and drink to get immediate relief from diarrhea. Our comprehensive guide is loaded with advice and recommendations from industry professionals.

Diarrhea patients frequently report feeling less hungry than normal. Even if you have diarrhea, it is critical to eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Diarrhea can be caused by the stomach flu, an allergic reaction to a food or component, or other factors. One of the most common symptoms of the stomach flu is diarrhea. When you have diarrhea, knowing what you can and cannot eat is important since certain foods may aggravate your symptoms. Continue reading to learn how to get rid of diarrhea[1] fast without medicine.

What To Eat When You Have Diarrhea

Individuals suffering from diarrhea should consume foods and beverages that will make their stomach feel better and reduce the severity of their symptoms. According to one study,  a bland diet can help prevent diarrhea by absorbing some of the water in the stool. If you have diarrhea, try consuming some of the items listed below:

  • BRAT DIET[2] (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast)
  • Saltine Crackers
  • Mashed-Up Potatoes
  • Eggs

Why Is It Important To Watch What You Eat When You Have Diarrhea?

The vast majority of people will, at some point in their life, have diarrhea, as it is an illness that is extremely frequent. Either a bacterial infection or something that upsets the digestive system could be the root cause of this condition. Those who suffer from diarrhea need to be more careful with their diets since they have a greater risk of being dehydrated and losing critical nutrients. You may be worried that eating would make your diarrhea worse, but the opposite is true; a change in food can assist normalize bowel movements and restore health. Research[3] shows that eating a diet that is rich in variety and drinking a lot of water can help with both the reduction of pain and the speeding up of the healing process.

What To Eat When You Have Diarrhea

Diarrhea makes the body more vulnerable to dehydration and nutrient loss, so it’s crucial to be careful about what you eat. What you eat can help determine how to clean your gut[4] to reduce the severity of diarrhea, so here are some ideas:

BRAT

The B.R.A.T. diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is frequently prescribed for persons suffering from digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome because they are low-fiber, binding foods that aid in stool firmness.

  • Bananas: The BRAT protocol begins with the intake of bananas. Bananas are great for diarrhea since they are bland and easy to digest. Because bananas are strong in potassium, they help restore nutrients lost via chronic diarrhea.
  • Rice: Rice has traditionally been used to alleviate digestive disorders. As with white bread, white rice has carbs that make you feel full, but it is devoid of the whole fiber that aids in waste disposal. Do not add butter, artificial sweeteners, other sauces or seasonings to your rice if you intend to use it to treat diarrhea. The objective is to offer structural support and energy as calories and carbs.
  • Apple Sauce: Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apples. The pectin found in fermented apples promotes the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract, which is necessary for proper meal absorption. Potential adverse effects include increased stool volume and decreased intestinal inflammation[5]. Because apple cider vinegar is a natural antibiotic, it may be effective in treating bacterial infections in the intestine.
  • Toast: One or two slices of toast, dipped in sweet applesauce or soup broth, can be soothing to a sensitive digestive system. White bread is low in fiber, which contributes to loose stools, and high in starch.

Low-fiber alternatives that can be employed on the BRAT diet includes white rice, applesauce without the peels, and refined-grain toast. Keep in mind that the BRAT diet is more of a self-care technique than a treatment for vomiting and diarrhea.

Saltine Crackers

Crackers are useful because they frequently contain a lot of salt. When you have diarrhea, eat bland foods to avoid gastrointestinal distress[6] and to facilitate regular bowel movements. Keep some saltine crackers on hand for when you need a quick bite to eat. Eating crackers can help you pass more solid stools if you have diarrhea.

Mashed Potatoes

If you have diarrhea, you should avoid dairy items like butter and milk, but you may create a similar texture by steaming a potato and mashing it with a fork. Potatoes are highly suggested for diarrhea due to their high potassium content and low digestive complexity.

Eggs

Severe diarrhea causes fluid and electrolyte loss; consequently, the first priority should be hydration and fluid and electrolyte replacement. Reintroduce semi-solid, low-fiber foods like eggs gradually until your bowel movements return to normal. Eggs are a great option because they are among the best protein powders for stomach upset[7]. The protein content of eggs can also help reduce diarrhea symptoms.

