List of Foods to Eat when you have Diarrhea NHS: When you have diarrhea, it’s important to be careful about what you eat. The NHS suggests eating foods that are easy on your stomach. Stick to plain foods like rice, boiled potatoes, toast, and crackers.
Following these tips can help you feel better sooner, but if your symptoms don’t improve, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
What is Diarrhoea?
Diarrhea is when you have frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements. It means that your stomach and intestines are not working properly, causing your body to get rid of waste more quickly than usual.
Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, dietary changes, medications, or underlying health conditions.
Symptoms of diarrhea may include abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and dehydration. In most cases, diarrhea resolves on its own within a few days. However, severe or prolonged diarrhea may require medical attention to prevent complications such as dehydration.
Treatment involves staying hydrated, consuming easily digestible foods, and sometimes, medications to address underlying causes or symptoms.
List of Foods to Eat when you have Diarrhea NHS
When experiencing diarrhea, it’s essential to consume foods that are gentle on the stomach and help alleviate symptoms. The NHS recommends the following foods to eat when you have diarrhea:
1. Bananas
2. Plain Rice
3. Eggs
4. Broth
5. Crackers
6. Yogurt
7. Barley
8. Canned Peaches
9. Boiled Potatoes
10. Boiled or steamed chicken
1. Bananas
Bananas are an excellent choice during diarrhea because they are rich in potassium an electrolyte that may be lost due to fluid loss from diarrhea. Potassium helps maintain proper fluid balance and muscle function in the body. Bananas are also easy to digest and provide a source of natural sugars for energy.
2. Plain Rice
Plain white rice is a bland and starchy food that is easy on the digestive system. It helps bind stools together and can reduce the frequency of bowel movements. When cooked plain and without added fats or spices, white rice provides a source of carbohydrates for energy without irritating the stomach. Rice is also low in fiber, which can help ease digestive discomfort during episodes of diarrhea.
3. Eggs
Eggs are a good source of protein and essential nutrients, making them a suitable option for individuals with diarrhea. They are easy to digest and provide amino acids necessary for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.
Boiled or scrambled eggs are preferred over fried eggs, as frying can add excess fat and may worsen diarrhea symptoms. Eggs can be consumed plain or added to dishes like rice or broth for extra protein and nutrition.
4. Broth
Clear broths made from chicken, beef, or vegetables are hydrating and provide essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium. These electrolytes help replace fluids lost during diarrhea and maintain proper hydration levels in the body.
Broths are also easy to digest and provide a source of nourishment without adding excess fat or fiber that can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. Warm broth can help soothe the stomach and alleviate discomfort.
5. Crackers
Plain crackers or rice cakes are light and bland snacks that are gentle on the stomach. They provide a source of carbohydrates for energy without adding excess fat or fiber, which can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.
Crackers are easy to digest and can be consumed plain or paired with other easily digestible foods like broth or bananas. They can also help absorb excess fluid in the digestive system, leading to firmer stools.
6. Yogurt
Unsweetened yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. Probiotics may help alleviate symptoms of diarrhea and promote overall digestive health.
Yogurt is easy to digest and provides a source of protein and calcium. It is important to choose plain yogurt without added sugars or artificial sweeteners as these can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.
7. Barley
Barley is a whole grain that is rich in soluble fiber, which can help absorb excess fluid in the intestines and bulk up stools. Cooked barley is easy to digest and provides a source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It can be added to soups, stews, or porridge for extra nutrition and texture. Barley is also low in fat and can help regulate bowel movements during episodes of diarrhea.
8. Canned Peaches
Canned peaches are a soft and easily digestible fruit that can provide natural sugars for energy during diarrhea. They are hydrating and contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium.
Canned peaches can be eaten plain or added to yogurt, oatmeal, or cottage cheese for extra flavor and nutrition. It is important to choose canned peaches packed in water or natural juice rather than heavy syrup to avoid added sugars and excess calories.
9. Boiled Potatoes
Potatoes are a starchy vegetable that is easy to digest and provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy. Boiling potatoes makes them soft and easy to chew, which can be beneficial during episodes of diarrhea.
Potatoes are also low in fat and fiber which can help ease digestive discomfort. They can be consumed plain or mashed for added texture and flavor. It is best to avoid adding butter, oil, or heavy sauces to boiled potatoes, as these can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.
10. Boiled or Steamed Chicken
Lean proteins like chicken are gentle on the stomach and provide essential nutrients without adding excess fat or fiber. Boiling or steaming chicken makes it easier to digest and reduces the risk of irritation to the digestive tract.
