Your diet is one of the most important aspects of treating and controlling diarrhea. Diarrhea is a symptom and is not a condition in itself. In order to effectively treat diarrhea, you need to talk with your doctor for a diagnosis. One of the most common causes of diarrhea is the stomach flu or gastroenteritis. The stomach flu causes excessive diarrhea and vomiting and treated with rest, drinking plenty of fluids and modifying your diet. Some causes of diarrhea, such as a food allergy are treated with complete avoidance of certain foods.
Bulk Forming Foods
Bulk forming foods create firm stool. These foods are typically low in fiber, plain and cause your stool to congeal. Constant diarrhea and vomiting may require that you stop eating and drinking for 1 to 2 hours to allow your stomach muscles to settle. Slowly introduce bland and bulk-forming foods. Common bulk forming foods include white bread, white rice, bananas and apples or applesauce. Avoid drinking apple juice because it contains a sugar that can make diarrhea worse.
Yogurt
Yogurt is recommended by MedlinePlus to shorten the course of diarrhea and make it less severe. Use yogurt that is low in fat and does not contain any added sugar. Fat and excessive sugar can prolong the condition. Yogurt contains probiotics -- healthy bacteria that help promote regularity. Diarrhea can kill or expel the beneficial bacteria in your colon. Eating yogurt helps to replace the lost bacteria. If you cannot eat dairy products, you can take a probiotic supplement to achieve the same benefit.
Adding Bland Foods
Once your diarrhea is starting to subside, you can add other bland foods that are low in fiber and low in fat. Foods that you can add include crackers, cooked potatoes, boiled carrots, skinless chicken and baked fish. Avoid eating foods that contain spices or are highly processed, such as fast food. Do not add any condiments or seasoning to bland foods, such as ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise.
Consideration
Liquid intake is important to prevent dehydration from diarrhea. Dehydration is the most common complication of diarrhea that can be prevented by drinking more water, fruit juices, herbal teas, chicken broth and sports drinks. If you feel faint, your lips are dry, you are thirsty and your skin appears pale, call your doctor.
