Many individuals experience an occasional bout of diarrhea. Some conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, increase the incidence of loose stools. Eliminating certain foods, especially ones you are allergic to, may help reduce the occurrence of diarrhea. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, food allergies may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Ridding your diet of problem foods requires determining which ones may cause diarrhea, then substituting them with other food choices.
Step 1
Write down every item of food you consume during the course of the day. Commonly referred to as a food diary, this log helps you identify which foods may increase your risk of developing diarrhea. Make note of the type and amount of food, as well as the time you eat. Include drinks in your food diary as well, to eliminate these potential sources of digestive problems. List all seasonings and additives you use in recipes. Some of these, such as nutmeg and sorbitol, may increase your risk of developing loose stools.
Step 2
Keep track of your bowel movements in your diary, writing down the frequency and consistency of each movement. Examine the list of foods you consumed prior to experiencing diarrhea. According to Medline Plus, symptoms usually begin within two hours after eating the problematic food. Circle any common diarrhea triggers such as fatty foods and dairy products.
Step 3
Remove one of the suspect foods from your diet for a week at a time to help you determine whether it causes your diarrhea. For instance, replace milk with non-dairy products, such as soy and rice drinks. If you continue to experience frequent bouts of diarrhea, eliminate other types of foods listed in your food journal. Eliminating one food at a time will help you recognize which ones may cause diarrhea.
Step 4
Increase the amount of healthy foods you eat to provide a wide selection of tastes and flavors. Replacing eliminated foods with nutritious choices may help you consume a well-balanced diet. Consume foods that thicken the stools, such as rice, whole grains and bananas. Yogurt and cheese may also add bulk to your stools, provided you don't have an allergy to these dairy products.
