You have diarrhea when your stools are frequent, loose and watery. Most people have an occasional bout of diarrhea, and most types go away without special medical treatment, but you may be able to improve your symptoms by eating gentle foods during recovery. Talk to your doctor if symptoms persist despite attempts to treat your diarrhea at home.
The BRAT Diet
A diet of bland foods is generally most helpful when you're recovering from diarrhea or nausea. One popular bland diet, called the BRAT diet, stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. This diet consists of binding foods that help keep your stools firmer, but also allows bananas, which help your body get back some of the nutrients it lost due to diarrhea, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Other Important Nutrients
Other bland foods you may gradually include in your bland diet are crackers, boiled potatoes, cooked carrots, eggs and skinless chicken with fat removed. Another beneficial food is yogurt, which contains live and active cultures. These beneficial bacteria can help reduce diarrhea's severity and may even shorten its duration. Clear liquids such as broth, water, juice and gelatin can also be gentle on the stomach and help replace fluids you lost through diarrhea. Milk may be an option if your diarrhea is mild and you're not lactose sensitive. However, if your diarrhea is moderate or severe or you are sensitive to lactose, an electrolyte solution from a nearby grocery store may be a better option, according to MedlinePlus.
Risky Foods
You can generally return to your normal diet as soon as your diarrhea stops, but avoid sugary, fatty or highly seasoned foods for two or three days to reduce irritation. High fiber foods such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread, apples, pears, beans and broccoli can also cause looser stools, so stick with lower-fiber nutritious options such as canned, skinless fruits, and vegetable juice with no pulp. Caffeine and alcohol can also be irritating, so avoid them until you know you're in the clear.
Considerations
You shouldn't have to follow a bland diet for more than a day or two after having diarrhea. You risk becoming malnourished if you stick to this type of diet more than a few days, which could make it harder to recover, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Call your doctor if your symptoms have lasted longer than a couple of days, or if you have chronic diarrhea. You may have a digestive disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease and need specialized treatment.
