If you have loose, watery stools more than three times a day, you have diarrhea, as defined by MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. Treatment of diarrhea varies and depends on the cause. You can alleviate some of your symptoms, and help prevent dehydration, by altering your diet while you have diarrhea.
Low Fiber
Fibrous foods may irritate your bowel and aggravate diarrhea. The American Dietetic Association advises grain products with less than 2g of fiber per serving. Choose bread, bagels, crackers and pasta made from white flour. Cook vegetables and eat soft fruits without skin or seeds, such as bananas or melon.
Low Fat
High-fat, greasy food can make diarrhea worse. Limit fatty foods like oil, butter, cream and mayonnaise to 8 tsp. daily. Avoid nuts and nut butters, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and fried chicken or fish while you have diarrhea. Choose low-fat or nonfat yogurt, plain breads and crackers, and well-cooked protein foods without added fat.
Probiotics
If you are lactose intolerant, limit milk products, states the American Dietetic Association, as they can exacerbate your diarrhea. Otherwise, enjoy foods with probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that, according to MedlinePlus, shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms of diarrhea. Choose yogurt or kefir with live active cultures, or take a supplement.
Beverages
You may need to drink more fluids to stay hydrated during bouts of diarrhea. The ADA recommends drinking at least eight to 10 cups of caffeine-free, alcohol-free liquid, such as broth, fruit juice and water, daily. Limit beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup or sorbitol. Drink electrolyte solutions to replace important nutrients lost with diarrhea, such as potassium and sodium.
Sample Menu
The ADA suggests a variety of foods to provide adequate nutrition during mild diarrhea. Choose a low-fiber cereal with soy milk and half a banana for breakfast. Consume a light snack of decaffeinated tea and graham crackers. For lunch, eat chicken and rice soup with cooked carrots, white toast with thinly-spread jelly and applesauce. Another snack could consist of crackers and fruit juice. Have a light dinner of baked chicken, mashed potatoes without skin and cooked green beans. For an evening snack, enjoy a cup of flavored yogurt. Throughout the day, consume allowed beverages to maintain hydration.
