Having frequent, loose bowel movements is not only unpleasant, but can compromise health by leading to dehydration. Although refusing to eat or drink may seem like a solution, it is vital to continue taking in food and fluids to replace water and electrolyte losses. Certain foods worsen diarrhea, but others help to firm the stools and resolve this condition.
Clear Liquids
It is essential to maintain adequate fluid intake, especially in severe cases of diarrhea. Liquids that are clear are best tolerated. Examples include ginger ale, fruit punch, apple juice, gelatin dessert, frozen pops and broth. These fluids provide sodium, potassium or calories from sugar that plain water does not. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse stresses the importance of drinking these fluids in addition to plain water to restore electrolytes. Over-the-counter electrolyte replacement formulas are made for repleting these essentials in children.
The BRAT Diet
FamilyDoctor.org explains how to follow the BRAT diet during a bout of diarrhea. The letters stand for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These are all bland foods that won't irritate the intestinal lining. The rice and applesauce help bind the stools to make them more firm. Bananas provide potassium, an important electrolyte in the body. This diet is not adequately balanced for long-term use; rather, it is a step between the clear liquid diet and the addition of more bland foods, as tolerated.
Progressing to Bland Foods
When solid foods are tolerated without worsening diarrhea or nausea, which should be in 24 to 48 hours, bland foods can be added into the diet gradually. Try adding crackers, boiled potatoes, sorbet or canned pears to a meal. CancerCare.org suggests choosing well-cooked lean meats in place of fried or fatty meats; well-cooked vegetables and canned fruits as opposed to stringy vegetables and whole or dried fruits; and foods low in lactose if dairy products worsen diarrhea.
Foods to Avoid
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends avoiding foods that are likely to aggravate diarrhea. Foods containing caffeine, dairy products with lactose, very high-fiber foods like raw vegetables, and greasy or fried foods can stimulate motility or irritate the lining of the intestine and worsen the condition. CancerCare.org lists other ingredients that can exacerbate diarrhea, including the sugar alcohols sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol. These sweeteners, found in sugar-free products like gum, candy and cookies, can have a laxative effect. Yale-New Haven Hospital reports common side effects of excess amounts include bloating and diarrhea.
When to Call the Doctor
Although diarrhea usually resolves on its own, some cases are due to a viral or bacterial infection that requires treatment with medication. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse advocates calling a physician when a person has a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more; severe pain; blood in the stool; indications of dehydration, such as constant thirst or less frequent urination; or diarrhea persisting for more than three days.