What To Drink When You Have Diarrhea

Staying hydrated during diarrhea is essential. Diarrhea-related sickness is most often due to fluid and electrolyte loss. Ensure you get lots of fluids by drinking the following fluids:

Decaffeinated Tea 

More than three cups of coffee or tea daily has been linked to gastrointestinal distress. Tapering off over the course of a few days is the best way to avoid withdrawal headaches. Certain laxatives[8] can be found in beverages that claim to be caffeine-free.

Water

A person with diarrhea should drink several glasses of water daily, and another cup after each loose bowel movement. Dehydration can be avoided, and toxins eliminated, by drinking plenty of water.

Broth

Diarrhea results in the loss of fluids, salt, and other minerals that aid in the regulation of the body’s fluid balance. Electrolyte-replenishing nutrients can be found in chicken soup. A bowl of warm soup might also help you feel better and settle your stomach.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is a great beverage to drink when you have diarrhea due to its high electrolyte content. Studies [9] show that coconut water is just as effective as sports drinks in rehydrating people who have experienced moderate diarrhea and in preventing further electrolyte loss.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks [10] like Gatorade, PowerAde, and Pedialyte are excellent electrolyte replenishment options. Pedialyte is ideal for both children and adults because it has significantly less sugar than standard sports drinks and is available in both liquid and frozen forms.

Conclusion

It is normal to have diarrhea on occasion. To avoid a worsening of diarrhea symptoms, pay close attention to what you eat. Diarrhea patients should drink clear liquids and eat simple, readily digestible foods instead of three large meals. If your diarrhea isn’t chronic or accompanied by additional symptoms, you could try some of the products on this list. If the body has not responded to these therapies after a few days, a doctor visit is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat when I have diarrhea?

Eat simple items such plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, bananas, and boiling chicken.

What should I drink to stay hydrated if I have diarrhea?

Dehydration from diarrhea can be avoided with proper rehydration. Get enough liquids in the form of water, juice, broth, and electrolyte-rich drinks such as sports drinks and coconut water.

What foods should I avoid when I have diarrhea?

When you have diarrhea, avoid fatty foods, fried foods, sugary foods, and spicy foods. Broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn might produce flatulence.

Can I drink alcohol if I have diarrhea?

No, alcohol irritates the digestive tract. It can make diarrhea symptoms worse.

How long should I follow a diarrhea-friendly diet?

Diarrhea typically lasts 2–4 days. Depending on the cause, follow a diarrhea-friendly diet for 2-3 days.

Can I eat dairy products if I have diarrhea?

Avoid dairy since it worsens diarrhea. Try lactose-free dairy or plain yogurt in tiny amounts.

Can I drink tea or coffee when I have diarrhea?

During diarrhea, caffeine-containing drinks like tea and coffee might irritate the intestines.

Is it safe to eat fruits or vegetables if I have diarrhea?

Yes, low-fiber fruits and vegetables, such as cooked carrots, squash, and peeled apples, are acceptable in case of diarrhea.

What To Eat When You Have ​Diarrhea, According To RDs

Diarrhea is no one’s favorite topic, and when this less-than-ideal bathroom experience strikes, you want to make it stop ASAP. Food may be the last thing on your mind when you’re dealing with a queasy stomach, but knowing what to eat when you have diarrhea can help you bounce back faster.

Most often, diarrhea is loose, runny, and watery bowel movements caused by a virus or stomach bug that has entered your GI tract, says Christie Gagnon, RD, the founder of Hoorah to Health. Sometimes medications like antibiotics and a foodborne illness (from eating undercooked or spoiled food) can lead to this issue too.

Luckily, changing up your diet can help you feel better and improve your digestion. For example, the soluble fiber found in bananas, apples, oats, and barley dissolves into a gel-like substance and helps bulk up your stool, explains Gagnon.

