Treatment FAQ

diarrhea treatment what to eat

by Joseph Jacobs Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Here's another bit of good advice from Mom for treating diarrhea – eat the BRAT diet: bananas, rice (white), applesauce and toast. When your health is good, physicians usually recommend whole-grain, high-fiber foods. But high-fiber foods could spell trouble when you have diarrhea.Oct 22, 2019

What are the best foods to relieve diarrhea?

Nov 19, 2018 · Bland foods that may help with diarrhea include: hot cereals, such as oatmeal, cream of wheat, or rice porridge bananas applesauce plain white rice bread or toast boiled potatoes unseasoned...

What foods slow down diarrhea?

Jun 18, 2020 · Pectin is good for easing diarrhea. Doucefleur/iStock/Getty Images Ginger Ale Make sure you get ginger ale with real ginger in order to see stomach easing benefits. Some may also find the carbonation to be soothing to an upset stomach. bhofack2/iStock/Getty Images Apple Cider Vinegar

What foods are anti diarrhea?

What fruits are good for diarrhea?

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What is good to eat and drink when you have diarrhea?

People with diarrhea should include binding foods such as bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, and white toast while they have active episodes of loose stools. Drink plenty of water or low-sugar beverages to replace the fluids lost from diarrhea.

What stops diarrhea fast?

You can stop diarrhea fast with one of two different kinds of over-the-counter medication, Imodium (loperamide) or Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).May 26, 2021

What naturally stops diarrhea?

Diarrhea or loose stools are often caused by a virus, bacteria or food allergies. Things that naturally stop diarrhea include the BRAT diet, probiotics, oral rehydration solution (ORS), zinc, turmeric, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stomach flu causes many men, women and children to curl up in bed, too weak to move.May 21, 2021

How do I stop liquid diarrhea?

Home remedy for vomiting and diarrheaGet plenty of rest.Avoid stress.Drink lots of clear fluids like water, broth, clear sodas, and sports drinks.Eat saltine crackers.Follow the BRAT diet, which consists of bland foods.Avoid foods that are greasy, spicy, or high in fat and sugar.Avoid dairy.Avoid caffeine.More items...•Jul 26, 2019

What to eat when you have diarrhea?

This is where BRAT foods come in. BRAT stands for “bananas, rice, apples, toast. ”. These foods are bland, so they won’t aggravate the digestive system.

What is the best treatment for diarrhea?

Many cases of diarrhea are short-lived and respond well to home treatments such as a modified diet, heavy fluid intake, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. OTC treatments include anti-diarrheal medications like Pepto-Bismol, which can help stop or slow down the diarrhea.

How to get rid of diarrhea after eating?

When you have diarrhea, get lots of rest, drink plenty of water, and start introducing BRAT foods after a few hours . After a day or two of bland, soft foods, you can start to add in foods like lean ground chicken and scrambled eggs.

What foods are included in the BRAT diet?

Other foods that are included in the BRAT diet include: cooked cereal like Cream of Wheat or farina. soda crackers. applesauce and apple juice. You also need to drink plenty of liquids so that you can stay hydrated and replace the fluids that you’re losing.

How long does diarrhea last without improvement?

Call your doctor if: your diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement. you get dehydrated. If you get dehydrated or have other symptoms, you may need to go to the emergency room to get prompt treatment.

How to recover from a syphilis?

Drink lots of water and suck on ice chips. Other liquids that you can try include: electrolyte-enhanced water or coconut water with vitamins or electrolytes (try to avoid ones high in sugar) After you’ve started to recover, you can add in foods like scrambled eggs.

How long does it take for a child to improve after diarrhea?

If your child has diarrhea, call their pediatrician and ask if you should take them to the emergency room if they: don’t improve after 24 hours. haven’t had a wet diaper in three or more hours.

How to recover from a diarrheal infection?

Another way to help your gut recover from a diarrheal infection is to consume probiotics — a food or dietary supplement that contains live bacteria, which replaces or adds to the beneficial bacteria usually found in the gastrointestinal tract.

How often do you get diarrhea?

Eat the right foods to ease your symptoms and discomfort. Most of us experience diarrhea a couple of times a year, whether it’s from a bacterial infection, a food allergy or simply something you’ve eaten that disagrees with you. Diarrhea usually is not serious and often disappears within a day or so. Advertising Policy.

