Diarrhoea is a common condition characterised by the frequent passing of loose or watery stools, which can often be managed effectively at home through careful attention to fluid intake and nutrition. While the digestive system is irritated, the body’s ability to process certain foods and liquids may change temporarily. Understanding how to maintain hydration and when to reintroduce solid foods can help manage symptoms and prevent complications like dehydration. The focus of home care is typically on replacing lost fluids and salts while providing gentle nourishment as the gut recovers.
What We’ll Discuss in This Article
- The primary importance of hydration and the most suitable types of fluids to consume.
- The role of oral rehydration solutions in maintaining salt and sugar balance.
- When and how to start eating solid foods again after symptoms begin.
- Specific types of foods that are generally easier for the digestive system to tolerate.
- Common dietary triggers and substances that may worsen symptoms.
- Guidance on feeding infants and children who have diarrhoea.
Essential Hydration Strategies
The most important action to take when you have diarrhoea is to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. You should aim to take small, frequent sips of clear liquids, even if you do not feel particularly thirsty or if you are feeling nauseous. It is important to drink plenty of fluids such as water or squash to avoid dehydration while you have diarrhoea. While water is a fundamental choice, it does not contain the electrolytes that the body loses during illness, so incorporating other clear fluids can be beneficial.
Diluted fruit juice and clear soups or broths can provide some of the sugars and salts the body requires. However, you should avoid drinks that are very high in sugar, such as undiluted fruit juices or full-strength fizzy drinks, as these can sometimes draw more water into the bowel and make the diarrhoea worse. It is also advisable to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these substances can contribute to further fluid loss and irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines.
The Role of Oral Rehydration Solutions
Oral rehydration sachets are specifically formulated to help the body reabsorb water and replace the specific mineral salts lost during diarrhoea. These sachets are available from pharmacies without a prescription and are particularly useful for those at higher risk of dehydration, such as older people or those with existing health conditions. They are usually dissolved in water and provide a precise balance of salt and glucose that is more effective for rehydration than water alone.
When using these solutions, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully regarding the amount of water needed for dilution. If you are struggling with the taste, some people find it easier to drink the solution if it has been chilled in the fridge. These products do not stop the diarrhoea itself but serve as a vital supportive measure to keep the body functioning correctly while the immune system addresses the underlying cause of the illness.
When to Start Eating Solids
You should try to eat solid food as soon as you feel able to do so, as there is no medical requirement to fast when you have diarrhoea. In the past, it was common for people to be advised to wait 24 hours before eating, but modern clinical evidence suggests that returning to a normal diet as soon as possible can actually help the gut recover more quickly. You do not need to wait until the diarrhoea has completely stopped before you start having small snacks.
If you do not feel like eating, do not force yourself, but continue to focus on your fluid intake. Once your appetite begins to return, start with small portions rather than large meals. This gradual approach allows you to monitor how your digestive system reacts to food without overtaxing it. For most people, the appetite returns naturally as the body begins to overcome the infection or irritation.
Choosing Easily Digestible Foods
While there is no strict diet required for diarrhoea, many people find that plain, starchy foods are the easiest to tolerate during recovery. These foods are generally low in fibre and are less likely to stimulate the bowels excessively. Examples of foods that are often well-tolerated include:
- White rice and plain pasta.
- Boiled or mashed potatoes (without added butter or milk).
- Plain crackers or white toast.
- Bananas, which are soft and provide potassium.
- Boiled or steamed chicken or white fish.
As your symptoms start to improve and your stools become firmer, you can begin to reintroduce more varied foods. It is often helpful to keep meals simple and avoid complex recipes with many ingredients until you feel fully recovered.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
Certain types of food and drink can be difficult for an irritated digestive system to process and may prolong the duration of symptoms. High-fibre foods, such as wholemeal bread, brown rice, and large amounts of raw leafy vegetables, can speed up the movement of waste through the gut, which is not ideal during an active bout of diarrhoea. Spicy foods and very fatty or fried items are also common irritants that can cause further abdominal discomfort or urgency.
Some individuals experience a temporary sensitivity to lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, during and immediately after a stomach bug. This happens because the enzymes that digest lactose can be temporarily depleted when the gut lining is inflamed. If you find that dairy products seem to make your symptoms worse, it may be helpful to avoid them for a few days until your digestive system has returned to its normal state.
Advice for Infants and Children
Maintaining hydration is the most critical priority for infants and children, as they can become dehydrated much more quickly than adults. If you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, you should continue to do so as normal and offer feeds more frequently if they seem to want them. You should continue to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby as normal if they have diarrhoea.
For children who have already started on solid foods, you can offer them small amounts of their usual diet if they are hungry. However, it is important to avoid giving them fruit juices or fizzy drinks, as these can worsen the diarrhoea in young children. If a child appears to be showing signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, or fewer wet nappies, you should seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional regarding the use of oral rehydration fluids specifically designed for children.
Conclusion
Managing what you eat and drink during diarrhoea is primarily about maintaining a healthy fluid balance and avoiding substances that could further irritate the gut. Water and oral rehydration salts are the most effective tools for preventing dehydration, while a gradual return to plain, starchy foods can provide necessary energy for recovery. Most cases of diarrhoea resolve within a few days with these supportive measures. If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, call 999 immediately.
Can I drink sports drinks instead of rehydration salts?
While sports drinks contain some electrolytes, they often have very high sugar levels which can potentially make diarrhoea worse; oral rehydration sachets are a more clinically appropriate choice.
Is the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) still recommended?
While these specific foods are gentle on the stomach, modern advice suggests returning to your normal, healthy diet as soon as you feel able, rather than restricting yourself to only four items.
Should I avoid all fruit while I have diarrhoea?
Soft fruits like bananas are usually fine, but some raw fruits and juices can be high in fibre or sugars that might increase bowel activity during the peak of the illness.
Can I drink milk if I have a stomach bug?
Some people find that milk worsens their symptoms due to a temporary difficulty in digesting lactose, so it may be best to limit dairy until you feel better.
How long should I wait after eating before I go back to work?
The dietary choices do not affect this rule; you should stay at home until at least 48 hours have passed since the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting.
What is the best way to rehydrate if I am also vomiting?
Try taking very small sips of water or a rehydration solution every five to ten minutes, as this is more likely to be kept down than a large glass of fluid.
Are there any foods that help stop diarrhoea?
No specific food stops the underlying cause of diarrhoea, but plain, low-fibre foods like rice or white toast are less likely to trigger further bowel movements.
Authority Snapshot (E-E-A-T)
This article provides patient education on the dietary management of diarrhoea based on established UK clinical standards. The guidance is strictly aligned with the recommendations provided by the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for managing gastrointestinal symptoms at home. All content is reviewed by medical professionals to ensure it remains a safe and accurate resource for the general public.
