When experiencing diarrhea, it is best to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods that help firm up stools and avoid irritating the digestive system. The BRAT diet is commonly recommended, consisting of:
- Bananas: Gentle, easily digested, and rich in potassium which is often lost during diarrhea.
- Rice (white): Plain white rice helps bind stools.
- Applesauce: Contains pectin, which helps solidify stools, and is easier to digest than raw apples.
- Toast (white bread): Refined wheat bread is binding and less irritating than whole grains.
Other beneficial foods include:
- Plain pasta and boiled or steamed potatoes (without skins)
- Cooked carrots and squash
- Soft-cooked eggs
- Skinless chicken breast and lean meats (turkey, beef, pork, fish)
- Low-fat yogurt and kefir for probiotics to help restore gut balance
It is important to avoid dairy (except yogurt and kefir), fried foods, high- fiber foods, and raw fruits and vegetables with skins during diarrhea. Staying hydrated with water and clear fluids is also essential. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones can reduce stress on the digestive tract.
