List of foods to eat when you have diarrhea. NHS.
NHS-Approved List of Foods to Eat When Dealing with Diarrhea – Ease Your Stomach
Discover the NHS-approved list of foods for diarrhea relief. Find what to eat when dealing with diarrhea in our helpful guide.
List foods to eat when you have diarrhea. NHS – Diarrhea is unpleasant but normal. Diarrhea causes frequent, loose, watery bowel motions, stomachaches, and dehydration. Infections, food allergies, stress, and medicines can cause diarrhea.
Eating well during diarrhea helps your body recoup and stay nourished. The UK NHS recommends meals to treat diarrhea and improve digestive health. This post covers the NHS-approved diarrhea diet. Avoiding foods and drinks and keeping hydrated will also be covered. This guide will help you manage symptoms and feel better quickly.
What is Diarrhea?
Before discussing diarrhea meals, let’s define it and its causes. Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that occur more than three times a day. A GI illness like a virus, bacteria, or parasite usually causes it. Stress, lactose intolerance, food allergies, and medicines can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea typically causes frequent bowel motions, loose, or watery stools, abdominal cramps or pain, nausea, and dehydration. Diarrhea usually subsides after a few days. You should see a doctor if you have severe signs like bloody stools or high fever.
Top 10 Foods Recommended by NHS when you have diarrhea
Staying hydrated and eating soft foods for your digestive system is essential if you have diarrhea.
Here are the top 10 foods recommended by the NHS to eat when you have diarrhea:
- Bananas
Bananas are easy to digest and provide a source of potassium, which can help to replace electrolytes lost through diarrhea.
They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber that can help firm loose stools.
Eat them ripe and mashed or blended into a smoothie-
- White Rice
White rice is easy to digest and can help to bind stools together.
It’s also a source of energy, which can be helpful if you are feeling weak or tired because of diarrhea.
You can eat it plain or with some cooked vegetables or lean protein.
- Toast
Toast is easy to digest and can help to absorb excess fluids in the digestive tract.
It’s rich in carbs, which give the body energy.
Stick to plain, white toast with no toppings like butter or jam.
- Boiled Potatoes
Boiled potatoes are another excellent source of carbohydrates and are easy to digest.
They also contain potassium, which can help to replace electrolytes lost through diarrhea.
Eat them plain or with some cooked vegetables or lean protein.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Broths are an excellent hydration source and can help replenish electrolytes lost through diarrhea.
Chicken or vegetable broth can also provide some protein and nutrients to the body.
Avoid broths that are high in fat or spices.
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Cooked Vegetables
Carrots, squash, and green beans are nutritious and easy to digest.
Steam or boil them until they are soft and easy to chew.
- Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are a source of protein and can be easy to digest for some people.
They also contain nutrients like vitamin D and choline.
Avoid adding any spices or sauces that could irritate the digestive tract.
- Lean Protein
Chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu provide zinc and energy.
These foods aid digestion and digestive tract repair.
Avoid frying or cooking with high-fat sauces.
- Oats
Oats are a source of soluble fiber, which can help firm loose stools.
They are also easy to digest and can provide an energy source.
Cook them plain or with some mashed bananas or cinnamon.
- Herbal Tea
Herbal teas like peppermint or ginger can help to soothe the digestive tract and provide hydration.
They can also help to alleviate symptoms like nausea and bloating.
Avoid teas that contain caffeine or sugar.
These foods can handle diarrhea and heal the digestive tract.
Maintain a healthy fluid intake and consult a health professional about your dietary concerns.
What Foods to Avoid by NHS when you have diarrhea
To avoid digestive tract irritation, avoid certain meals when you have diarrhea.
Here are the top foods to avoid, according to the NHS:
- Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, and yogurt can be hard to digest for lactose-intolerant people.
These foods can worsen diarrhea symptoms and cause further digestive issues.
Choose lactose-free or non-dairy alternatives instead.
- Fatty or Fried Foods
Fatty or fried foods like fast food, chips, and deep-fried foods can be challenging to digest and can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.
These foods can also be high in salt and spices, irritating the digestive tract.
- Spicy Foods
Spicy foods like hot sauce, chili peppers, and curry can irritate the digestive tract and worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Avoid adding spices to your food, and opt for mild flavors instead.
- Raw Vegetables and Fruits
High-fiber raw veggies and fruits can be hard to digest.
These foods can worsen diarrhea symptoms and cause bloating and gas.
Cooked vegetables and fruits are easier to digest and can provide essential nutrients.
- Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate the body and worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Avoid coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol, and opt for water and herbal tea instead.
- Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners
High-fructose corn syrup and aspartame can worsen diarrhea and cause swelling and gas.
Avoid sugary drinks and food, and use honey or maple syrup sparingly.
Avoiding these foods and drinks can help manage your diarrhea symptoms and promote healing in the digestive tract.
If you have diet issues, consult a doctor or dietitian.
Hydration Tips When you have diarrhea
When you have diarrhea, staying hydrated is essential to prevent dehydration,
which can worsen your symptoms.
Here are some hydration tips recommended by the NHS:
- Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is crucial when you have diarrhea because it helps to replace the fluids lost through diarrhea.
Drink at least 8-10 cups of water daily to stay hydrated.
- Sip on Clear Broth
Clear broths like chicken or vegetable broth can provide essential electrolytes and nutrients lost during diarrhea.
Sip on broth throughout the day to stay hydrated and nourished.
- Try Rehydration Solutions
Rehydration solutions like Pedialyte or Gatorade can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. I specifically designed these solutions to help with dehydration caused by diarrhea.
- Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate the body and worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Avoid coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol, and opt for water and herbal tea instead.
- Eat Hydrating Foods
For example, watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries are all high-water-content meals that help you feel full longer.
Incorporate these foods into your diet to stay hydrated and nourished.
- Monitor Your Urine
Monitor your urine color to make sure you’re staying hydrated.
You may not be drinking enough water if your urine is dark yellow.
Aim for clear or pale yellow urine to show you drink enough water.
Following these hydration tips can help prevent dehydration and promote healing in the digestive tract.
Consult a doctor or dietician if you’re concerned about your water intake.
FAQs for a list of foods to eat when you have diarrhea. NHS.
Q1: What foods help diarrhea go away?
When dealing with diarrhea, it’s an idea to stick to the BRAT diet: bananas, Rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are gentle on your stomach and can help firm up your stools. Additionally, plain-boiled potatoes, pasta, and oatmeal are easy-to-digest options. To stay hydrated, drink plenty of clear fluids like water, herbal teas, or oral rehydration solutions.
Q2: What fruit is good for diarrhea?
Certain fruits can be soothing when you have diarrhea. Bananas are excellent due to their binding properties and potassium content. Applesauce is another choice as it’s gentle on the stomach. choose ripe, peeled apples for added fiber. Avoid citrus fruits and juices, as they can irritate the digestive system.
Q3: What stops diarrhea fast naturally?
To stop diarrhea naturally, focus on hydration and easy-to-digest foods. Drink clear fluids like water, herbal teas, or oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration. Stick to the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Avoid fatty, spicy foods, dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can aggravate diarrhea. Resting and avoiding stressful situations can also help your body recover faster. If diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days or is severe, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Conclusion
Diarrhea is common and treatable with food and water.
Bananas, rice, and toast are low-fiber, easy-to-digest foods the NHS suggests for diarrhea.
Dairy, fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, and raw veggies and fruits can worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Diarrhea requires hydration.
Water, clear broth, rehydration solutions, hydrating foods, and urine color tracking can help.
Following these tips and consulting a doctor can help you handle diarrhea and heal your digestive tract.
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