When diarrhea strikes, simplicity is the key to recovery. If your digestive system is in turmoil, managing symptoms by monitoring what you eat can help your body recover. Often, sticking to the BRAT diet and similar gentle foods, staying hydrated, and giving your gut the time it needs to recover is the quickest path to recovery.
BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are gentle on your stomach and can help firm up your stools. They’re bland, low in fiber, and high in starch, making them easier to digest.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so drinking plenty of fluids is crucial. Water is great, but you might also need an oral rehydration solution or drinks with electrolytes to replace lost salts and minerals.
Electrolyte-heavy drinks such as Gatorade® or Pedialyte® offer a bonus because of the amount of sodium and sugar in the drink. The sodium slows fluid loss and helps with fluid retention, while the sugar helps your body absorb electrolytes, providing a proper hydration balance.
Salt contains sodium (along with chloride), which — as we mentioned above — helps maintain fluid levels. Nibbling on saltine crackers or pretzels can give you a quick boost of sodium while also being gentle on your stomach.
As you start feeling better, you can introduce other foods like:
Each of these foods provides nutrients without being too harsh on your digestive system.
Your intestinal flora is often disrupted during bouts of diarrhea. Foods like yogurt with active cultures can reintroduce beneficial bacteria into your gut and help restore the natural balance.
As important as eating the right foods when you have diarrhea, avoiding food that might trigger more stomach distress and worsen the situation is equally important. Foods to avoid include:
A bout of diarrhea should last for a relatively short amount of time. If it continues for more than a few days despite diet modifications, increased fluid intake, and anti-diarrheal medications, it’s time to talk with your doctor.
Red-flag symptoms associated with diarrhea that require prompt medical attention include:
Remember, when you have diarrhea, it’s not just about what you eat but also about giving your digestive system a chance to recover. Start with simple, bland foods and gradually reintroduce your regular diet as your symptoms improve.
If your diarrhea is chronic or persistent, schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist today!
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