The watery stool, abdominal cramps and frequent urge to defecate that characterize diarrhea can be healed with high-fiber foods. Plant fiber or roughage not only absorbs extra water that occurs in diarrhea, it also bulks to distend intestines and help cleanse intestinal walls of bacteria or other harmful material that may have helped cause the diarrhea. By introducing more fiber into your diet, a balanced intestinal tract will also stop the fluctuation from constipation and diarrhea that characterizes irritable bowel syndrome.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are one fibrous food that can help heal diarrhea. According to the Nexium Research website, whole grains may be found in both breads like rye, wheat and oat based breads as well as whole grain cereals and brown rice. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends eating a minimum of 3 ounces of whole grain foods daily. It states "whole grain" should be printed on the packaging, which indicates the unrefined complete grain kernel (bran, germ, and endosperm) was used in the food.
Vegetables
Vegetables are another plant-based food that provides dietary fiber for colon health and healing from diarrhea. The Nexium Research website advises a diet that includes cabbage and legumes like peas, lentils and beans. The U.S.D.A. website recommends active young men eat three cups of a variety of vegetables daily, especially dark green and orange vegetables. Women and children should eat at least two cups of vegetables daily. The less refined the vegetables, the better, so no extra sugar or sodium is added and fiber is left intact. Both raw and cooked vegetables can go on the menu so variety keeps your interest.
Fruits
Fruits provide dietary fiber which can help provide the bulk to absorb extra water in the digestion process. Apples, pears, oranges and grapefruit all provide dietary fiber, but should be introduced to the low-fiber diet gradually so as not to further irritate the intestinal tract, according to the G. I. Care website. The U.S.D.A. website states "any fruit or 100-percent fruit juice counts as part of the fruit group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed." Again, variety keeps the choices interesting with daily minimum amounts ranging from one cup daily with children to two cups for adults.
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