Diarrhea is defined as passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day. The condition can be dangerous and might be a symptom of a serious underlying health problem, such as bowel disease or a food allergy. It can also be caused by food poisoning. Discuss your digestive problems with your doctor before attempting to treat them yourself.
Foods to Avoid
Under your doctor's guidance, change your diet to decrease the frequency and severity of the diarrhea. Typical dietary changes include avoiding foods and liquids that worsen your symptoms. For example, caffeine can irritate your digestive tract, so don't drink coffee or energy drinks until the diarrhea subsides. Avoid high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain breads and pasta. Greasy or sweet foods also might worsen your digestive problems, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC.
Lactose Intolerance
You might experience a temporary intolerance to products containing lactose, which is a form of sugar found in dairy products. Avoid cheeses, milk, cream and any other milk-based product that causes problems. Note that yogurt with active, live bacterial cultures might help you recover from your bout of diarrhea, so ask your doctor which types or brands are appropriate for your condition.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are substances that help regulate fluid levels in your body. When you have diarrhea, dehydration is a constant threat due to the loss of water and electrolytes. Consequently, your doctor might advise you to incorporate specially prepared electrolyte solutions into your daily diet. Dehydration can be deadly, so don't attempt to create your own electrolyte solution to hydrate yourself. Instead, ask your doctor to recommend a commercially available solution.
Foods to Eat
Choose bland foods, such as bananas, plain rice, toast, boiled potatoes, skinless baked chicken, cooked carrots and crackers. The NDDIC says these types of foods are appropriate for those suffering from diarrhea. Once your symptoms subside, your doctor likely will permit you to gradually restore spicier, more flavorful foods to your diet.
Permanent Dietary Changes
Your doctor might perform some tests to determine if you have a food allergy or intolerance that leads to diarrhea. For example, you might have an intolerance for or allergy to gluten, which is a form of protein found in some grains. If you do have difficulty digesting certain types of foods, work with your doctor and a nutritionist to create an eating plan that eliminates problem foods and provides substitutes to supply any nutrients missing from your new diet.
