Sometimes diarrhea cannot be prevented because of illness or food poisoning, but you can prevent loose stools from forming by watching what you eat. Certain foods are easy to digest and can help promote solid stools. Some foods can cause irritation to your digestive tract and can cause diarrhea-like stools shortly after eating them. You should avoid these foods. If you notice you have chronic diarrhea and a change in diet doesn't make a difference, call your doctor for further evaluation.
Foods to Eat
A healthy meal plan to prevent diarrhea will include fruits, vegetables and starchy foods that are moderate in fiber and low in fat. Foods that are good to eat to prevent diarrhea include potatoes, carrots, bananas, white rice, white bread, crackers, baked chicken without the skin, fish and yogurt. Yogurt contains healthy bacteria that helps promote regular bowel movements and healthy digestion. Eat yogurt that is low in fat and low in sugar. Yogurt that is high in fat and sugar may worsen diarrhea. If you notice a certain food causes diarrhea, discontinue eating it and talk with your doctor.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that are difficult to digest and can promote irritation to the small intestines. Common foods that can cause diarrhea are foods that are high in fat, fried foods, foods that are high in fiber, alcohol, caffeine and dairy products. Not all these foods will affect everyone the same way. For example, you may need to eat 50 g of fiber daily to maintain regularity, while someone else may only need 25 g. If you develop diarrhea, avoid caffeine and alcohol, because they can promote dehydration.
Meal Considerations
Do not overeat. Overeating can cause some of your food to not get fully digested and expelled from the body faster than normal. Drink more liquids. If you become dehydrated, you can develop diarrhea, which will cause you to lose more liquid. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, chicken broth and fruit juices. If you notice artificial sweeteners cause loose stools, stop using them. You may have a food intolerance to certain chemicals used in artificial sweeteners.
Consideration
Diarrhea is not a medical condition but rather a symptom. If you notice you have diarrhea often, you need to see a doctor. You may have a digestive condition, such as food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease or a food allergy.
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