What to eat for diarrhea? Grandma knows best!

Very irritating and almost everyone experiences it at some point: diarrhea. Diarrhea is a condition characterized by more frequent and watery stools than normal, which can lead to an increased risk of dehydration, especially in young children and the elderly.

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be caused by many factors such as viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, intolerance to certain foods, medications, and sometimes stress. Treatment mainly focuses on preventing dehydration through adequate hydration and replenishing electrolytes.

In cases of infectious causes, medications like antibiotics may sometimes be necessary, depending on the specific pathogen. It is important to seek medical advice if diarrhea is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, blood in the stool, or severe abdominal pain.

There are also over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help to quickly alleviate diarrhea. However, remember that diarrhea caused by a virus or bacteria usually resolves on its own within two to three days.

Regarding what to eat with diarrhea, grandma knows best. In this article, you will learn what you can eat and what you should avoid to get rid of diarrhea.

What is the best to eat with diarrhea?

Easily digestible foods such as vegetables, fruits (especially bananas), and whole grain products (such as whole wheat bread, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice) are most commonly eaten with diarrhea. Adding certain probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and kefir, can also help restore gut flora and reduce diarrhea.

Read also: Grandma’s tips against constipation

Easily digestible diet

Adults can also add other soft, easily digestible foods as diarrhea symptoms begin to improve, such as:

• Plain cornflakes
• Baked potatoes
• Chicken soup with crackers
• Baked skinless chicken breasts

Children with mild diarrhea who are not vomiting can continue to eat their normal diet. If your child starts vomiting and the diarrhea becomes more severe, it is best to contact their healthcare provider.

Fermented foods

Fermented foods are a natural source of probiotics. These good bacteria can quickly replace the natural bacteria in your gut lost due to diarrhea, helping to restore normal bowel function.

Some of these foods include:

• Miso
• Kombucha
• Sauerkraut
• Aged soft cheeses
• Cottage cheese
• Green olives
• Sourdough bread
• Tempeh

Kimchi is another popular fermented food, but it contains spices that can worsen your diarrhea.

It may be best to avoid some dairy products during diarrhea, but not all. Certain dairy products with live probiotic bacteria, such as yogurt or kefir – both of which are also fermented – are very beneficial.

What does not help against diarrhea?

Certain foods can worsen diarrhea. Do not eat or drink foods or beverages that cause flatulence, such as:

• Fried and other fatty or greasy foods
• High-fiber grains, such as bran, whole grains, and brown rice
• Carbonated drinks, such as soda or seltzer
• Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower
• Beans and legumes
• Bell peppers
• Corn
• Berries
• Prunes
• Foods sweetened with sorbitol

Which drinks help against diarrhea?

One of the biggest problems with diarrhea is dehydration. Loose stools can deplete your stores of water and electrolytes, minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This affects the body’s ability to function normally, which can have serious consequences – especially in young children.

To control mild diarrhea, you need to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes with:

• Plenty of water
• Clear broths
• Clear juices (no green juice smoothies)

Children, toddlers, and babies with mild diarrhea who are not vomiting can continue to drink what they normally drink, whether that is breast milk, cow's milk, or formula.

Rehydration drinks

Adults can drink electrolyte drinks. Young children may drink pediatric rehydration drinks if they have mild diarrhea and are also vomiting.

Other drinks

Some specific types of drinks are used as home remedies for diarrhea. These include rice water and certain herbal teas.

Rice water

This diarrhea remedy is often recommended for babies but can also help adults. The lightly starchy solution not only provides nutrients but is also binding.

Research shows that rice water helps reduce the frequency of loose stools better than electrolyte solutions.

How to make rice water:

• Combine 1 to 2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of white or brown rice (do not use instant type).
• Boil for 10 minutes or until the water looks cloudy.
• Drain, save the water, and let it cool.

You can drink rice water two to three times a day, 1 cup at a time.

Herbal tea

The following herbal teas can provide support, both hot or iced:

• Chamomile tea
• Green tea
• Lemongrass tea

Bananas are popular for diarrhea, grandma knows.

What should you definitely not drink according to grandma?

