Hay Fever (Rhinitis) | Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website

6 Foods To Eat When You Have Diarrhea And 6 To Avoid

If you have diarrhea, food may be the last thing on your mind. 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. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dehydration is one of the biggest dangers of diarrhea.

Some foods can make an upset stomach worse, so it is important to eat foods that are easy on the tummy. 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.

On the other hand, foods to avoid include spicy foods, sugary foods, dairy products, and  foods with a high fat content. You should also avoid foods that give you gas.

You may have heard of the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, which is a traditional remedy for diarrhea. It isn't a diet that you should go on long term, but can be helpful over short periods of time. 

Here are some foods you should eat when you have diarrhea, to help ease your symptoms and speed up your recovery. 

1. Low-fiber starches and cereals 

While fiber is a critical nutrient that adds bulk to stool and keeps your bowel movements regular, a low-fiber diet is recommended when you have diarrhea since it makes digestion easier and reduces the frequency of bowel movements. Mundkur says boiled rice, noodles, wheat, or oats can help, especially if you have watery stools.  

2. Boiled vegetables 

Raw vegetables can be harder to digest and can cause discomfort in the form of gas and bloating, so boiled vegetables may be easier on your system when you have diarrhea. Mundkur recommends opting for boiled vegetables like green beans, potatoes, and carrots.

3. Soup and crackers

Soup can help replenish your fluid and nutrient levels, whereas crackers are helpful since they typically have a high salt content. 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.

4. Lean chicken or turkey

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.

5. Eggs

Cooked eggs are safe to consume when you have diarrhea. Opt for preparations that don't involve a lot of butter, cheese, or seasonings, like scrambled eggs seasoned with salt.

While the BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, was once prescribed to treat diarrhea, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders says that this diet is not nutritionally adequately for long periods of time. However, you can eat these foods when you have a short bout of diarrhea.

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. Liquids are easier to digest and can help prevent bowel irritation. 

6. Bananas 

The carbs in bananas are easy to digest and aren't too hard on the gut, registered dietitian nutritionist Beth Warren, told Women's Health. They also help poop to pass through the intestines more easilly.

Liquids to drink when you have diarrhea:

Water

Applesauce 

Diluted fruit juice

Clear soup or broth 

Weak, decaffeinated tea or coffee 

Electrolyte-rich drinks, like Gatorade or Pedialyte

Frozen popsicles

Gelatin

Coconut water

Oral hydration solution products.

6 types of foods you should avoid eating if you have diarrhea

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.E. Over an extended period of time or very frequently), individually, as food intolerances can lead to diarrhea. 

1. Foods high in fat

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.

"Foods with a high fat content should be avoided until gut function returns to normal after a severe bout of diarrhea," says Mundkur. 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. 

2. Dairy products

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. "Plain yogurt is best since the added sugars in flavored yogurt are not easy on the gut during an episode of diarrhea," she says.

3. Spicy foods

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. 

4. Sugary foods

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.

5. Foods that cause gas

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:

Beans and legumes, like kidney beans and chickpeas, since they are high in fiber and contain certain raffinose, a complex sugar that is hard to digest

Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, since they also contain raffinose

Chewing gum, as it can make you swallow a lot of air, leading to gas

Aerated drinks, like soda pop, since they are carbonated and have a lot of gas

6. Salad

The insoluble fiber in salad can irritate the lining of the digestive tract, but it is OK to eat soft, cooked vegetables such as carrots. 

Treating diarrhea

Most cases of diarrhea are caused by viral infections, says Mundkur. They often clear up on their own, without requiring any treatment. But you can take over-the-counter medications like Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate for relief. 

"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.

When to seek medical treatment for diarrhea: 

Fever

Dizziness

Yellow urine

Less urine than usual

If your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, Mundkur says you may experience severe diarrhea, fever, and bloody stools; however, antibiotics can help treat the infection if it's bacterial. 

On the other hand, persistent blood in your stools could also be an indication of something more serious. "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.

Insider's takeaway 

If your diarrhea is mild,  it will likely get better on its own. You can take over-the-counter medications for relief and make it a point to get adequate nutrition and hydration to avoid dehydration. 

Spicy foods, sugary foods, dairy products, foods high in fat, and foods that cause gas can worsen your symptoms, whereas low-fiber starches, boiled vegetables, soup, crackers, lean meats, and eggs may be easier to digest. 

If you don't feel like eating or you are unable to keep food down, you can drink liquids for a few hours until you're able to eat something. It may be easier to eat small portions of food more frequently, rather than attempting to eat a large meal at one go. However, if you are unable to stomach any foods or liquids, you should seek medical attention.

What You Need To Know About Ulcerative Colitis And Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Sometimes it can be accompanied by blood and mucus. Treatments could help manage your symptoms.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the colon and rectum.