Chicken is a good source of protein, which is necessary for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. It can be consumed plain or added to dishes like rice or broth for extra protein and nutrition. It is important to avoid frying or grilling chicken, as these cooking methods can add excess fat and may worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Foods to avoid when you have Diarrhea
When dealing with diarrhea, it’s important to avoid certain foods and beverages that can worsen symptoms and irritate the digestive system.
Here’s a detailed list of foods to avoid when you have diarrhea:
1. Fatty Foods
2. Spicy Foods
3. Dairy Products
4. High-Fiber Foods
5. Sugary Foods and Beverages
6. Caffeinated Beverages
7. Alcohol
8. Artificial Sweeteners
9. Highly Acidic or Citrus Fruits
10. Carbonated Beverages
1. Fatty Foods
Foods high in fat, such as fried foods, greasy snacks, and fatty meats, can be difficult to digest and may exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. These foods can stimulate the intestines and lead to increased bowel movements.
2. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods, including hot peppers, chili peppers, and spicy sauces, can irritate the digestive tract and cause discomfort during diarrhea. Spices like chili powder, cayenne pepper, and curry powder should be avoided to prevent further irritation.
3. Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream contain lactose, a sugar that can be difficult to digest for some individuals, especially those with lactose intolerance. Consuming dairy products during diarrhea can worsen symptoms like bloating, cramps, and gas.
4. High-Fiber Foods
High-fiber foods, such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, and fruits with skins or seeds, can be hard to digest and may increase bowel movements. Fiber adds bulk to stools, which can worsen diarrhea and lead to more frequent trips to the bathroom.
5. Sugary Foods and Beverages
Sugary foods and beverages, including candy, cookies, cakes, pastries, sugary drinks, and fruit juices, can draw excess water into the intestines and exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. Sugary foods can also ferment in the gut and produce gas, bloating, and discomfort.
6. Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeine-containing beverages like coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas can have a laxative effect and stimulate bowel movements. These beverages can also contribute to dehydration by increasing urine production.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol is dehydrating and can irritate the digestive tract, leading to increased bowel movements and exacerbating diarrhea symptoms. It’s best to avoid alcohol until diarrhea resolves to prevent dehydration and further discomfort.
8. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol are commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, and diet products. These sweeteners can have a laxative effect and may worsen diarrhea symptoms in some individuals.
9. Highly Acidic or Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are acidic and can irritate the stomach lining, leading to increased gastric motility and diarrhea. Avoid consuming large amounts of citrus fruits or acidic juices when experiencing diarrhea.
10. Carbonated Beverages
Carbonated drinks like soda and sparkling water can contribute to gas and bloating, exacerbating symptoms of diarrhea.
Conclusion
When you have diarrhea it is important to eat foods that are easy on your stomach and avoid ones that can make it worse. Stick to simple, bland foods like bananas, plain rice, eggs, broth, crackers, yogurt, barley, canned peaches, boiled potatoes, and boiled or steamed chicken. These foods are gentle on your digestive system and can help you feel better faster.
Avoid foods that are high in fiber, fat, spice, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners, as they can irritate your stomach and make diarrhea worse. Drinking plenty of water and other hydrating fluids is also important to stay hydrated. If your diarrhea persists or you have severe symptoms, it’s best to see a doctor for advice.
Also Read
21 Best High Fiber Foods You Should Eat Everyday!
Top 9 Healthy High-Fat Foods for Optimal Health
Healthy Benefits and Side Effects of Plant-Based Diet
FAQs on List of Foods to Eat when you have Diarrhea NHS
What should I eat when I have diarrhea?
When you have diarrhea it is best to stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods. The NHS recommends eating foods like bananas, plain rice, eggs, broth, crackers, yogurt, barley, canned peaches, boiled potatoes, and boiled or steamed chicken.
Why are these foods recommended?
These foods are gentle on the stomach and provide important nutrients without irritating your digestive system further. They can help replace lost nutrients and fluids while giving your gut a chance to recover.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
Yes, it’s best to avoid foods that are high in fiber, fat, spice, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners, as they can worsen diarrhea and irritate your stomach.
How can I stay hydrated?
It’s essential to drink plenty of fluids when you have diarrhea to prevent dehydration. Water, clear broths, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich drinks like sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
When should I see a doctor?
If your diarrhea persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by severe symptoms like high fever, blood in the stool, or dehydration, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.