Acute diarrhea
During and shortly after an acute attack of diarrhea, a "diet for diarrhea" should focus on: Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes Avoiding certain foods that can make diarrhea worse, such as fried foods Including foods that are easy to digest, such as plain rice.
Replacing Fluids and Electrolytes
Although water is extremely important in preventing dehydration, it does not contain electrolytes. Good choices to help maintain electrolyte levels include broth or soups (which contain sodium) and certain fruit juices, soft fruits, or vegetables (which contain potassium).
Foods to Avoid as Part of the "Diarrhea Diet"
While you are waiting for the diarrhea to end, you should avoid foods that can make it worse, for example:
- Milk and milk products (except yogurt), such as ice cream or cheese
- High-fat or greasy foods, such as fried foods
- Very sweet foods, such as cakes and cookies
- Foods that have a lot of fiber, such as citrus fruits
- Apple juice, pear juice, and cherry juice (white grape juice is a good alternative)
- Any foods that contain Olestra®, such as fat-free potato chips or fat-free ice cream
- Sugar-free gum or mints
- Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or soda.
As you recover from a bout of diarrhea, the best foods to start eating are easily digested, high-carbohydrate foods. These include:Bananas
- Plain rice
- Boiled potatoes
- Toast
- Crackers
- Cooked carrots
- Baked chicken without the skin or fat.
