Since diarrhea is one way your body eliminates toxic substances, the best solution is often to let it run its course. Run-of-the-mill diarrhea, the type caused by a viral infection or mild food indiscretion, which lasts for just a day or two, can often be managed with a strict, bland diet that contains just a few very specific foods. Even if you have a chronic condition that causes diarrhea, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms by altering your diet.
What to Eat
Start with the BRAT diet, so-called because it has traditionally been used to treat diarrhea in young children. The BRAT diet consists of bananas, plain white rice, unsweetened applesauce, and toasted white bread. These foods have a binding effect in the intestine. Cooked, strained carrots and mashed potatoes are also binders that should be easy on your stomach.
Add to that list any other bland, low-fiber foods you can tolerate, such as saltine and oyster crackers, pasta and boiled or poached eggs. Oatmeal and other hot cereals can also be beneficial. Do not add butter, oil, or any natural or artificial sweeteners to any of these foods.
Include plain, low-fat or fat-free unsweetened yogurt with live acidophiles cultures several times throughout the day.
Drink plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration, including water, chicken broth, and non-citrus fruit juices diluted with water.
Eat small amounts of food more frequently, rather than sitting down to anything that resembles a full meal. Sip beverages slowly, and stop eating anything that seems to be upsetting your stomach or making your diarrhea worse.
What to Avoid
While diarrhea is active, avoid all greasy or high-fat foods, spicy foods, sugary desserts, and even most foods normally considered healthful, such as high-fiber whole-grain products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and gassy foods like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables, black beans, kidney beans, lentils, split peas and other legumes.
With the possible exception of yogurt, go easy on dairy products . Eliminate them completely for a day or two if you feel they are upsetting your stomach.
Stay away from sugar-free products that contain artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, including gum and candy. Avoid any food, beverage, or supplement that contains caffeine or alcohol.
Once your diarrhea has stopped, gradually resume normal eating.
When Food Cures Aren't Enough
Sometimes, even when you stick to a bland diet, diarrhea will not go away on its own. If you have diarrhea for more than two days, if you have a fever, or if you see blood or mucous in your stools, call your doctor. In addition to following a bland diet, you may need to take an anti-diarrheal medication, antibiotic, or other treatment, depending on the nature of your symptoms.