What happens if you have diarrhea three times a day?

The biggest danger with a short bout of diarrhea is dehydration , or the loss of water and nutrients from the body’s tissues. You could become dehydrated if you have diarrhea more than three times a day and aren’t drinking enough fluids. Dehydration can cause serious complications if it isn’t treated.

How to prevent dehydration?

The best way to guard against dehydration is to consume liquids that contain salt and sugar, says digestive disease specialist Donald Kirby, MD, Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition. The salt slows down the fluid loss, while the sugar helps your body to absorb the salt.

Can bananas help with diarrhea?

Bananas also are high in potassium and help to replace nutrients your body has lost because of diarrhea. Dr. Kirby says you also can add oatmeal, boiled or baked potatoes (peeled), or baked chicken with the skin removed. Advertising Policy. “These are simple foods that people often tolerate very well,” Dr. Kirby says.

Can you drink yogurt with diarrhea?

While it’s wise to avoid dairy products when you have diarrhea, Dr. Kirby says, there’s one notable exception — yogurt or kefir, a fermented milk drink, that contain probiotics. These can restore the beneficial bacteria that your body flushes out with diarrhea.

Does salt help with diarrhea?

The salt slows down the fluid loss, while the sugar helps your body to absorb the salt. “We tend not to want people to have salt in general, but when you’re having significant diarrhea, you want to make sure you’re getting salt and enough sugar to keep out of the emergency room,” Dr. Kirby says. Advertising Policy.

What to do if you have diarrhea?

Treating underlying conditions. If your diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor will work to control that condition. You might be referred to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, who can help devise a treatment plan for you.

How to get rid of diarrhea without treatment?

To help you cope with your signs and symptoms until the diarrhea goes away, try to: Drink plenty of clear liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal.

How long does it take for diarrhea to clear?

Most cases of diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you've tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for diarrhea without success, your doctor might recommend medications or other treatments.

What test can help with diarrhea?

Blood test. A complete blood count test can help indicate what's causing your diarrhea. Stool test. Your doctor might recommend a stool test to see if a bacterium or parasite is causing your diarrhea. Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

What tests can be done to diagnose diarrhea?

Diagnosis. Your doctor will ask about your medical history, review the medications you take, conduct a physical exam and may order tests to determine what's causing your diarrhea. Possible tests include: Blood test. A complete blood count test can help indicate what's causing your diarrhea. Stool test.

What to do if you are vomiting and drinking liquids?

If drinking liquids upsets your stomach or causes vomiting, your doctor might recommend getting IV fluids. Water is a good way to replace fluids, but it doesn't contain the salts and electrolytes — minerals such as sodium and potassium — that are essential for your body to function.

How to get rid of a bowel movement?

Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken. Avoid certain foods such as dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or highly seasoned foods for a few days. Ask about anti-diarrheal medications.

What is the best diet for diarrhea?

There is a diet out there called the BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast. It is all about eating soft and bland foods when dealing with diarrhea. It's a pretty basic diet but the foods recommended are good choices.

Is diarrhea easy to get rid of?

Diarrhea is probably easier to avoid in the first place than to get rid of once you already have it . The easiest way to do so is simply to eat a well-balanced diet that seems healthy… Generally speaking you want to have lots of colors in your meals and avoid things that are overly spicy, sugary or acidic.

Is fiber bad for diarrhea?

Not all fiber is a bad choice during a time of diarrhea, but generally speaking it is best to avoid it and eat foods that don't contain too much. These include things like…

Can oranges cause diarrhea?

We all know that oranges and some of the other citrus fruits are extremely good sources of vitamin C. However, they will not be listed here due to their acidity, which can increase stomach irritation and just lead to more diarrhea in some cases. The same goes for tomatoes.

What foods should I eat if I have diarrhea?

People with diarrhea should eat bland foods, as spicy or complex foods can irritate the bowels. Bland foods that may help with diarrhea include: hot cereals, such as oatmeal, cream of wheat, or rice porridge. bananas. applesauce. plain white rice. bread or toast. boiled potatoes. unseasoned crackers.

How to help a person with diarrhea?

Home care. 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.

Why should I stick to bland foods?

Spicy ingredients can act as irritants in the digestive system. This is why people dealing with diarrhea should stick to bland foods, as they pose the least risk of agitating the digestive system.

How often does diarrhea disappear?

