If you are not sure what to do about your stomach, you should find out what to eat with diarrhea. It’s important to know the best choice of foods to soothe as well as clear diarrhea. But at the same time certain foods should be avoided.

Foods to eat with diarrhea

1. White rice and mashed potatoes

To avoid stomach upset eat foods with low fat content. These are the most comfortable foods. They are also easy to digest in the tract as they have very little fiber content. For best results, it is advisable to avoid eating these foods with other foods. Eating them plain is better as this prevents cramping.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries have a history of being used as treatment for various conditions in Sweden. What makes these fruits useful is the fact that they have tannins. Tannin is a component in this fruit that has the ability to reduce swelling, as well as the secretion of mucus and other liquids in the body.

They are also a soluble fiber. If you cannot chew berries while dry, you could grind them once they have dried and take the tea to ease and stop diarrhea. This fruit also has antibacterial properties. It is these antioxidants that help the body fight illness.

3. Steamed chicken

This is the most soluble source of protein; its nature that makes it easy to digest. Fats and oils are hard to dissolve in the body and thus you need to avoid deep-fried or sautéed preparations.

4. Applesauce

Just like bananas, these too are a great source of pectin. It is more effective to cook the apples because the system is able to digest cooked apples easily unlike when eaten raw. Cooking the apples also helps in extracting nutrients, pectin and essential sugars in the apple for the body.

5. Herbal tea

Peppermint and chamomile are examples of teas that help in easing diarrhea. This herbal tea is both soothing and comforting while quieting for diarrhea at the same time.

• Chamomile. This tea is able to reduce inflammation and calm intestinal spasms. It is the flowers in this plant that make the tea effective for diarrhea.
• Peppermint. This tea has a soothing effect. It is also believed that it reduces intestinal gas and has a calming effect on the intestinal tract. Once the tract muscles are relaxed by the tea, diarrhea disappears.

6. Yogurt

Although it is said that you ought to avoid dairy products when you have diarrhea, yogurt is an exception. This is because quality yogurt has live cultures. These cultures balance bacteria. It is scientifically known as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus acidophilus.

7. Crackers and white toast

Whole-grain products are taken when the intestines are working normally. This is because the intestines can digest the food easily. However, when one has diarrhea, it is advisable that you stick to already processed foods rich in wheat as they are easier to digest. Without the husk, the salt in these foods tends to dissolve easily in the body helping in electrolyte balance.

8. Bananas

These are the most preferable choice of fruits in settling an upset digestive system. Bananas are also rich in a soluble fiber that helps in moving stool smoothly. This is by use of pectin that absorbs any liquid in the intestines promoting smooth movement of stool. Inulin is also a soluble fiber found in bananas. This supports the growth of useful bacteria in the intestinal system. Another advantage of eating bananas is that they are rich in potassium. Potassium helps in replacing electrolytes that might be lost during diarrhea.

Tips and precautions for treating diarrhea

1. Never drink apple juice

The reason one is not supposed to drink this juice is because it acts as a natural laxative. This simply means “constipation remedy”. Instead of taking apple juice, it is advisable to use apple sauce. You should never replace apples with apple sauce. You should also stick to decaffeinated tea. This is because substituting them for herbal teas might prolong diarrhea. Additives like sugar, honey, and milk are also a must avoid with diarrhea. They tend to prolong diarrhea and thus the need to avoid them in your tea.

2. Choose cultured yogurt

Always read your yogurt pack to try and see if it is cultured. As mentioned earlier, this yogurt has cultures that tend to balance bacteria. Added sugars are also to be checked. They should be minimal. They are known to have effects on a person when they have diarrhea. If you can stand the sour taste in plain yogurt, you would rather take it plain than prolong your sickness.

3. Keep it plain

Try and serve your meals plain. This safeguards you from negative effects. As mentioned above, fats are bratty and might cause more harm if taken when one is sick with diarrhea.

4. Avoid common sports drinks

Sports drinks are known to increase diarrhea as a result of their high sugar content. Replace the lost fluid in your body by taking plenty of water. Drink about 6-8 glasses of water per day. Fiber is also a great alternative for solidifying the loose bowel movement.

5. Avoid certain foods

Certain foods are known to increase diarrhea while others help calm it. Spicy, fatty and greasy foods, as well as dairy products are examples of foods to avoid when experiencing diarrhea. The only dairy product you can use is cultured yogurt. Another reason for avoiding these foods is that they cause vomiting when one has diarrhea. In case you start vomiting after taking solid food, it would be better to stop taking such food and look for alternatives.

6. Know when to see a doctor

You need to see a doctor because some diseases are more parasitic and bacterial and thus need medical attention. If you experience diarrhea for a day accompanied by fever, this then you should see a doctor immediately as it could be a sign of a serious condition.