Learn what foods to eat when you have diarrhea that can help you reduce bowel movement frequency in addition to beverages to drink to prevent dehydration during diarrhea.
Diarrhea is considered a common symptom of many gastrointestinal disorders as well as a symptom of many infectious diseases. It can lead to exhaustion and dehydration, so it's essential to ensure your body stays nourished and hydrated.
Nutrition goals when you have diarrhea
Slow down the rate at which foods and liquids pass through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
Restore fluids and electrolytes
Thicken consistency of the stool
Rebuild gut microbiota
Foods used in this diet make the stools firmer. That's because the foods are considered thickening foods. They are low in insoluble fiber and high in minerals you might have lost through diarrhea. For example, bananas and potatoes are high in potassium, while saltine crackers and broths are high in sodium. In addition, some foods have soluble dietary fiber, which acts as a thickener agent, and soft and starchy foods with smooth textures and easy-to-digest proteins.
Best Foods and Drinks When You Have Diarrhea:
BRAT Diet
A BRAT diet may be helpful for short periods. These foods slow down the intestines and decrease how often you have bowel movements.
Bananas
Rice
Applesauce
Toast
Foods Low in Fiber
Potatoes without skin
Saltine crackers
White bread, rolls, plain bagels, and English muffins
White pasta
White rice
Hot cereals, such as oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat, and farina
Cold cereals, such as Corn Flakes®, Corn Chex™, Rice Chex™, and Rice Krispies®
Vegetables without skins and seeds and well cooked
Fruit cups without syrup
High Protein Foods
Chicken
Turkey
Fish
Eggs
Tofu
Greek yogurt
Probiotic Foods
Probiotics enhance the good bacteria in the gut. We can repopulate our intestinal flora through food or probiotic supplements. When rebuilding the gut microbiome, it is also essential to add prebiotics by eating fruits, legumes, vegetables, and seeds.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the intestine and improve the body's overall health, bringing benefits such as facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption and strengthening the immune system.
Greek yogurt
Kefir
Sauerkraut
Tempeh
Kimchi
Miso
Kombucha
Traditional buttermilk
Natto
Pickles
What to Drink with Diarrhea
It is essential to restore fluids with diarrhea. Otherwise, you can become dehydrated. Drinking water is the best when it comes to hydration. Drinking oral rehydration with liquids that contain water, potassium, and sodium can also help rehydrate the body and restore minerals.
Water
Pedialyte®
CeraLyte®
Rehydrate®
Soups and broths
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS), including standard World Health Organization ORS
Dietary Supplements
Banana flakes (pectin)
Banatrol Plus® are soluble fibers in banana flakes with a gel-like property that helps thicken stool consistency and a prebiotic effect that promotes fluid reabsorption in the colon to reduce watery diarrhea. It works by solidifying the stool, not by stopping gut motility.
Probiotics and Glutamine
Glutapak R® includes a beneficial probiotic that effectively restores gut microbiota and fights off that cause gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea. It also has glutamine, an amino acid that nourishes and restores intestinal cells.
Regardless of the cause of diarrhea, you should seek medical attention if the diarrhea persists. Inform your provider promptly if there is blood or mucus in the stool, intense vomiting, high fever, and any other symptom that puts you at risk of malnutrition and dehydration.
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