With Diarrhea - What To Eat?

Author: Karen Lennox Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: January 27, 2026

In the presence of diarrhea, there are foods that can help and those that can harm the condition.

Diarrhea is not a cause for concern, unless, of course, the condition lasts too long. The reasons for it vary from gastroenteritis to consumption of certain foods. Because some foods can make diarrhea worse , it's important to know what to eat and what to avoid to feel better.

Foods recommended by experts include: oatmeal, bananas , rice, apple puree. Other useful foods in the presence of diarrhea are boiled potatoes , toast, roasted chicken, fat-free and skinless.

Foods that contain probiotics can shorten the duration of diarrhea . These beneficial bacteria can be found in a variety of foods, including yogurt.

It is equally important to know which foods to avoid in the presence of diarrhea . Some of them move very quickly through the intestines and can worsen the condition.

Foods to avoid:

Fatty foods . These include fried foods and those covered in sauces.

Milk, butter, ice cream and cheese . Even if diarrhea is not caused by lactose intolerance, it is recommended that these foods be avoided when available. It may be a temporary sensitivity to dairy products. Yogurt rich in probiotics may be an exception to this rule.

Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. They act as diuretics, which means that they dehydrate the body and should be avoided with diarrhea.
Artificial sweeteners . They can have a laxative effect on the digestive system in some people.
Foods that cause gas in the intestines. It is important to eat fruits and vegetables daily, but in cases of diarrhea it is advisable to avoid foods such as cabbage, beans, broccoli and cauliflower.

With Diarrhea - What To Eat?

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