Most people will experience an episode of diarrhea at least once or twice a year that will disappear in a couple of days. Luckily, there are many foods to eat that may help a person reduce the symptoms of diarrhea. There are also some foods to avoid when dealing with a bout of diarrhea, and some additional home care tips to consider.

How long does diarrhea last?

It is a common problem and may occur a couple of times each year. Diarrhea will usually last no more than 3 days. Soft, bland foods, such as toast, will help to absorb excess water and ease the symptoms of diarrhea.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

In addition to loose or runny stools, diarrhea is also associated with other digestive symptoms, including: cramps. abdominal bloating and pain. a bubbly feeling in the intestines. an urgent need to have a bowel movement. nausea. vomiting. fever.

Can sugary foods cause diarrhea?

Sugary foods and artificial sweeteners. Sugars that pass into the colon may disrupt the already sensitive bacteria there, making diarrhea worse. This includes fruit juices and high-sugar fruits. People with diarrhea should also avoid artificial sweeteners, as some can have a laxative effect.

What to eat when you have an upset stomach?

Yogurt. While you should avoid dairy when you have an upset stomach, yogurt is a good addition to your diet for maintaining good bacteria and easing bloat to prevent stomach discomfort. ThitareeSarmkasat/iStock/Getty Images.

What to do when you have stomach problems?

The main thing to remember any time you are having stomach problems is to stay thoroughly hydrated. This means drinking plenty of clear liquids, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine. If you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, it is best to stick to bland foods.

Is toast good for an upset stomach?

Plain white toast is good for easing an upset stomach because it is bland and easily digestible. Avoid whole grains when you have an upset stomach because the added fiber can exacerbate problems.

Does apple cider vinegar help with stomach upset?

Apple cider vinegar is said to calm an upset stomach by balancing pH. Be sure to dilute a small amount in a glass of water to make it more palatable.

Is diarrhea the worst thing?

Everyone would probably agree that having diarrhea is the worst. An upset stomach greatly disrupts quality of life until symptoms are resolved. Whether you have got nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, there are a variety of foods that can help ease and even cure diarrhea. No matter your symptoms, choosing the right foods ...

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Benefits

Loose, watery stools that lasts for more than 2 weeks. This causes abdominal cramps and bloating. It could be an infection or due to an underlying condition.
Condition Highlight
Urgent medical attention is usually recommended in severe cases by healthcare providers
Condition Highlight
Can be dangerous or life threatening if untreated
How common is condition?
Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
Is condition treatable?
Treatable by a medical professional
Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
Requires lab test or imaging
Time taken for recovery
Can last several days or weeks
Is condition preventable by vaccine?
May be preventable by vaccine
How is condition transmitted?
Transmitted easily if infectious
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How It Works

Considerations

How It Compares to Other Diets

Summary

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If you have diarrhea and potentially related symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, and bloating, a temporary switch to a limited diet may reduce stress on your digestive system. The diarrhea diet gives your bowels a chance to rest and helps to restore your body’s fluid and electrolytebalance. Simple food choices dec…
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A Word from Verywell

  • The foods in the diarrhea diet are simple because the idea is to give your body the break it needs. The diet may seem hard to follow, but it helps to know that you only need to stick with it temporarily. On the other hand, adding foods back too quickly may make your symptoms worse and your diarrhea last longer. You'll likely be making changes in how much fiber you eat each da…
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Diagnosis

  • Whenever you need to make changes to your diet, even if only temporarily, it’s important to consider how it will impact your life. Diarrhea usually isn't a long-term issue, but it can present some day-to-day challenges while you're dealing with it.
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Treatment

  • The diet recommendations for recovering from a brief bout of diarrhea overlap with those of other diets that can be used to treat chronic bowel conditions, or help people before and after surgery.
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Clinical Trials

  • You'll be able to manage a bout of diarrhea on your own in most cases, but that means changing what you eat and drink for a few days. The diarrhea diet will help you to recover by choosing foods that are gentle on your system while still providing key nutrients and fluids.
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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • At first, you may not mind being on a limited diet because you don’t feel well. If you’re tired and nauseated, then easily digested foods will be a comfort. But once you start feeling better, you may be eager to resume eating as usual. Pace yourself so the diarrhea doesn't return, and you'll get back to life (and your favorite tasty foods) a lot faster.
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