On the flip side, you’ll want to avoid dairy, high-fat, spicy, and sugar-free foods, which can contribute to spasms in your gut and make the situation worse, says Beth Warren, RDN, the founder of Beth Warren Nutrition and author of Living A Real Life With Real Food.

Nurturing your gut microbiome in general can help too. “Probiotics are live microorganisms that are added to foods such as yogurt and kefir, and consuming just one serving per day can help fill your gut with good bacteria and speed up recovery from diarrhea,” says Gagnon.

Meet the experts: Christie Gagnon, RD, is the founder of Hoorah to Health. Beth Warren, RDN, is the founder of Beth Warren Nutrition and author of Living A Real Life With Real Food.

Now, diarrhea typically goes away on its own within a few days, according to the Cleveland Clinic, but if your symptoms last more than a week, or they include a fever or severe pain, visit your doctor ASAP to rule out a more serious underlying condition such as inflammatory bowel disease and thyroid issues.

Ready to say goodbye to diarrhea? Here are the foods that should be added to your diet and ones you should avoid until you start to feel better, according to registered dietitians.

Best Foods to Eat when You Have Diarrhea

The following foods will help replenish nutrients lost while you’re constantly running to the bathroom and soothe your digestive system.

1. Bananas

    Caterina Oltean / 500px//Getty Images

    Bananas contain easily digestible carbs, which are gentle on your gut. They’re also loaded with potassium, an electrolyte that’s often lost when you have diarrhea, Warren says. Not only that, bananas have pectin, which helps absorb liquid in your intestine and allows poop to move along more smoothly, she adds.

    2. White Rice

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    Rice is binding, and that can help your poop become more firm before it exits the premises, Warren says.

    3. Eggs

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    It’s probably best to take a pass on a massive Western omelette, but having basic, well-cooked eggs without any butter or oil can help, the Mayo Clinic says.

    Learn how to poach an egg perfectly every time:

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    4. White Bread

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    This has no fiber, which makes it easier for you to digest when you have diarrhea, Warren says.

    5. Broth

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    Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, the Mayo Clinic points out, which is why it’s so important to replace fluids when you can. Sipping on broth will help you do that, and add in some extra nutrients that water can’t.

    6. Mashed-Up Potatoes

    JGI/Jamie Grill//Getty Images

    Butter and milk aren’t great for you when you’re battling diarrhea, but you can get the general feel of mashed potatoes by steaming a potato and smashing it up with a fork. Potatoes are high in the electrolyte potassium, Warren says, and they’re easily digested, making them a good choice.

    7. Soda Crackers

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    Low-fiber foods are clutch when you’re struggling with diarrhea, which is why the Mayo Clinic recommends nibbling on these crackers.

    8. Yogurt

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    Yogurt contains probiotics that help replenish your gut with healthy bacteria to alleviate diarrhea and get your intestines back on track, says Gagnon. Just be sure to choose one that’s low in sugar.

    Related Story
    • 30 Probiotic-Rich Foods For Better Gut Health

    9. Barley

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    Barley is high in soluble fiber, which may help bulk up your stool and ease diarrhea, says Gagnon. Serve it as a porridge with oat milk, diced apples, and cinnamon if you’re craving a sweet treat, she suggests.

    10. Canned Peaches

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    Canned peaches are soft, low in fiber, and easy to digest, which makes it a great option if you’re struggling with diarrhea, says Gagnon. It’s better to choose products packed in water or 100 percent natural fruit juice, and avoid those with heavy syrup. But you can sprinkle on a little cinnamon for extra flavor, which has been shown to lower inflammation in the digestive tract, per Gagnon.

    Worst Foods to Eat with Diarrhea

    These foods can cause stomach upset and are best avoided while you’re waiting for your bathroom habits to get back to normal.

    1. Nuts And Seeds

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    Nuts and seeds (think: almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds) are high in insoluble fiber and magnesium, which relaxes the muscles in the intestines, says Gagnon. This causes nuts and seeds to pass quickly through the body and may exacerbate your symptoms, she explains.