If you want to stop an attack of diarrhea quickly, it is best to avoid the following drinks (which have a laxative effect):

• Coffee
• Caffeine-containing drinks
• Prune juice
• Sugary drinks
• Soda
• Alcohol

It is also a good idea to avoid dairy products if you are lactose intolerant during diarrhea.

Reading tip: Bloated stomach? Grandma knows best

Diarrhea stoppers

It is generally not recommended to use anti-diarrhea agents such as Norit. Only do this if absolutely necessary, because diarrhea and vomiting are essential to expel pathogens from the body. If you do want to use diarrhea stoppers, use Norit. Norit is an activated carbon that can absorb germs.

What does Norit do?

Norit (with its activated carbon) plays a cleansing role by binding substances in the stomach and intestines, preventing them from entering the bloodstream. The activated carbon in Norit absorbs toxic substances, helps the body purify itself, and thus tackles the source of diarrhea: spoiled food.

When to seek medical help?

You should never ignore diarrhea. If you have loose stools for three days, do not try grandma's tips or other home remedies, but call your doctor immediately. On the other hand, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately if you or your child have persistent or severe diarrhea, or show signs of dehydration as listed below.

• Babies younger than 3 months with diarrhea should always see a doctor immediately. Do not wait and do not try to treat the condition at home.
• Signs of dehydration in adults
• Diarrhea for three days or longer
• Severe abdominal pain
• Black, tarry stools
• Fever above 39 degrees Celsius
• Little or no urination
• Extreme weakness
• Dry skin and mouth
• Excessive thirst
• Dark urine
• Blood or pus in the stool

Signs of dehydration in children

• Diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• No wet diapers in three hours
• Fever above 39 degrees Celsius or above 38 degrees Celsius for babies 3 months or younger
• Dry mouth or tongue
• Crying without tears
• Unusual drowsiness
• Black, tarry stools
• Sunken cheeks or eyes
• Blood or pus in the stool
• Severe abdominal pain

Frequently asked questions

What food should I eat if I have diarrhea?

Grandma does not recommend following a restrictive diet to treat diarrhea. But that doesn't mean all foods are equal in your situation. Vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products such as whole wheat bread, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice are generally best for diarrhea.

At the same time, avoid consuming high-fat, fried foods, and those rich in artificial sweeteners, as these can exacerbate symptoms. Maintaining a balanced diet with adequate hydration is crucial to promote recovery and prevent further irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Why do I get diarrhea after drinking?

Certain drinks such as alcohol, coffee, and prune juice have a laxative effect that can cause diarrhea. Soda, like cola, can also worsen diarrhea.

How do I prevent diarrhea?

It may not be possible to completely prevent diarrhea, but these steps can reduce the chances:

• Good hygiene. Washing your hands regularly throughout the day can reduce the spread of viruses that cause diarrhea.
• Get vaccinated against rotavirus, a gastrointestinal infection that can cause diarrhea and dehydration.
• Avoid eating spoiled food, store food at the recommended temperature, and cook food at the recommended temperature.

If you travel to other countries, avoid drinking tap water unless you know the water is safe.

Read also: What to do for heartburn, grandma knows best

Is it better to stop diarrhea or let it run its course?

If diarrhea is mild, resolves within a few days, and you show no signs of dehydration, you can let it run its course. See a doctor if it becomes severe. Always call a doctor if you have an infant with diarrhea.

Why does a banana stop loose stools?

Bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps normalize bowel function by absorbing water in the intestines, which can help thicken stool and reduce loose stools. A banana is also rich in potassium, an electrolyte lost with diarrhea, thereby restoring electrolyte balance. Additionally, bananas are easily digestible and provide nutrition without irritating the stomach.

Which home remedy helps against diarrhea?

The best grandma-knows-best home remedy – supported by contemporary insights – emphasizes the importance of vegetables, fruits (bananas), and whole grain products such as whole wheat bread, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, or brown rice for diarrhea, and avoiding certain foods and drinks that can worsen symptoms.

Probiotic-rich fermented foods can help restore the balance of gut flora. Maintaining hydration with appropriate fluids is also important, while the use of antidiarrheal agents like Norit should be limited to emergencies.

Medical help should be sought for persistent, severe symptoms or signs of dehydration. This holistic approach to diet and care contributes to effective relief and recovery from diarrhea.