Diarrhea what should i eat

Liquids are easier to digest and can help prevent bowel irritation. These are some foods that tend to worsen diarrhea. Mundkur recommends checking with your doctor about what foods might trigger diarrhea for you if you have it chronically i. Foods that have a high fat content can make diarrhea worse , resulting in more trips to the bathroom as well as greasy and smelly stools. Mundkur says this can happen because diarrhea can sometimes temporarily affect your body's ability to absorb fat.

Fat typically takes longer to digest so it slows down the movement of food through your system; however, if your body is unable to digest fat, food may pass through your system a lot faster. Some foods to avoid include fried foods, meat dishes with added fat or a high fat content, nuts, and creamy sauces or dressings.

It's also worth noting that the reverse can also happen sometimes — you may develop fat malabsorption, which is the inability to digest fats, and that can lead to chronic diarrhea, says Mundkur. According to Mundkur, you may not be able to adequate digest dairy products while you have diarrhea, and sometimes up to several weeks or months after your illness.

Dairy products to avoid include milk, cheese, cream, and butter; yogurt however is the exception because it's a probiotic that can help treat diarrhea, says Mundkur. Spicy foods and seasonings can irritate your digestive system and add to your discomfort, so avoid them while you have diarrhea.

Moreover, what makes spicy food so spicy going down might also make it spicy coming back out. Therefore, do your rump a favor and season your food with just salt or herbs instead, since that can help replenish your electrolyte levels. Sugar can make diarrhea worse because it causes the gut to release a lot of water, resulting in loose stools. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, even those with artificial sweeteners like stevia and aspartame, like baked goods, candy, and soda when you have diarrhea.

Certain foods tend to cause gas and should be avoided when you have diarrhea, as they can worsen diarrhea and add to your discomfort. These foods include:. Most cases of diarrhea are caused by viral infections, says Mundkur. They often clear up on their own , without requiring any treatment. 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. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Digestive Health. By Beth W. Reviewed: March 1, People with diarrhea should also ensure they get enough rest, as putting the body in stressful situations while dealing with diarrhea may make matters worse.

Limit physical activity while diarrhea symptoms are presenting, as strenuous activity may put the body at a greater risk of dehydration. Blood or mucus may appear in the stool in more serious cases of diarrhea.

This is often accompanied by a fever and requires a visit to the doctor as soon as possible. Untreated diarrhea can also lead to serious complications, including dehydration. A person with severe diarrhea may require hospitalization and intravenous electrolytes.

Parents or guardians should carefully monitor any children with diarrhea. If symptoms do not clear up with 24 hours, they should call the doctor for guidance. Any additional symptoms should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Many cases of diarrhea last only a few days and respond well to home treatments. Eating a simple diet, increasing fluid intake, and using over-the-counter medications as necessary can help reduce symptoms quickly. In cases where the body does not respond to these treatments after 2 or 3 days, a person should visit their doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Read this article in Spanish. Apple cider vinegar has recently been touted as a cure-all for many ailments, including diarrhea. However, this common household ingredient is highly…. Diarrhea, which refers to unusually loose or watery stools, is a common problem with many potential causes. Several treatments can help. Learn more…. Diarrhea in the morning can have a range of potential causes, including lifestyle choices, a temporary illness, such as a virus or food poisoning, or….

While most cases of diarrhea last for a few days, some cases can result in diarrhea lasting for a week or longer. Learn more about it here. What foods to eat if you have diarrhea. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; chap Updated by: Neil K. Editorial team. When you have diarrhea. How to Relieve Diarrhea. These things may help you feel better if you have diarrhea: Drink 8 to 10 glasses of clear fluids every day.

Water is best. Drink at least 1 cup milliliters of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, soup, and sports drinks. Eat some high potassium foods, such as bananas, potatoes without the skin, and fruit juices. Eating When you Have Diarrhea. Things you Should Avoid Eating or Drinking.