Foods That May Stop Diarrhea

Your best defense against diarrhea? Keep certain culprits out of your diet. Here, we look at a variety of foods that stop diarrhea.

Doctor holding up a sign that says diarrhea

If you're suffering from diarrhea, consider your diet. Foods that stop diarrhea include those in the "BRAT" diet: bananas, rice (white), applesauce, and toast.

Fatty, fried, and greasy foods</li> <li>Fructose-containing products

Diarrhea is not a topic of choice at the dinner table. Nonetheless, it is a common condition that affects many people. An estimated 179 million acute cases occur each year, and 5 percent of the U.S. population suffers from chronic diarrhea. Diet may help control this condition, as we’ll discuss below in the section titled “Foods That Stop Diarrhea: Diet Therapy.”

Whether acute or chronic, diarrhea, as defined by the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, is “loose, watery stools three or more times a day.” Acute diarrhea can last a day or up to a week, while chronic diarrhea continues for four weeks or more.

Culprits? Here’s What Causes Diarrhea

Common causes of acute diarrhea include infections that are viral (such as viral gastroenteritis), parasitic (including Giardia lambia), or bacterial (like Salmonella), as well as medication side effects (i.e., antibiotics, magnesium-containing antacids). Over-the-counter medications containing bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or loperamide (Imodium) are usually effective in treating acute diarrhea.

Causes of chronic diarrhea are numerous. The condition can be initiated by similar viruses, parasites. and bacteria, but the infection may persist and alter the gut’s ability to digest proteins and carbohydrates, thus prolonging diarrhea. Abdominal surgeries, digestive diseases (i.e., Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome), food intolerances and allergies, compromised immunity, and prolonged use of some medications are among the many perpetrators of chronic diarrhea. Identifying the cause determines the treatment needed.

FYICAN PROBIOTICS HELP?

Probiotic supplements may or may not be therapeutic, thus it is best to confer with your primary healthcare provider before taking them.

Pasteurized yogurt, kefir and other whole fermented foods and beverages containing live cultures could help recovery, while also providing a beneficial array of essential nutrients.

Foods That Stop Diarrhea: Diet Therapy

Avoiding dehydration and loss of electrolytes is critical in diarrhea. Adequate intake of water is important to hydrate, but fluids with electrolytes, such as sports drinks, diluted fruit juice, and broths, should also be consumed. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, containing glucose and electrolytes, may be indicated in some cases.

Foods that stop diarrhea include a number of gentle-on-your-system options. Many experts cite the “BRAT” strategy: bananas, rice (white), applesauce, and toast. Low-fiber foods like these will help make your stools firmer. Also reliable: oatmeal, baked chicken (no skin), and baked or boiled potatoes.

Foods to Avoid When Suffering from Diarrhea

Restrictive diets or fasting are not recommended nor supported by scientific research. Following a balanced diet can help recovery. Raw and undercooked meat or fish and unpasteurized products need to be avoided. Some foods and beverages can worsen symptoms and are discouraged, including:

  • Alcohol
  • Caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, colas)
  • Dairy products, such as milk and ice cream if lactose intolerant
  • Fatty, fried, and greasy foods
  • Fructose-containing products (agave syrup, sugar-sweetened drinks, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit drinks, honey)
  • Some fruits, namely peaches, pears,
    and apples
  • Spicy foods
  • Products containing sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol) like sugarless gum and candy, and some energy bars

The above foods and beverages can be added back into the diet after a full recovery.

For more information, see our post “How to Stop Diarrhea: Here’s What You Can Do to Treat and Prevent Outbreaks.

—Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD


As a service to our readers, University Health News offers a vast archive of free digital content. Please note the date published or last update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

UHN Staff

University Health News is produced by the award-winning editors and authors of Belvoir Media Group’s Health & Wellness Division. Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., with editorial offices in Florida, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, … Read More

View all posts by UHN Staff

Enter Your Login Credentials
This setting should only be used on your home or work computer.

×