Diarrhea is usually a temporary symptom characterized by frequent watery, liquid stools and abdominal discomfort. Diarrhea is sometimes indicative of an underlying medical condition, such as the inflammatory bowel disease Crohn's. The condition in healthy adults and children is usually caused by foods or a viral illness, according to Medicalmoment.org. Whereas certain foods like dairy and fried foods can exacerbate diarrhea, many foods can help stop diarrhea.
Soft and Bland Foods
Many soft foods will help stop the irritation and toxins causing diarrhea. Medline Plus suggests dry toast and crackers, as bland foods will not irritate the stomach and intestines and can absorb extra fluids in the intestines. Leave the spices and seasonings alone until the diarrhea passes, as these condiments can upset the intestines and make the diarrhea worse. Bananas, steamed rice, boiled vegetables like potatoes and broiled skinless chicken are easy for the body to digest and full of nutrients.
Fiber and Yogurt
Certain types of diarrhea will respond better to specific food choices. Although dairy is not recommended as it can prolong diarrhea, the lactobacillus bacteria in yogurt can curb diarrhea related to a virus or food poisoning. Diarrhea will flush both good and bad bacteria from the intestines, allowing the overgrowth of the remaining bad bacteria. Lactobacillus is a good bacterium that keeps the bad diarrhea-producing diarrhea in check. Medline Plus suggests that certain chronic diarrheas, such as those with Crohn's disease or diverticulitis, respond well to increased dietary fiber such as wheat and bran.
Children's Foods
Children can dehydrate more quickly than adults and diarrhea can have serious consequences. The foods encouraged for children with diarrhea include bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, collectively known as the BRAT diet. This bland diet, paired with proper hydration, should stop the diarrhea in children and adults alike. These foods are to be consumed in their natural form; french toast and fried bananas does not count toward the toast and bananas of the BRAT diet.
Increased Hydration
Although increased hydration will not stop diarrhea, it will help to curb some of the side effects of diarrhea related to dehydration like headache and fatigue. Diarrhea flushes all fluids from the colon before they can be absorbed by the intestines leading to a state of dehydration. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests water, and barley or rice water for added hydration with a nutritional value during diarrhea.
