When you have diarrhea, it is often hard to eat much. But you need to eat a healthy diet to help reduce your trips to the bathroom and replenish nutrients that are lost in your loose, watery stools. Food good for diarrhea includes bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, plain crackers and soups. You should also eat lean meats, poultry and eggs. You can add foods to your diet as you start to feel better.
You can find many of the foods in a diarrhea diet at your grocery store. Look for foods that are low in fiber and fat, so they will travel through your digestive tract quickly without adding to your diarrhea. Foods that are high in fat or are fried should be avoided until your gut function returns to normal. This may take a few days or more.
Some foods that are considered dietary staples are easy to digest, including white rice, potatoes and cereals like cream of wheat, cornmeal and oatmeal. You can eat vegetables, but be sure to cook them and remove any seeds and skins. Fruits should be cooked, but not overly softened. You can also eat frozen vegetables and canned fruit. Try to eat a variety of foods throughout the day, instead of three big meals.
Be sure to hydrate with fluids, such as water, broth and sports drinks. This will help replace the electrolytes that are lost in your stool. Avoid carbonated beverages and those with a lot of sugar, which can worsen your diarrhea. If you are breastfeeding, you should continue to consume milk. However, if dairy makes your diarrhea worse or causes gas and bloating, you can substitute other low-fat sources of calcium, such as yogurt.
Yogurt is also a good source of probiotics, which can improve digestion and promote a healthier bowel. Look for brands that have live or active cultures and no added sugars. If you are feeling up to it, try eating yogurt with some pieces of fresh fruit. Other foods with probiotics include sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir. You can also purchase kombucha, which contains beneficial bacteria that can also improve digestion. If you are unsure about what to eat, ask your health care provider or dietitian for advice. They can help you develop a food plan that is safe for your condition and pregnancy. They can also tell you if you should add in any supplements to help with your diarrhea. These supplements could include probiotics or an anti-diarrheal medication. They can also help you decide whether a special diet is necessary for your condition, such as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast). If you have an underlying medical condition that needs to be managed with your diet, such as diabetes, talk to your healthcare team about the best ways to manage it. They can also recommend the right diet to help treat your condition and prevent diarrhea.