Diarrhea can come from any number of things: a bad meal, flu symptoms…sometimes just nerves. Regardless of how you got it, the only thing on your mind now should be how to get rid of it! Here are 10 foods that only worsen your symptoms and 10 you should latch onto right now.

1. Dairy Products

Dairy products don’t just affect the lactose intolerant. If you’re running in and out of the bathroom, you should also keep far away from things like cheese and milk because diarrhea can impact your ability to digest lactose. This means that on top of everything else, you’ll run the risk of bloating or cramping, too.

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2. Spicy Foods

You may love spicy foods but they don’t feel the same way! If you have the runs, spicy foods are the last thing your system needs. The heat only serves to irritate your stomach lining even further.

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3. Coffee

Coffee often helps regulate our schedule, but when yours is already disrupted caffeine can make things worse. Not only does it exacerbate diarrhea symptoms but it can also dehydrate you even more, which isn’t what you want.

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4. Onions

Believe it or not, raw vegetables might worsen your symptoms. They’re natural sources of fiber and typically that’s great, but in this case that upsets your stomach all the more. Onions in particular are well-known troublemakers for gas and bloating, so keep away until you feel better.

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5. Fast Food

Another day, another instance where fast food lets us down. If you have diarrhea then you really shouldn’t eat overly greasy or fatty foods. On a good day, they’ll make our stomachs rumble and on a bad day, they’ll flush right through our system.

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6. Alcohol

Alcohol is a huge no-no if you have diarrhea because it just bothers your intestines. It can prolong your symptoms and may even throw in gas and bloating. So, do yourself a favor and ignore it. 

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7. Artificial Sweeteners

When you have the runs, artificially sweetened drinks seem safer for your stomach but they really aren’t. The reason why is that common sweeteners found in diet sodas or sugar-free candies and gum sit in the gut and can cause bloating or further stomach upset. 

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8. Beans

Beans are packed with fiber and an innate ability to give us gas, neither of which you want right now. Keep them locked in the pantry until you feel better because indulging now will most likely make you feel worse.

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9. Carbonated Drinks

Bubbly beverages can upset our digestive system even when we’re healthy. But with diarrhea, the excess gas and bloating from carbonated drinks lead to more discomfort. Put the can down until you’re better.

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10. Acidic Foods

Fruits might seem safe at first glance, but keep away from highly acidic ones like grapefruit, lemons, or oranges. That much vitamin C and acidity can aggravate any GI upset—and it’s even worse if you already have a sensitive stomach.

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On the other hand, let’s take a closer look at which foods and liquids can help alleviate the discomfort! 

1. Bananas

Bananas are a one-stop-shop for anyone with diarrhea because they’re packed with potassium, easy on stomachs, and have enough fiber to help bulk up your BM. Careful not to eat too many as overindulging can have the opposite effect, but munching on one or two can help plug the dam.

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2. White Rice

White rice is safe to eat when you have diarrhea because there’s nothing to it! Unlike whole grains, it doesn’t have a ton of fiber, so it’s easy on your stomach and can alleviate the frequency of bathroom trips.

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3. Broth

Diarrhea flushes out a lot of bad stuff but tends to take the good stuff with it. Nutrients are often lost and you’re left dehydrated, which is why it’s important to replenish them. Broth is a safe way to get back some sodium and stay hydrated. 

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4. Applesauce

Applesauce is easy to digest and gentle on our system, making it a good option to soothe symptoms. It’s also full of pectin, the same soluble fiber found in bananas!

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5. Boiled Eggs

Eggs are full of the protein and nutrients your body desperately needs right now, so don’t be afraid to boil a couple. They’re also soft on stomachs and often boost energy without upsetting your system even more.

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6. Ginger

There’s a reason ginger’s in OTC medications. Ginger is a natural healer of diarrhea and has been known to alleviate GI upset—like bloating or painful gas. It can also lower the number of times you head for the toilet.  

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7. White Toast

The next time someone recommends plain white toast for an upset stomach, listen! It’s one of the go-to foods because it’s an easy way to get carbs without any triggering ingredients.

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8. Soda Crackers

Speaking of bland foods, plain soda crackers are another widely sought-after food because they’re low in fiber and easy to digest. Not to mention they’re a solid way to get some in some carbs. 

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9. Boiled Potatoes

We’re not done with the bland foods yet! Boiled potatoes are another terrific option for anyone in need of carbs and something easy on the GI tract. Just be sure you keep any butter or seasoning out of them.

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10. Pedialyte

Symptoms of diarrhea can also be treated with Pedialyte. After so many trips to the bathroom, your system is likely low on important nutrients and electrolytes, and Pedialyte is a good way to get them back. It also keeps you hydrated!

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