What is the BRAT diet? 2 ways it can help stop diarrhea quickly

Diarrhea can quickly lead to fatigue, dehydration, and discomfort, especially when you don't know what to eat when you have diarrhea to soothe your stomach. The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, has been adopted by many to stop diarrhea and reduce gastrointestinal irritation. However, prolonged adherence to only the BRAT diet can lead to deficiencies in protein, energy, and essential vitamins, thus slowing down recovery. In this article, Tiptory helps you understand how to apply the BRAT diet when you have diarrhea, while also suggesting easy-to-digest, nutrient-rich foods to help your body recover better.

Should the BRAT diet be used?

Do not follow the BRAT diet exclusively for many days

• The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, was once commonly used for diarrhea because these foods are soft, easy to eat, and less likely to irritate the stomach.

• However, current evidence does not support eating only these four food groups for many days. Excessive restriction can lead to a diet lacking essential energy, protein, and micronutrients. The NIDDK recommends that people with acute diarrhea do not need to fast or follow an overly restrictive diet; when appetite returns, they can gradually return to a normal diet.

Start with soft, easy-to-digest foods if your stomach is still sensitive

• If you are nauseous or have an upset stomach, you can start with simple foods like bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, or noodles, then gradually increase the variety of meals as your body tolerates them well.

• Therefore, if you are wondering what to eat when you have diarrhea, you don't necessarily have to stick to the BRAT diet. The more important goal is to choose easily digestible foods that still provide enough energy and nutrients for your body to recover.

You can eat toast with a little jam, but absolute fat restriction is not necessary

• A little jam can make toast easier to eat, but avoid jams or drinks with too much sugar. High amounts of simple sugars can worsen diarrhea in some people.

• Complete restriction of all fats is not necessary, but during acute diarrhea, limit high-fat foods such as fried foods, fast food, and pizza as they can make symptoms more uncomfortable.

Add more carbohydrates and nutrient-rich foods

• When your stomach starts to settle, you can add boiled potatoes, noodles, rice, cereals, or other easy-to-digest starches instead of only eating the four foods of the BRAT diet.

• You can gradually add lean protein sources such as skinless chicken or foods that suit your body's tolerance. The NIDDK also lists grilled chicken without skin and fat among the soft, easy-to-digest foods that can be consumed during diarrhea.

Prioritize rehydration and electrolyte replenishment

• When you have diarrhea, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are issues that require special attention. Drink plenty of fluids and consider electrolyte replacement solutions, especially if you have severe diarrhea or signs of dehydration.

• If you are nauseous, instead of drinking large amounts at once, take small, frequent sips to allow your body to absorb it more easily.

• Do not try to stop diarrhea by fasting or only drinking water. Adequate hydration, electrolyte replenishment, and appropriate eating are the foundation of recovery.

Limit foods that can worsen diarrhea

• While symptoms are prominent, limit alcohol, caffeine, greasy fried foods, sugary foods, and some lactose-containing products if they exacerbate symptoms.

• Some people may temporarily have difficulty digesting lactose after an episode of acute diarrhea, so milk and dairy products may cause bloating or looser stools during the recovery phase.

Know when not to self-treat at home

• Do not focus only on what to eat to stop diarrhea if abnormal signs appear. Adults should contact a doctor if diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days, have more than 6 bowel movements per day, high fever, severe vomiting, severe abdominal or rectal pain, blood/pus in stool, or black, tarry stools.

• Excessive thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, dark urine, dizziness, or extreme fatigue can also be signs of dehydration that require medical evaluation.

Method 1: Standard 4 foods in the BRAT diet

Step 1: Eat bananas when you have diarrhea

Bananas are a suitable choice when you have diarrhea

• Bananas are soft, easy to eat, and generally well-tolerated when the digestive system is sensitive. They are also one of the foods in the BRAT diet, along with rice, applesauce, and toast.

• Diarrhea and vomiting can cause the body to lose water and many electrolytes, including potassium. Bananas provide potassium and can contribute to nutritional replenishment during this period. However, bananas should not be considered a treatment method or the sole food to stop diarrhea. The WHO emphasizes that rehydration and electrolyte replenishment with oral rehydration solution (ORS), along with continued adequate nutrition, are fundamental in managing diarrhea.

Choose ripe bananas if your stomach is sensitive

• If you are looking for what to eat when you have diarrhea, you can try ripe bananas as they are softer and generally easier to eat than unripe bananas. Each person has different tolerance levels, so start with a small amount and monitor your body's reaction.

