You want to eat plain, simple foods, especially in the first 24 hours, says Peter Higgins, MD, PhD, the director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. .
Seven foods that cause diarrhea
Spicy foods, those with a high fat content, and some artifical sweeteners can all cause diarrhea.The American College of Gastroenterology recommends seeing a doctor if diarrhea continues for longer than 48 hours.People should also see a doctor if diarrhea contains blood, is accompanied by severe stomach pain, or if they do not feel well.Infants and older adults are more prone to dehydration, which means that diarrhea can be particularly dangerous for people in these groups. .
Is something in your diet causing diarrhea?
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. .
What to Eat With Diarrhea: the 5 Foods to Have and the 5 to Avoid
However, it's crucial to stay hydrated and get adequate nutrition during a bout of diarrhea, says Deepti Mundkur, MD, a primary care physician with her own practice in San Diego.Boiled vegetables, low-fiber starches, lean poultry, crackers, soup, and eggs are some of the foods that are recommended for patients with diarrhea, says Mundkur.You may have heard of the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, which is a traditional remedy for diarrhea.Diarrhea can result in considerable loss of fluid and electrolytes, which are minerals like sodium and potassium, so eating salty foods can help restore them.Greasy foods with a high fat content can make your diarrhea worse, so opt for low-fat meat options like skinless chicken or turkey.Mundkur recommends baking the meat and eating it unseasoned, since spices and seasonings can irritate your system.You can use dry or fresh herbs, like basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, or cilantro to flavor the meat, says Mundkur.If you don't have an appetite, or if you have nausea or vomiting in addition to diarrhea, Mundkur says you can stick to only liquids for a short while, until you're able to tolerate some food.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."Foods with a high fat content should be avoided until gut function returns to normal after a severe bout of 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.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."If vomiting and severe diarrhea limit your ability to hydrate yourself, it is time to seek care at a clinic or hospital for intravenous (IV) repletion of fluids," says Mundkur."Sometimes colon cancer can cause diarrhea and blood in the stool, so it is important to talk to your primary care physician about whether you need a colonoscopy," says Mundkur.You can take over-the-counter medications for relief and make it a point to get adequate nutrition and hydration to avoid dehydration. .
Myths and Facts About Diarrhea
American Academy of Family Physicians: "BRAT Diet.".American Academy of Family Physicians: "Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children.".National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: "Diarrhea.".Rao, S. European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, February 1998; vol 10(2): pp 113-118.McCusker, R.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology, October 2006; vol 30(8): pp 611-613.Luby, S. Journal of the American Medical Association, June 2, 2004; vol 291: pp 2547-2554. .
What Is Diarrhea?
It can happen when water in the bowel (colon or intestine) isn’t being absorbed back into the body for some reason.There are many conditions and medications that can cause diarrhea, some that are related to cancer and some that are due to other health problems.Diarrhea can also be caused by things you eat that may not agree with you, such as sugary, spicy, fatty, or fried foods.Other problems that can cause diarrhea are infection, surgery, or liquid food supplements that are concentrated with vitamins, minerals, sugar, and electrolytes.Depending on the type of treatment being given, diarrhea can start within hours, days, or weeks after receiving chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.Try a clear liquid diet (one that includes water, weak tea, apple juice, peach or apricot nectar, clear broth, popsicles, and gelatin with no solids added) when diarrhea starts or when you feel that it’s going to start.Include foods that are high in potassium (such as bananas, potatoes, apricots, and sports drinks like Gatorade ® or Powerade ® ).As diarrhea improves, try eating small amounts of foods that are easy to digest such as rice, bananas, applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, low-fat cottage cheese, and dry toast.Use dampened toilet paper or baby wipes to clean yourself to help soothe the anal area.Sitting in a tub of warm water or a sitz bath may help reduce anal discomfort.Do not chew sugar-free gum or eat candies and desserts made with sugar alcohol (i.e., sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol).Protect the bed and chairs from being soiled by putting pads with plastic backing under the patient. .
10 Types of Foods That Can Cause Diarrhea
Other symptoms of food intolerance include stomach cramps or pain, bloating, and gas.Food allergies can also cause diarrhea, along with hives, itchy skin, congestion, and throat tightening.These are often foods that contain large amounts of spices, artificial ingredients, oils, or colonic stimulants.Research shows that while capsaicin can have various health benefits, such as treating pain and arthritis, it is also a potent irritant.Eating or drinking sugar alcohols, in particular, can have a laxative effect, inducing diarrhea and gas.Lactose intolerance means that your body doesn’t have the enzymes to break down certain sugars in dairy.cashew milk Summary Lactose intolerance is a common cause of chronic diarrhea.According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), drinking 2–3 cups of coffee or tea in a day can often cause diarrhea.Many people also add other digestive stimulants to their coffee, such as milk, sugar substitutes, or creamers, which increases the beverage’s laxative effect.Using dairy substitutes, such as oat milk or a coconut creamer, can reduce the laxative effects of coffee.Eating large amounts of fruit can cause diarrhea because this means taking in high levels of fructose.preservatives Some people find that they have looser bowel movements when fresh fruit and vegetables are more readily available in the summer months.Summary Eating large amounts of fruit, or other high-fructose foods, can cause diarrhea.They also contain insoluble fiber, which can make foods move through the digestive system faster.Sugar alcohols, discussed earlier in this article, are another high-FODMAP food that can cause diarrhea.Summary Garlic and onions are notoriously difficult to digest, causing gas and diarrhea.These vegetables have plenty of health benefits, but the digestive tract can have trouble processing them.If you aren’t used to eating large amounts of fiber, a big serving can lead to constipation, gas, or diarrhea.A high fiber diet can help reduce diarrhea and has benefits for your digestive and heart health.Summary Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli and cauliflower, are difficult for the body to break down.Common foods high in saturated fats include: french fries.Summary Fatty, greasy, or fried foods contain unhealthful fats that are difficult to digest.a low fiber diet Potassium-rich bananas are gentle on the stomach lining and help you absorb water and electrolytes you might otherwise lose through waste.Loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) are the most common active ingredients in medications that help relieve diarrhea.However, don’t take OTC medications for diarrhea if your symptoms also include fever or blood in your stool.Summary You can usually treat diarrhea at home with plenty of water and low fiber foods.Shop for diarrhea treatment Antidiarrheal medications and home remedies are available over the counter at your local health stores and online.They can help you figure out if it’s linked with a food intolerance or a digestive system disorder.Frequent diarrhea can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome or another gastrointestinal issue that could be treated.stool that contains blood or pus If you aren’t sure what foods are causing diarrhea or other digestive symptoms, you might benefit from trying an elimination diet.Summary If you have chronic or severe diarrhea, or other worrying symptoms, see a doctor for advice about its causes and treatments. .