Diarrhea is one the most common symptoms of UC, along with abdominal discomfort and an increase in the urge to pass a bowel movement.

Living with a long-term condition like UC can feel overwhelming at times, and frequent diarrhea can affect all areas of your life.

Currently, there's no cure for UC, but certain treatments can make flare-ups and diarrhea episodes less frequent.

Inflammation can affect the colon's ability to absorb water and process food and waste. This can lead to diarrhea, which is when you experience three or more loose, watery stools daily.

According to Crohn's and Colitis UK, diarrhea associated with UC may appear fluffy, mushy, or entirely liquid. You may also experience bloody stools, which may be due to ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum.

Diarrhea related to UC may also involve:

cramps

abdominal pain

urgent need to use the bathroom

increased frequency of bowel movements, including during the night

feeling that you haven't completely emptied your bowels

Experts suggest that people with moderate to severe UC can experience diarrhea up to 6 times daily. In very severe cases, you can experience diarrhea 10 times daily.

Speak with a doctor if this occurs. Frequent diarrhea can lead to complications like severe dehydration and weight loss.

If you have UC and are experiencing diarrhea, you're not alone.

A 2023 study highlights research based on 2020 census data estimating that over 1.2 million people in the United States are living with UC.

This is an increase from the figures the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America reported in 2014 where about 907,000 people were living with UC in the United States. Among them:

48% were in remission

30% had mild disease activity

20% had moderate disease activity

up to 2% had severe disease

Remission is when you do not experience UC symptoms or they're managed and mild.

However, a flare-up is a period when you may experience more severe symptoms and frequent bowel movements. This means you may notice more watery, loose, or bloody stools than during remission.

People usually receive a UC diagnosis between ages 15 and 30 years. That said, a "second window" of diagnosis commonly occurs between ages 50 and 70 years old.

Regardless of when UC is diagnosed, recent research suggests that it may affect your health — physically, emotionally, and mentally — all factors that may greatly affect your quality of life.

Diarrhea can be unpredictable, highly inconvenient, and potentially embarrassing. For instance, the urgent need to use a bathroom multiple times a day can interfere with your social activities and your ability to work.

Over time, severe UC can also cause financial challenges due to:

medications, both over-the-counter and prescription

doctors' visits

diagnostic procedures

hospitalizations

lost earnings

If your symptoms of diarrhea are affecting your quality of life, speak with a healthcare professional. They could help develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

Treatment for UC aims to help keep you in remission and prevent future flare-ups. Following your treatment plan may be the most effective way to manage diarrhea.

aminosalicylates

corticosteroids

immune modifiers

biologics

Sometimes a healthcare professional may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal like loperamide (Imodium) to help manage symptoms of diarrhea.

However, it's very important to avoid using any OTC medications during a flare-up, as this can mask the underlying condition and lead to severe complications.

It's also important to speak with a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they may require urgent medical intervention:

fatigue

unexplained weight loss

six or more bloody bowel movements per day

intense abdominal pain

fever

Several lifestyle and dietary habits could help you manage urgent or frequent bowel movements.

setting regular times to move your bowels, such as choosing convenient times so you're not rushed

sitting for up to 20 minutes after eating

practicing pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles around the rectum and anus

Making certain dietary changes may also help relieve diarrhea, though not everyone with UC will benefit from the same dietary changes. Keeping a diet journal may help you figure out which foods tend to make diarrhea worse and which ones may be more helpful.

Some items that can contribute to loose stools are:

dried beans

raw vegetables

corn

cabbage, spinach

dried fruits

processed meats

fried foods

fructose

caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages

Foods that may help some people manage diarrhea are:

boiled or mashed potatoes

bananas

rice, noodles, pasta

peanut butter

white bread

lean meats

Eating more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day may also help.

Frequent diarrhea associated with UC may cause your body to lose fluids, sugars, and essential salts. This may increase your risk of dehydration, which could be severe if left untreated.

Symptoms of dehydration may include:

increased thirst

dry mouth

dark-colored urine

less frequent urination

headache

lightheadedness

muscle cramps

dry skin

Here are things you can do to replace lost fluids and nutrients:

Drink plenty of water.

Drink an oral rehydration solution or drinks that contain electrolytes and salts.

Include foods with sodium and potassium in your daily diet.

It's important to stay well hydrated, especially if you have UC. According to Crohn's and Colitis UK, dehydration can eventually lead to kidney stones, liver damage, and muscle and joint damage.

