Isn’t it funny when doctors advise you to let diarrhea “run its course”?
Okay, it might not feel funny when you’re sprinting to the bathroom every twenty minutes. But once the worst of it passes, you start wondering the same thing most people do:
Wouldn’t it be nice if there were foods that could slow things down a little?
When a stomach bug recently ran through our neighborhood, the kids bounced back quickly. The parents…not so much.
The virus didn’t last long for them, but the adults were hit harder and the recovery seemed to drag on for days. Several parents described the exact same symptoms — stomach issues first, then congestion and a lingering cough afterward. One doctor simply described it as a “weird bug” going around.
To make things even more frustrating, there have also been reports of increased norovirus outbreaks in the United States this year.
Of course, stomach viruses aren’t the only reason people deal with diarrhea. Other common causes include:
- food poisoning
- irritable bowel syndrome
- food allergies or intolerances
- gastrointestinal infections
- medication side effects
Regardless of the cause, frequent watery bowel movements are uncomfortable and exhausting. They also increase the risk of dehydration, which can become serious if fluids aren’t replaced.
The good news is that certain foods can actually help calm your digestive system while it recovers — but not every “gentle” food works the way people expect.
What Foods Help Stop Diarrhea?
Some of the best foods for stopping diarrhea are bland, binding foods that slow digestion and help firm stool. These include white rice, toast, bananas, applesauce, plain pasta, potatoes, crackers, yogurt, and kefir. These foods are gentle on the stomach and can help reduce irritation while the digestive system recovers.
But here’s the tricky part.
Not every food that seems “gentle” on the stomach actually helps when you have diarrhea. Some foods can make symptoms worse or speed digestion instead of slowing it down.
That’s why it helps to stick with foods that doctors sometimes call binding foods.
Avoid Dehydration From Diarrhea
One of the most important things you can do while recovering from diarrhea is to stay hydrated.
Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done when every sip seems to send you running back to the bathroom.
Dehydration sends thousands of people to the emergency room every year, especially children and older adults.
If you’re struggling to keep fluids down, try these tips:
- take frequent small sips instead of large drinks
- allow drinks to come to room temperature
- avoid very cold beverages that may upset your stomach
Some soothing fluids to try include:
- chamomile tea, which may help calm the stomach
- flat ginger ale (letting the bubbles settle first)
- clear broth
- coconut water
- electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte or Gatorade
Personally, electrolyte drinks sometimes make me feel worse during stomach illness, even though they are commonly recommended by doctors. Everyone’s stomach reacts a little differently during a virus, so it helps to experiment with small amounts.
If keeping fluids down is a struggle, these electrolyte replacement popsicles are one trick that can make hydration a little easier during a stomach bug. Plus, kids love frozen pops — even when they’re sick!
Try Bland, Binding Foods to Help Slow Diarrhea
Over-the-counter medications can sometimes stop diarrhea, but many doctors recommend avoiding them during a stomach virus.
There is a fine line between slowing bowel movements and stopping them completely. Medications can sometimes lead to uncomfortable constipation, especially if your body is still trying to clear an infection.
That’s why many families focus on soothing foods first.
You’ve probably heard of the BRAT diet, which stands for:
- bananas
- rice
- applesauce
- toast
These foods are often recommended because they are bland and easy to digest. Rice and toast also share an important trait — they are high in starch, which can help firm stool and slow digestion.
While these foods don’t provide much nutrition on their own, they can help reduce watery bowel movements until you are ready to return to normal meals.
Binding Foods That May Help Stop Diarrhea
- plain steamed white rice
- plain white toast
- plain cooked pasta (without butter or sauce)
- peeled and cooked white potatoes
- hot cereal such as Cream of Wheat or farina
- saltine crackers
- pretzels
- yogurt with live cultures
- kefir
These foods may not be exciting, but they are gentle on the digestive system and can help slow things down until your stomach settles.
Is Yogurt Good for Diarrhea?
Yogurt with live cultures may help during diarrhea recovery because probiotics can help restore healthy gut bacteria after a stomach virus. However, some people temporarily become sensitive to dairy while their digestive system heals, so it’s best to start with small amounts and see how your stomach responds.
Plain yogurt or yogurt with active cultures is usually the best choice.
Foods That Can Make Diarrhea Worse
When your digestive system is irritated, certain foods can speed digestion or draw more water into the intestines. Avoiding these foods while symptoms are active can help prevent diarrhea from getting worse.
- dairy products (except yogurt with probiotics)
- greasy or fried foods
- spicy foods
- high-fiber vegetables
- caffeine and coffee
- alcohol
- artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol or other sugar alcohols
With plenty of fluids, rest, and bland foods, most stomach bugs improve within a few days.
Once symptoms begin to settle, you can slowly return to normal foods without irritating your stomach again.
If your entire household gets hit with a stomach virus, these tips on how to survive the stomach flu when you have kids can make the cleanup and recovery a lot easier.
How Long Does Diarrhea Usually Last?
Most diarrhea caused by a stomach virus improves within 24 to 72 hours. However, mild digestive irritation can sometimes continue for several days while the gut recovers. Staying hydrated and eating bland foods can help the digestive system return to normal more quickly.
If stomach viruses tend to spread quickly in your house, these stomach bug survival hacks can make the cleanup and recovery much easier.
When Should You See a Doctor for Diarrhea?
Most diarrhea caused by a stomach virus improves within a few days. However, you should contact a doctor if symptoms last longer than three days, if dehydration symptoms develop, or if diarrhea is accompanied by a high fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in the stool. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems may need medical care sooner.
- diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, very little urination)
- blood in stool
- fever over 102°F
- severe abdominal pain
When my son became extremely lethargic during a bad stomach virus, our pediatrician advised us to take him to the ER. He was dehydrated and felt much better after receiving fluids.
Related Reading:
What to Know about Zofran For Kids
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