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What To Eat When Suffering From Diarrhea

What to eat when suffering from diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common health condition in which the stool becomes watery and loose. Most of the people experience diarrhea once or twice in a year, which may last for two to three days. Over-the-counter medicines are recommended for immediate relief from the discomforts of the disease.

The cause of diarrhea varies from one person to another. The most common causes of diarrhea include food intolerance, food allergy, stomach flu, side-effects of medication, a dysfunction in the intestines, viral infection, parasitic infection, etc.

What To Eat When Suffering From Diarrhea
Sometimes, a serious underlying medical condition may cause diarrhea. Stress can also be a reason for diarrhea.

Whatever be the reason, one needs to keep an eye on his/her diet when suffering from an episode of diarrhea. There are a few foods that must be completely avoided and some other foods that can help in controlling the symptoms of diarrhea.

Given below are the best foods one can have when suffering from diarrhea.

What are the foods that can help stop diarrhea?
The foods that can control the symptoms of diarrhea and/or stop it are:

  • White bread – White bread is free of fiber and is an ideal food for people who are suffering from diarrhea.
  • Honey – In diarrhea, the body tends to get dehydrated and loses essential nutrients. Mixing two spoons of honey in a cup of boiled water can help in rehydrating the body. It can also bring relief from intestinal woes.
  • Peppermint tea – Peppermint tea is a good rehydrating agent. It helps to calm down and eases the bowels.
  • Bananas – Bananas contain easily digestible carbohydrates. This ensures not too much strain is put on the body for the digestive processes.
  • Broth – Sipping broth is advised as it helps in rehydration of the body.
  • Eggs – Eating well-cooked eggs without butter or oil also aid in controlling diarrhea symptoms.
  • Potatoes – Potatoes in the form of mashed potatoes are easily digested, additionally, they contain potassium, which is beneficial to the body.

What are the foods that cause diarrhea?
The foods that often cause diarrhea are:

  • FODMAP-rich foods – FODMAP is an acronym for different types of carbohydrates that include fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Foods rich in FODMAP can lead to diarrhea. Therefore, FODMAP-rich foods, such as beans, garlic, onions, etc., must be avoided.
  • Lactose – People who are lactose-intolerant may experience diarrhea when they consume dairy products like milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, butter, etc.
  • Caffeine – Some people experience diarrhea when they consume caffeine. Different sources of caffeine include chocolates, tea brews, soft drinks, coffee beverages, certain varieties of ice cream, etc.
  • High fat and spicy foods – Fried, spicy, and fat-rich foods are difficult for the body to digest and can lead to diarrhea.
  • Sugary foods – Consuming foods that have a high amount of fructose may sometimes lead to diarrhea.

What type of food must be avoided during an episode of diarrhea?
It is essential to avoid eating food cooked in unhygienic environments to avoid suffering from stomach flu that can lead to diarrhea. Additionally, there are certain types of food one can avoid when suffering from diarrhea, these are:

  • Dairy products – Lactose-rich foods, such as milk, cream, cheese, ice cream, sour cream etc., must be strictly avoided.
  • Fast foods – Greasy and fried foods can worsen the symptoms of diarrhea.
  • Artificial sweeteners – Sugar-free candies, sugar-free gum, diet sodas, etc. may sometimes have a laxative effect; therefore, foods containing artificial sweeteners must be avoided when suffering from diarrhea.
  • Gas-producing foods – Foods that cause excessive production of intestinal gas should be avoided. These foods include beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, peaches, plums, dried fruits, etc.
  • Alcoholic and carbonated beverages – Avoid drinking alcoholic, carbonated, and caffeinated drinks when suffering from diarrhea.

What foods to consume when suffering from diarrhea?
When suffering from diarrhea, it is essential to eat foods that do not aggravate the symptoms, these are:

  • Bread, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet)
  • Fruit juices without pulp
  • Cooked vegetables (without skin)
  • Cereals
  • Bread products (made of refined flour)
  • Chicken rice soup
  • Crackers (without any seasoning)

What are the home remedy foods for diarrhea?
Some home remedies that can ease the symptoms of diarrhea are:

  • Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, and it soothes stomach discomforts.
  • Oatmeal – It is one of the best foods to eat while recovering from diarrhea as it is a rich soluble fiber.
  • Ginger – This is not only a recommended food to stop diarrhea, but also helps in relieving abdominal cramps.
  • Rice water – Rice water from boiling brown rice is ideal when suffering from diarrhea.
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