When you have diarrhea, sometimes the last thing you worry about is what to eat. In fact, there are times when you simply do not want to eat. However, keeping food in your stomach is important. It can help settle your stomach and expedite the healing time of your digestive tract, returning it to its normal state. It's important to know what to eat, though. Consuming the wrong foods can set you back.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea that comes on suddenly is acute, and generally lasts for a day or two, subsiding on its own. The most common causes are bacterial, viral or from parasites. In some cases diarrhea is chronic, meaning it is a long-term condition. In these instances the cause is usually functional or intestinal, explains the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Due to the loss of bodily fluids so frequently through the day, dehydration is a major concern. Your diet can help you recover more quickly.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a type of fiber, but there is more than one type. Insoluble fiber, which includes foods such as whole-wheat and white bread, potatoes, apples and pears, speeds the passage of stool through the intestines, preventing constipation. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, prolongs the time it takes for your stomach to empty. Examples of soluble fiber include brown rice, broccoli, carrots, grapefruit and oranges. Oatmeal is also a member of the soluble fiber family. It's bland in taste unless you flavor it with something such as milk, sugar or honey.
In the Beginning
For the first day or two, you want to give your intestines a chance to relax. Avoiding foods that aggravate your condition is the best way to do this. Liquids should be your primary source of nutrition, and can include clear broth, clear soda and water. Once your symptoms begin to subside, switch to a bland diet. Foods such as bananas, rice, toast and crackers help bind your stools. Oatmeal is considered bland and, being a soluble fiber, will not force stools through your digestive tract.
Additional Benefits
Oatmeal is not only beneficial when diarrhea strikes, but also helps you meet the recommended intake of 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day. MayoClinic.com explains that eating between five and 10 grams of soluble fiber each day can help decrease your amount of total cholesterol, and of low density lipoprotein, known as LDL or "bad," cholesterol. Consuming 1 1/2 cups of oatmeal each day provides you with six grams.