    2. Salad

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    Salad is a recipe for disaster when you’re dealing with diarrhea because raw vegetables have a lot of insoluble fiber and may irritate the lining of the digestive tract, says Gagnon. Stick to soft, *cooked* vegetables instead, such as carrots, green beans, and spinach. Your stomach will thank you.

    3. Coffee

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    Okay, technically this isn’t a food. But it’s worth mentioning because coffee stimulates your digestive tract, says Gagnon. “Caffeine also acts as a diuretic and increases urine production, and this, combined with diarrhea, may increase your risk for dehydration,” she explains.

    Trade your java for a cup of green, ginger, or peppermint tea at least for the time being, which will help soothe your stomach.

    4. Legumes

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    Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas contain a whopping 15 grams of fiber per cup, which is really not ideal when you have diarrhea, says Gagnon. Plus, they contain raffinose, a type of carb that is poorly digested and can cause gassiness, she adds.

    5. Sugar Substitutes

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    Sugar-free candy and foods often contain sugar substitutes such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, or sugar alcohols like mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol, which can have a laxative effect, Gagnon says.

    6. Cruciferous Vegetables

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    Cruciferous vegetables such as onions, peppers, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are a no-no when you have the runs because these types of veggies produce gas in your gut, says Gagnon. That means even more discomfort.

      Korin Miller

      Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.

      Andi Breitowich

      Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.  

      Diarrhea and constipation in children

      The children’s body is characterized not only by quantitative, but also by very important qualitative differences from the body of an adult. Accordingly, the processes occur in a child’s body differently, and therefore a different reaction to many external influences is obtained than in adults. The most striking example is the work of the digestive organs in children. In children, the muscles of the stomach and intestines are poorly developed. Nervous devices responsible for the regulation of peristalsis – pendulum movements that promote the promotion of food, are underdeveloped. In addition, in the first months of life, children eat 6-7 times a day, so defecation is frequent and involuntary. With age, there is a gradual development of the body.
      The intestines of a small child are longer than those of an adult. In adults, the length of the intestine is 4 times longer than the length of the body, and in an infant, 6 times. A baby receives three times more food than an adult, if we calculate per kilogram of weight.
      That is why the digestive organs of the child experience a significant load, which is the reason for their increased sensitivity. A change in the rhythmic, proper functioning of the intestines occurs under the influence of various reasons, such as quantitative and qualitative errors in nutrition, various external influences, liver and kidney diseases.

      Intestinal disorders are especially easy to occur if the child is fed food that is not appropriate for his age. For example, at two or three months the baby is fed porridge, at six months – sausage or canned food. Often, a child encounters the problem of constipation when replacing breastfeeding with complementary foods. It is necessary to treat constipation in a child, starting with the introduction of a proper diet. In case of constipation in a child, parents must follow the rules for preparing milk formula, since it is impossible to prepare mixtures thicker to saturate the child. To alleviate the condition, the child is laid out on the stomach and the abdomen is massaged clockwise. It is impossible to give a child a laxative without a doctor’s examination, as a large amount of gas and bloating can form.

      Diarrhea is also common in young children, as is constipation. The cause of diarrhea in infants of a child is damage to the intestinal mucosa due to the penetration of pathogenic bacteria or viruses. If juices are introduced into the diet before 3 months, the child will experience indigestion. In particular, apple, plum and apricot juices have a laxative effect. If three days after the introduction of complementary foods, the stool in the newborn has not returned to normal, then it is worthwhile to refrain from these products in the future. Accordingly, there is a relationship between the density, frequency of stools in an infant and the food consumed by the mother.

      To cure diarrhea in a child, a bacterial study should be performed. After that, the doctor prescribes medication, prescribing to the patient, as a rule, lactobacterin, bifidumbacterin, colibacterin or bifikol. Folk remedies help to slow down the course of the disease. We are talking about a decoction of oak bark, bird cherry and blueberries, St. John’s wort, chamomile and cinquefoil. However, self-treatment of diarrhea in children is unacceptable. The cause of diarrhea in a child can also be associated with teething, an allergic reaction to antibiotics, which is why when diarrhea occurs, it is necessary to consult a doctor and not treat the child on your own.

      THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. YOU NEED TO CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST

      The materials posted on this page are for informational purposes only and are intended for educational purposes. Site visitors should not use them as medical advice. Determining the diagnosis and choosing a treatment method remains the exclusive prerogative of your doctor!

      How to properly treat diarrhea – MK

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      In summer, due to higher temperatures, pathogenic bacteria multiply more actively. In addition, at this time of the year, the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits increases, which, if hygiene rules are not observed, can be considered as a source of intestinal infections. What to do if diarrhea overtook you at the most unexpected moment?

      Photo: morguefile.com

      – Why do intestinal poisonings become more frequent in summer?

      – Consumption of poorly washed fruits and vegetables – times. Plus, seasonal picnics, barbecue trips, etc. begin. In this case, factors such as the absence of a refrigerator, long-term storage of products at high temperatures contribute to the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria in products, – says Professor of the Department of Medical and Social Expertise and Polyclinic Therapy of the Institute of Postgraduate Education of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov Alexey BUEVEROV.

      – What should I pay attention to in order not to get poisoned or indigestion?

      – First of all, it is necessary to observe the rules of hygiene, in particular, be sure to wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet, returning from the street, after contact with the sick.

      The way of spread of intestinal infections is fecal-oral. Get dysentery, salmonellosis, etc. possible only through ingestion, and then into the gastrointestinal tract of fecal material containing these bacteria. The fact is that on the hands and objects that come into contact with products, there are intestinal secretions of bacillus carriers. This “bacteriocarrier” is often asymptomatic. That is, a person is a excretor, for example, of shigella (the causative agent of dysentery) or salmonella, but is completely unaware of this, since he does not have any symptoms. In a favorable environment, these bacteria begin to multiply, then, getting into the oral cavity and further into the digestive tract of another person, cause an intestinal infection.

      – How to behave on holiday in a foreign country?

      – In developing countries (India, Egypt and more exotic countries) it is better to drink water only from factory sealed containers. As for European countries, here this option for preventing diseases is not so important, it is enough to follow the standard rules of hygiene. In countries with a hot climate, it is necessary to observe hygiene rules more carefully. For example, do not eat food on the street. In a foreign country, one should not completely switch to national cuisine, since it may be unfamiliar and, accordingly, cause intestinal upset, regardless of the presence of bacteria in it.

      Another recommendation: when packing for vacation, put an antibacterial drug with antibacterial action (enterofucil, nifuroxazide, rifaximin, etc.) in the first-aid kit. When traveling, it is not always possible to determine the cause of diarrhea, so you should not take drugs with you that block annoying symptoms and may have categorical contraindications. It is wiser to choose intestinal antiseptics, which, without disturbing the normal intestinal microflora, destroy only bacteria that are foreign to the body and produce toxins.

      – How to deal with symptoms of an intestinal disorder?

      – It all starts with a general malaise, then gastric symptoms usually appear: heaviness in the abdomen, bloating, sometimes belching, only then diarrhea joins. Already at the first symptoms of abdominal discomfort, you need to take an antibacterial drug that acts on the cause, and not on the symptoms of diarrhea. If possible, of course, you should immediately consult a doctor (especially if there is a high temperature) to find out the cause and prescribe the correct treatment.

      In case of vomiting or diarrhea, it is also necessary to observe a plentiful drinking regime, use special preparations for rehydration of the body. During diarrhea, water and electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate) are excreted from the body. If these losses are not replaced, dehydration worsens the condition and can lead to death.

      Traditional treatment of diarrhea such as hard liquor should be avoided. You can not starve, you should eat in small portions; save energy, move less.

      – Does charcoal help with diarrhea?

      Helps. But it acts only as a sorbent, binding the liquid contents of the intestine, and thus can slow down diarrhea. However, the downside is that for a favorable effect, you need to take several packs, which is not very convenient. It should also be remembered that any sorbent dehydrates the body, it is dangerous primarily in cases of illness in young children under 2 years of age (especially in the first six months of life), the elderly and debilitated people. Therefore, when taking this group of drugs, you must additionally observe the drinking regimen.

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