mdolla: Stop Running To The Toilet! Eat These 10 Foods That Help with Diarrhea.

Diarrhea is not only annoying, it can also be an embarrassing health issue. People of all ages suffer from bouts of diarrhea at some point. More often than not, we experience it with certain stomach bugs or as a result of an allergy. However, as we grow older we suddenly find ourselves having it more often due to our diet. Today, I want to share with you the top ten foods you can eat to help combat the effects of diarrhea and begin to build a healthier diet so that you can avoid it all together.

10 Foods That Help with Diarrhea.

Bananas

When we experience diarrhea, many people make the mistake of trying to eat more high fiber. The reality is you need low fiber to firm up the stool. Additionally it helps to add extra potassium to replace the nutrients that are lost. Bananas are both low fiber and high in potassium!

White Rice

White rice is often labelled as not the healthiest option, but in this case it’s the perfect thing to eat. It’s low fiber, firms up stool, and is bland for the intestinal system.

Applesauce

Applesauce is mild and easy to digest. The pectins help bind stool and the natural sugars give you much needed energy when the body is run down and dehydrated from loss of too much water.

Plain Toast

The key thing to note here is that the toast has nothing on it. It may not sounds appealing but it does help bind and provides carbohydrates to give you energy.

Probiotic Yogurt

If you are on an antibiotic, and need some extra flavor, look to the probiotic yogurts. Antibiotics are taking out the bacteria in your gut, including whatever is causing the diarrhea. The probiotics work to replenish your gut with good bacteria. After a bout with diarrhea, keep up with probiotic yogurt to promote good gut health and stave off future bouts. If you are in the middle of a bout now, start out slow. 2 tablespoons to begin with and increase it by a tablespoon each day. Dairy is harder to digest and could worsen the diarrhea if too much is consumed right off the bat.

Sports Drinks

While sports drinks are great for after a workout or playing our favorite sport, they are also incredibly helpful when dealing with diarrhea. When we are battling diarrhea, we are dehydrated because everything is losing our bodies quickly and water isn’t absorbed properly. Sports drinks contain electrolytes that help us hydrate and promote absorption in the gut so that we can cut down on how long we suffer.

Mashed White Potatoes

White potatoes are a low fiber and “stick to your bones” kind of food that is easy for the body to digest. While you can add a small amount of salt (it helps you retain hydration) you should avoid butter (it’s hard to digest!). This is a food that you can eat and feel like you are eating normal again.

Steamed Chicken

Steamed chicken is bland enough to make it easily digestible. Packed with protein, it can help you retain nutrients your body really needs. You must avoid adding any seasonings or oils! Some salt can be used to add a little flavor.

Chicken Broth

A cup of steaming chicken broth is fantastic for dealing with diarrhea. It contains electrolytes and nutrients you have lost in your battle. There is also a soothing effect of the warm broth. When we are dealing with diarrhea, our stomach and intestines tend to get a bit swollen. The warmth of the broth will work to bring the swelling down. Note that you need plain chicken broth, no noodles or vegetables!

Blueberries

While not the most ideal food for the early battles with diarrhea, it is a great re-entry food for when you start to feel like you are bouncing back. They are a source of soluble fiber pectin and contain anthocyanosides, which contain anti-bacterial qualities. Blueberries are also a great source of antioxidants.

Diarrhea is one of the worst intestinal ailments to deal with. By eating the foods listed here, you should be able to bounce back in a day or two. If you find yourself still dealing with diarrhea after one week, please see your doctor and get a checkup!

Featured photo credit: Foods 4 Better Health via foods4betterhealth.com

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