• Unripe bananas contain more resistant starch. Some nutritional studies on diarrhea have explored the role of resistant starch, but it should not be interpreted that eating green bananas or resistant starch can replace rehydration, electrolyte replacement, and treatment of the underlying cause. Current evidence is insufficient to recommend using only bananas to stop diarrhea more quickly.

Eat bananas correctly instead of relying solely on the BRAT diet

• You can eat bananas with other easy-to-digest foods like rice, potatoes, bread, or noodles when your body starts to feel hungry. The WHO recommends continuing to provide nutrient-rich foods during diarrhea instead of excessively restricting the diet.

• If diarrhea makes you eat poorly, divide your meals into smaller portions. This can be more comfortable than trying to eat one large meal.

Don't forget to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes

• Eating bananas only partially addresses nutritional needs. When you have diarrhea, the more important priority is to replenish lost water and electrolytes. ORS helps replenish water and electrolytes in appropriate proportions for effective absorption by the body.

• If the patient is a small child, continued breastfeeding and appropriate eating are even more crucial because diarrhea can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. The WHO recommends continuing to feed and provide nutrition to children during diarrhea.

Do not try to stop diarrhea with food alone

• Bananas can be part of a diarrhea diet but are not a treatment. If you have prolonged diarrhea, bloody stools, signs of dehydration, severe vomiting, or worsening condition, you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional instead of continuing to adjust your diet at home.

Step 2: Eat white rice when you have diarrhea

White rice is an easily digestible option when you have diarrhea

• When considering what to eat when you have diarrhea, white rice can be a simple choice because it is low in fiber, easy to eat, and provides carbohydrates to replenish energy.

• You can eat white rice during meals while still having diarrhea, but you should not eat only rice or consider rice a way to stop diarrhea. The more important thing is to replenish enough water and electrolytes, and maintain a diverse diet that suits your tolerance.

Cook soft rice for easier consumption

• If your stomach is sensitive, you should cook soft rice or thin porridge instead of dry, hard rice. Soft foods are generally easier to eat when the patient is tired or has a poor appetite.

• You can prepare rice in simple ways:

  1. Use a rice cooker according to the device's instructions.

  2. Combine 1 part rice with about 2 parts water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and cook until all the water is absorbed.

  3. Boil rice with plenty of water until the grains are very soft, then drain excess water if needed.

Do not use rice water instead of rehydration solution

• Rice water or porridge can provide some carbohydrates and water, but it does not have the balanced electrolyte composition of oral rehydration solution (ORS). Therefore, if you have severe diarrhea, prioritize ORS according to proper mixing and usage instructions instead of just drinking rice water.

• The WHO recommends rehydration and electrolyte replacement with ORS in the treatment of diarrhea, while continuing to feed the patient to limit the risk of malnutrition.

Combine rice with nutrient-rich foods

• The traditional BRAT diet includes white rice, but currently, BRAT should not be strictly followed for many days as it may not provide enough protein, energy, and micronutrients.

• When you can eat, you can combine rice with easily digestible and low-fat foods such as skinless chicken, eggs, or some foods suitable for your tolerance. This helps make the meal more nutritionally complete instead of just focusing on what to eat to stop diarrhea.

Eat small amounts and monitor your body's reaction

• If you are still nauseous or have stomach pain, start with a small amount of soft rice, eat slowly, and divide it into several meals.

• When diarrhea subsides and appetite returns, you can gradually expand your menu. There is no need to wait for diarrhea to stop completely before returning to normal eating.

Step 3: Is applesauce suitable for diarrhea?

Applesauce is easier to eat than fresh apples

• When considering what to eat when you have diarrhea, applesauce can be a suitable choice if the patient still wants to eat but has a sensitive digestive system. Cooked and pureed apples are usually easier to eat than raw or whole apples.

• Apples also contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can hold water and form a gel in the intestines. However, applesauce should not be considered a food that can directly stop diarrhea or replace rehydration and electrolyte replenishment.

Prioritize unsweetened applesauce

• If buying pre-made, choose options labeled “unsweetened” or “no sugar added”, as high amounts of added sugar can worsen diarrhea in some people.

• There's no need to add a lot of sugar when making applesauce at home. If you want to add flavor, you can use a very small amount of sugar and monitor your body's tolerance.