Signs of a medical emergency due to dehydration may include:

confusion, disorientation

blue lips

rapid breathing, rapid pulse

inability to wake up

How To Treat Norovirus And How Long The Illness Should Last

Norovirus, also called stomach flu or 24-hour bug, is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. There are 20 million cases of norovirus each year in the US and it is the most common cause of food poisoning. You are more likely to get norovirus in the winter months, but it can strike any time of year.

There is no quick fix for norovirus, but while you wait for your body to fight off the infection, there are several methods you can use to help ease your symptoms.

Symptoms of norovirus 

Norovirus is easily spread and you can catch the virus from close contact with an infected person or having contaminated food or water. Symptoms come on quickly, generally starting between 12 and 48 hours after you are exposed to the virus.

Some of the most common norovirus symptoms include:

Nausea and vomiting

Watery diarrhea

Stomach pain

Mild fever

Muscle aches

Getting norovirus can be a very unpleasant experience, but most people recover on their own within 1 to 3 days. People who are immunocompromised, like children and the elderly, may take longer to recover. While there's no treatment for norovirus, here are a few ways you can ease your symptoms and feel better while you recover.

Drink lots of fluids

One of the best ways to support your body as it heals from norovirus is to stay hydrated. This is because when you are dehydrated, your immune system can become weakened and this could delay recovery.

"Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly result in dehydration, so drinking fluids is important," says Preeti N. Malani, MD, a professor and Chief Health Officer at the University of Michigan.

In some cases, your vomiting may be so severe that you can't keep enough liquid down to stay hydrated — this is especially a risk for young children, Malani says. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea cause you to lose electrolyte salts along with water, and you will need to replace both to stay properly hydrated.

Dinking small sips of an electrolyte rehydration fluid like Pedialyte may help you stay hydrated better than water. You can also sip fruit juice diluted with water, but it's best to avoid pure fruit juice or sports drinks, as too much sugar can worsen diarrhea.

Alcohol and caffeinated beverages should also be avoided, Malani says, as these are highly acidic and can irritate the lining of your stomach, worsening any sensations of nausea. 

Eat bland foods

If you are able to keep down liquids for about 4 hours, you can start to eat small portions of bland foods. Bland foods are foods that are easy to digest — this includes meals that are soft and low in fiber. A bland diet also cuts out spicy foods, as these can irritate the lining of your stomach and intestines and make diarrhea worse.

Some experts recommend following the Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast (BRAT) diet to start. These foods are high in starch and low in fiber, a combination that can help reduce diarrhea and make your stools firmer. However, it's not recommended that you follow this diet for more than a few days because it does not offer enough nutrients to be a sustainable eating plan

You can also add in other bland foods including:

Crackers

Potatoes

Soup broth

Baked chicken

Creamy peanut butter

Eating the wrong foods can trigger nausea and vomiting or make diarrhea worse. For example, fatty foods digest slowly, meaning they take longer to leave your stomach, which can make you nauseous. Sweet foods can also cause problems, as too much sugar can make diarrhea worse.

Some foods to avoid are:

Dairy products

Raw vegetables

Strong spices

Fried foods

Sweets

Anti-diarrheal medications

The frequent, watery diarrhea that comes with norovirus can be hard to cope with, but, "in general, antidiarrheal medications are not needed," says Malani. Norovirus generally clears up within a day or two, but if you are still having diarrhea, even while eating bland food, over the counter medication can help.

Anti-diarrheal medications work by slowing down your digestive system, giving your intestines more time to absorb water from your stool, firming it up. Some of the most common antidiarrheal drugs you can find at a pharmacy are

Loperamide (Imodium) 

Bismuth subsalicylate liquid (Pepto-Bismol)

Bismuth subsalicylate pills (Kaopectate). 

You can use antidiarrheal drugs temporarily, but "it's a good idea to check in with your doctor if these symptoms go on for more than a few days," Malani says.

How to prevent norovirus

Norovirus is an extremely contagious infection and you can catch it from contact with other people or from contaminated living spaces. Some of the most important steps you can take to prevent norovirus are:

Wash your hands: "The most important way to prevent norovirus is by washing your hands frequently with soap and water," says Malani, adding that hand washing is more effective than an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to remove norovirus particles.

Clean shared areas: If you share a space with others and one person becomes sick with norovirus, it is important to clean all surfaces with a disinfectant, Malani says, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. 

Avoid contact with other people: Because norovirus is so contagious, you can still infect other people even after your symptoms have cleared up. "If you are ill, wait at least two days after recovery to prepare food or provide care for others," Malani says.

The bottom line 

Having norovirus can be a difficult experience, but the infection generally clears up on its own within a couple of days. Staying hydrated, taking anti-diarrheal medication, and easing slowly back into eating solid foods can help relieve your symptoms. If you aren't getting better or you develop more serious symptoms like bloody diarrhea, severe stomach pain, or high fever, get medical help as soon as possible.

---