Dealing with diarrhea can be uncomfortable and exhausting, but the good news is that certain foods can help stop it quickly. Eating the right foods can calm your stomach and help you recover faster.
In this post, we’ll share the best foods to stop diarrhea fast and give you helpful tips to feel better quickly. But first, we’ll see what diarrhea is and how diet affects it.
Table of Contents
What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a common digestive issue where you experience loose or watery stools more frequently than usual.
It can be caused by various factors, including infections, food intolerances, digestive disorders, or stress. While diarrhea often resolves on its own, certain foods can help speed up recovery and provide relief from symptoms.
How Does Diet Affects Diarrhea?
The foods you consume play a vital role in how quickly you recover from diarrhea. Certain foods can worsen the condition, while others, such as easily digestible and bland options, can help solidify stool and prevent further irritation.
Incorporating the right diet into your routine during diarrhea can greatly reduce discomfort and help you recover faster.
Best Foods to Stop Diarrhea Fast
When diarrhea strikes, you need foods that will be gentle on your digestive system and help firm up your stool. The following are some of the best options:
1. BRAT Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)
The BRAT diet is widely recommended for individuals experiencing diarrhea. Each component of the BRAT diet is low in fiber and bland, making it easy for your stomach to digest. The foods are binding, which can help firm up your stool and reduce diarrhea.
- Bananas: High in potassium, bananas help restore lost electrolytes. Their pectin content can also bulk up the stool.
- Rice: White rice, in particular, is easy to digest and helps firm up loose stools.
- Applesauce: Applesauce is gentle on the stomach and contains pectin, which helps absorb excess water in the stool.
- Toast: Plain, dry toast can help add bulk to your stool without irritating your digestive system.
2. Boiled Potatoes
Boiled potatoes, especially without the skin, are a great option when suffering from diarrhea. They are rich in starch, which helps bind the stool, and their bland nature ensures they won’t upset your stomach further.
3. Plain Crackers and Bread
Unseasoned crackers and plain bread can help with diarrhea as they are low in fiber and fat. These bland, starchy foods absorb excess fluid in the intestines, firming up stool and providing a mild source of energy.
4. Broth-Based Soups
Broth-based soups are essential for rehydration during diarrhea. They help replace lost fluids and electrolytes while being easy on your digestive system. Chicken or vegetable broths without added fats are ideal.
Best High-Fiber Foods to Stop Diarrhea
While fiber is known for relieving constipation, certain types of soluble fiber can also be helpful during diarrhea. Soluble fiber absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool, making it more solid. Here are some high-fiber foods that are gentle enough to consume when experiencing diarrhea:
- Oats: Oatmeal provides soluble fiber and is soothing on the stomach.
- Psyllium Husk: Psyllium is a common fiber supplement that helps solidify stool by absorbing excess water in the intestines.
- Cooked Carrots: Soft, cooked carrots are easy to digest and contain soluble fiber, which helps bulk up stool.
Including these foods in small portions can help relieve diarrhea without causing further digestive discomfort.
Probiotics and Yogurt for Diarrhea
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. When diarrhea is caused by an imbalance of gut bacteria, consuming probiotic-rich foods can help restore the natural balance and improve digestive health.
Yogurt with Live Cultures
- Yogurt containing live cultures, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, can replenish the healthy bacteria in your gut and help reduce the duration of diarrhea.
- Look for plain, unsweetened yogurt as sugar can exacerbate symptoms of diarrhea.
Other Probiotic Foods
- Kefir: Fermented milk drink that contains a variety of beneficial probiotics.
- Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage is rich in probiotics, although it should be eaten in moderation due to its high fiber content.
Also Read: Best 13 Methods to Improve Digestion Naturally at Home
Effective Treatment Options for Diarrhea
In addition to adjusting your diet, there are other treatment options to help manage diarrhea. While many cases of diarrhea are mild and can be treated at home, certain situations may require medical intervention.
1. Over-the-counter Medications: Anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help reduce the frequency of diarrhea.
2. Hydration Therapy: Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) help replenish fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea. They are particularly useful in preventing dehydration.
3. Probiotic Supplements: If your diarrhea is caused by an imbalance in gut bacteria, taking probiotic supplements can help restore balance and improve symptoms.
4. Seek Medical Advice: If diarrhea persists for more than three days, or if you notice signs of severe dehydration, blood in your stool, or high fever, consult a healthcare professional.
Foods to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea
Certain foods can make diarrhea worse by irritating the digestive system or increasing the production of gas. To recover quickly, it’s important to avoid the following:
- Dairy Products: Except for yogurt with live cultures, most dairy products (like milk and cheese) can aggravate diarrhea, especially if you have lactose intolerance.
- Fatty and Fried Foods: Foods high in fat are difficult to digest and can worsen diarrhea symptoms.
- Sugary and Carbonated Beverages: Sugary drinks can pull water into the intestines, worsening diarrhea, while carbonated drinks can cause bloating and discomfort.
Foods to Prevent Diarrhea in the Future
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and hydrating fluids can prevent future episodes of diarrhea. Some foods that promote long-term gut health include:
Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, and whole wheat are excellent sources of fiber that help regulate bowel movements.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, support digestive health and regularity.
Fermented Foods: Foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can help keep the gut flora healthy, preventing diarrhea.
Also Read: 13 Foods Good for Digestion and Bloating
When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea
While most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own, certain symptoms indicate the need for medical attention. Seek help if you experience:
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days.
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping.
- Blood or pus in the stool.
- Symptoms of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, or decreased urination).
If you have any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions like infections or chronic digestive disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat eggs when I have diarrhea?
Yes, boiled eggs are a great source of protein and are easy to digest.
Is drinking milk safe during diarrhea?
It’s best to avoid milk during diarrhea, especially if you are lactose intolerant, as it can worsen symptoms.
What fruits are good for diarrhea?
Bananas and applesauce are great options. Avoid high-fiber fruits like berries or raw apples during diarrhea.
Conclusion
Incorporating the right foods into your diet can greatly help in stopping diarrhea fast. Bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, and broth-based soups are your best choices.
Pairing these with adequate hydration and probiotics can speed up recovery and restore your digestive health. If diarrhea persists or worsens, it’s always wise to seek medical attention.