You can make applesauce at home

1. Peel, core, and chop 6 apples.

2. Put the apples in a pot with about 240 ml of water and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for about 30 minutes until the apples are very soft.

4. Use a potato masher or spoon to mash the apples into a soft, smooth mixture. You can add a small amount of sugar if needed, but do not add too much.

5. If using cinnamon, only add a small amount and stop using if you experience stomach pain or discomfort.

There's no need to be confined to the BRAT diet

• Applesauce is a component of the BRAT diet along with bananas, rice, and toast. However, modern guidelines do not recommend eating only these four foods for many days because this diet may not provide enough energy, protein, and micronutrients.

• When you can eat, you should gradually add nutrient-rich and easy-to-digest foods instead of just focusing on what to eat to stop diarrhea.

Rehydration is still the top priority

• Whether eating bananas, rice, or applesauce, people with diarrhea still need to focus on replenishing water and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhea.

• If diarrhea is prolonged, frequent bowel movements, continuous vomiting, bloody stools, or signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst, reduced urination, dizziness, and extreme fatigue appear, medical evaluation is needed instead of just adjusting the BRAT diet at home.

Step 4: Eat toast when you have diarrhea

Toast can be easy to eat when you have diarrhea

• When considering what to eat when you have diarrhea, toast can be a simple choice if you need a light, easy-to-eat meal. It is also a familiar component of the BRAT diet.

• Toasted white bread usually has less fiber than whole-grain bread, so some people may find it easier to digest when their intestines are sensitive. However, this does not mean that toast directly helps to stop diarrhea.

Choose bread suitable for your stomach condition

• During acute diarrhea, if high-fiber foods cause bloating or more frequent bowel movements, you can temporarily prioritize white bread or low-fiber bread.

• As symptoms improve, there's no need to continue restricting fiber excessively. You can gradually return to whole grains and high-fiber foods to ensure a balanced diet.

You can add a little jam if tolerated well

• A thin layer of not-too-sweet jam can make toast easier to eat. However, limit spreads that contain a lot of sugar, as high amounts of simple sugars can worsen diarrhea in some people.

• It's not necessary to completely avoid fats, but limit butter, peanut butter, and high-fat foods if they cause bloating, nausea, or increased diarrhea.

Do not eat only toast to stop diarrhea

• The BRAT diet was once commonly used but is currently not recommended for strict adherence over many days. Eating only bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast can lead to a diet lacking in protein, energy, and some vitamins and minerals.

• When you can eat normally, gradually add nutrient-rich foods that suit your tolerance instead of just focusing on what to eat to stop diarrhea.

Prioritize rehydration and electrolyte replenishment

• Food only helps provide energy and nutrients; the most important thing during diarrhea is to prevent and treat dehydration. You can use oral rehydration solution (ORS) according to instructions to replenish lost water and electrolytes.

• If diarrhea is prolonged, frequent bowel movements, continuous vomiting, high fever, bloody stools, or signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst, reduced urination, dizziness, and extreme fatigue appear, you should see a doctor instead of continuing to adjust your diet when you have diarrhea at home.

Method 2: Supplemental foods for diarrhea

Tip 1: Rehydrate properly when you have diarrhea

Prioritize rehydration and electrolyte replenishment when you have diarrhea

• Diarrhea, especially with frequent bowel movements or accompanying vomiting, can cause rapid loss of water and electrolytes. Therefore, if you are looking for ways to stop diarrhea, the first priority is to prevent dehydration rather than trying to fast or avoid drinking.

• Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a suitable choice to replenish lost water and electrolytes. ORS is recommended by WHO for the prevention and treatment of dehydration due to diarrhea.

If you are vomiting, take small sips

• When vomiting continuously, do not try to drink a large amount of water at once as it can induce more vomiting. Stop for a short period and then restart with small, frequent sips.

• If you feel nauseous when drinking, you can try sucking on or chewing small ice chips. This helps introduce a small amount of water into the body and may be more comfortable for some people.

Slowly reintroduce food when vomiting stops

• When vomiting has decreased or stopped, there is no need to continue fasting for an extended period. You can start with light, soft, and easily digestible foods such as broth, porridge, soft rice, toast, or other foods that are well-tolerated.

• This is also a time when you can flexibly apply the BRAT diet for a short period if foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast help you eat more easily. However, you should not only eat these four foods for many days as the diet may lack energy and protein.

