What are the Best Foods to Manage Diarrhoea Symptoms?

Best Foods to Soothe Diarrhoea Symptoms & Speed Up Recovery

Diarrhoea can be painful and debilitating. However, appropriate food choices may help alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery. The key is to consume foods that are easy to digest, absorb excess water in the digestive tract, and replenish lost nutrients and electrolytes.

Read ahead to find the best foods to eat to manage diarrhoea symptoms.

Which Foods Help Manage Diarrhoea Symptoms Effectively?

Listed below are the foods that can effectively manage diarrhoea symptoms:

BRAT Diet

The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast) is often recommended for individuals with diarrhoea because it is easy to digest.

• Bananas:Bananas contain potassium, which helps replace electrolytes lost during diarrhoea. They also contain pectin, a soluble fibre that absorbs liquid in the intestine and helps form a bulk stool.
• White Rice:Plain white rice is a low-fibre, easy-to-digest food that can help make loose stools more solid by absorbing fluid in the gut.
• Applesauce:Like bananas, applesauce contains pectin, providing gentle sweetness and calories without irritating the stomach.
• Toast:Plain, dry white toast can help add bulk to your stool. Avoid butter or spreads that may worsen symptoms.

Boiled Potatoes

Simple, skinless-boiled potatoes are also a good source of carbohydrates for the stomach. They restore lost nutrients and energy. Avoid adding butter, cheese, or spices.

Yoghurt (with Probiotics)

Plain yoghurt with live active cultures (probiotics) can be beneficial once the initial phase of diarrhoea has passed. Probiotics help restore healthy gut bacteria and can shorten the duration of diarrhoea . Choose unsweetened, low-fat options to minimize further irritation of the gut.

Clear Broths and Soups

Chicken or vegetable broth can help keep you hydrated and provide essential nutrients, including sodium and other electrolytes. It is best to drink broths that have little fat and no spices. Warm liquids also calm the digestive system.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fibre that can help absorb excess water in the intestines. It’s gentle on the stomach and can provide a boost of energy. Prepare it with water or low-fat milk, and avoid sugar or heavy toppings.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas, like chamomile or ginger tea, can help soothe the intestines and reduce inflammation. They also help keep the body hydrated without adding stress to the digestive system.

Boiled or Steamed Carrots

Cooked carrots are a good source of soluble fibre and help bulk up the stool. They also provide vitamins like A and potassium, which are essential for recovery.

Which Foods to Avoid to Manage Diarrhoea Symptoms?

While managing diarrhoea, it is crucial to avoid the following foods:

• Fatty, fried, or spicy foods
• Dairy (except yoghurt with probiotics)
• High-fiber raw vegetables and fruits
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Sugary or carbonated drinks

Treating diarrhoea involves making careful food choices that soothe the digestive tract, replenish lost nutrients, and prevent further irritation. You can facilitate quicker recovery and reduce discomfort by focusing on easily digestible foods such as those found in the BRAT diet, clear liquids, and probiotic yoghurt.

It is just as important not to eat foods that could aggravate symptoms, such as fried, fatty, or spicy foods, and to stay well-hydrated. If diarrhoea lasts more than two days or if dehydration, fever, or blood in the stool develops, medical treatment is necessary.