Diarrhea is a common condition that occurs when the digestive system is not able to absorb water and nutrients properly, leading to loose and watery stools. It can be caused by a wide myriad of factors, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, food intolerances, and certain medications. When experiencing diarrhea, it is essential to maintain good hydration and to choose foods that are easy to digest and won’t further irritate the digestive system.
Here are some recommendations on what to eat and what to avoid when dealing with diarrhea:
Here’s What to Eat
1. Bananas
Bananas are a good source of potassium and can help replenish the body’s electrolytes. They are also gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. Indeed, bananas are probably the first thing doctors recommend you eat when you have diarrhea.
2. White Rice
Plain, boiled white rice is a good source of carbohydrates and can help provide energy while being easy to digest. Avoid adding any spices, oils, or sauces, as this can exacerbate your already irritated digestive tract.
3. Applesauce
Applesauce is gentle on the stomach and can help provide some natural sugars and nutrients. Avoid any applesauce that contains added sugar. However, if you’re making applesauce from scratch, please remove the skin entirely from the apple beforehand—apple skin can make diarrhea worse due to too much fiber.
4. Boiled or Steamed Vegetables
Vegetables that have been boiled or steamed are easier to digest than raw vegetables. Try carrots, green beans, or zucchini. You want the steam to not make the vegetables so fibrous!
5. Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Broths are a superb source of hydration and can help replace lost electrolytes. They are also easy to digest.
6. Plain Yogurt
Yogurt contains natural probiotics that can help restore the natural balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt, as sugar can further irritate the digestive system. Also, be careful about eating yogurt if you have lactose intolerance. If diarrhea worsens, find something else to eat.
Here’s What Not to Eat
1. Fried and Greasy Foods
Fried and greasy foods can be hard to digest and can irritate the digestive system. Avoid fast food, fried chicken, and any food that is cooked in oil.
2. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can aggravate the digestive system and lead to further discomfort. Avoid foods with chili peppers, hot sauce, or other spicy ingredients.
3. Dairy Products
Dairy products can be quite difficult to digest for some, especially when experiencing diarrhea. You can make your diarrhea worse with dairy products even if you’re not lactose intolerant. Avoid milk, cheese, and ice cream.
4. Fiber-Rich Foods
High-fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can be difficult to digest when experiencing diarrhea. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread, and cereals.
5. Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can irritate the digestive system. They are also diuretics that can lead to further dehydration. Avoid coffee, tea, soda, and alcoholic beverages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to stay hydrated and to choose foods that are easy to digest when experiencing diarrhea. Avoiding fried and greasy foods, spicy foods, dairy products, fiber-rich foods, caffeine, and alcohol can help to minimize discomfort and speed up the recovery process. Opting for bananas, white rice, applesauce, boiled or steamed vegetables, chicken or vegetable broth, and plain yogurt can help provide essential nutrients and restore the natural balance of both good and bad bacteria in the gut.
If diarrhea persists for more than a few days or is experienced with other symptoms, such as high fever or severe abdominal pain, it is essential to seek medical attention.
