5 Foods to Eat for Less Diarrhea

Dealing with diarrhea can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but the right foods can help calm your digestive system.

Gentle, gut-friendly foods can make a difference if a stomach bug or food sensitivity is causing your symptoms.

Choosing the right type of food is even more critical if you have a digestive issue like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease — conditions that are notorious for causing chronic diarrhea. 

At Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC, our board-certified gastroenterology team can help you manage diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms in our Trinity, Florida, office.

In the meantime, here are five foods to eat for less diarrhea.

1. Bananas

Bananas are a go-to food for diarrhea because they are easy to digest and rich in pectin — a fiber that helps absorb excess water in the intestines. They also contain potassium, which helps replenish electrolytes lost due to frequent bowel movements.

Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are part of the BRAT diet. We recommend the BRAT diet to help relieve short-term diarrhea. These binding foods help combat loose, watery stools.

2. White rice

Plain white rice is low in fiber and easy on the stomach. It helps add bulk to stools and slows down bowel movements. Eating small portions of plain rice can soothe an irritated digestive tract while giving your body a simple source of energy.

3. Applesauce

Like bananas, applesauce contains pectin. It’s also gentle on the stomach and provides a quick source of energy. 

Tip: choose unsweetened applesauce to avoid unnecessary sugar, which can worsen diarrhea.

If apples bother you, consider pears. Pears also contain fiber and pectin. Eat fresh pear or plain pureed pears (available in fruit pouches), but skip any fruit canned in syrup. 

4. Plain toast

Plain white toast is another easy-to-digest, low-fiber food that helps absorb excess liquid in the digestive tract. Avoid adding butter, jam, or spreads that contain fat and sugar, as these can irritate your stomach. 

Plain crackers can also ease your digestive symptoms. Again, avoid any that contain cheese, spice, or added fats.

Note: not everyone does well with gluten. If gluten contributes to diarrhea — a common symptom for 43% of people with Celiac disease — avoid any toast or grains that contain gluten.

5. Eggs

Soft-cooked eggs can give you some protein without exacerbating your symptoms. Scrambled, poached, and hard-boiled eggs are easy to digest, but skip the butter, oil, and cheese when cooking them.

Clear broth, including vegetable, chicken, or beef broth, can also give you protein, electrolytes, and hydration.

Other tips to manage diarrhea

In addition to eating these gentle foods, be sure to:

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (water, electrolyte drinks, or herbal teas)
• Avoid greasy, spicy, dairy, and high-fiber foods, which can worsen symptoms
• Avoid sugar-free substitutes 
• Eat small, frequent meals instead of large portions

It’s also important to know your safe foods. If you’re battling IBS, for example,  you may have your list of trigger foods. Keep a food diary, and avoid anything that makes your symptoms worse.

If you’re taking medication for any gastroenterological condition, take it as directed. 

When to see a gastroenterologist 

If diarrhea lasts longer than a few days or severe symptoms accompany it, talk to us. Dr. Patel and the Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC team can review your symptoms, order labs to pinpoint the source of your diarrhea, and recommend the correct treatment.

If you need relief from chronic diarrhea, call us at 727-372-4500. You can also book an appointment through our online scheduling tool.