Avoid excessive use of fruit juice or soft drinks

• Diluted fruit juice or some beverages may be easier to drink, but they should not be used as a substitute for ORS when there is a risk of dehydration. Beverages high in sugar can worsen diarrhea in some people.

• Alcohol and caffeinated beverages should be limited during diarrhea as they can worsen discomfort or dehydration.

Drink regularly throughout the day instead of waiting until you are thirsty

• If you can drink normally, consume fluids regularly throughout the day. When nauseous, prioritize small sips and gradually increase the amount as your body tolerates it.

• There's no need to try to drink a large amount all at once. The goal is to stay hydrated and maintain electrolytes while your body continues to lose fluids through stool or vomit.

Know the signs of dehydration that require medical attention

• If you experience extreme thirst, dry mouth, infrequent or dark urine, dizziness, severe weakness, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down due to continuous vomiting, seek early medical evaluation.

• For bloody diarrhea, high fever, severe abdominal pain, prolonged vomiting, or symptoms that do not improve, do not rely solely on what to eat to stop diarrhea or self-apply the BRAT diet at home.

Tip 2: Eat easily digestible starches when you have diarrhea

Prioritize simple, easily digestible starches

• When researching what to eat when you have diarrhea, you can choose some carbohydrate-rich but low-fat and easy-to-eat foods such as saltine crackers, pasta, boiled potatoes, or cooked carrots.

• These foods help replenish energy while the body is losing strength due to diarrhea. However, they are not a cure and do not directly stop diarrhea.

Choose boiled and peeled potatoes

• Boiled, steamed, or mashed potatoes can be suitable when the digestive tract is sensitive. If you have acute diarrhea, peel them to reduce insoluble fiber, especially if you are prone to bloating or discomfort.

• Avoid french fries, heavily buttered potatoes, or dishes prepared with a lot of oil or fat, as fats can worsen digestive symptoms in some people.

Eat pasta simply

• Soft-boiled pasta can be an easy-to-eat option. Initially, use a moderate amount and limit sauces with a lot of oil, cream, or spicy seasonings.

• If you want to add sauce, try a small amount and monitor your body's reaction. When your stomach is still sensitive, simpler preparation methods make it easier to control tolerance.

You can add cooked carrots

• Soft-cooked carrots provide carbohydrates and some micronutrients, and are often easier to eat than raw vegetables when you have diarrhea.

• Prioritize boiling or steaming instead of stir-frying with a lot of oil. As symptoms improve, you can gradually diversify vegetables and fruits so that your diet does not lack fiber and vitamins.

Saltine crackers can be used as a snack

• Saltine crackers can be suitable when you need a light snack, especially if your appetite hasn't fully returned.

• However, crackers cannot replace electrolyte rehydration solutions. If you have severe diarrhea, prioritize ORS as directed to prevent dehydration.

No need to stick strictly to the BRAT diet

• Foods like potatoes, pasta, and crackers can be added to the BRAT diet to diversify the menu. It's important not to eat only low-fiber foods for many days.

• Once you are eating better, gradually return to a balanced diet, adding protein sources and nutrient-rich foods that you can tolerate. This is a more practical approach than just focusing on what to eat to stop diarrhea.

Tip 3: Eat chicken to supplement protein

Lean chicken can supplement protein during diarrhea

• When researching what to eat when you have diarrhea, lean chicken, skinless and fat-trimmed, can be a suitable choice once you've started eating solid foods again. Protein provides the necessary building blocks for maintaining and repairing tissues in the body.

• Prepare chicken simply, such as boiling, steaming, or grilling without adding much oil or fat. Avoid fried chicken, chicken with a lot of skin, or dishes with spicy or high-fat sauces if they cause stomach discomfort.

Eat small amounts and gradually increase as tolerated

• If you've just stopped vomiting or still have diarrhea, start with a small amount of soft, shredded chicken that is easy to eat. As your body tolerates it, you can gradually increase the portion and combine it with rice, potatoes, or pasta.

• There's no need to wait for diarrhea to completely stop before adding protein. Maintaining adequate nutrition helps limit the risk of malnutrition, especially in children and those with weakened constitutions.

Eggs are also an easily supplemented protein source

• Well-cooked eggs can be included in the diet if tolerated well. You can start with boiled eggs or simply prepared egg dishes.

• It's not necessary to only eat egg whites. However, if high-fat dishes cause bloating or worsen diarrhea, prioritize low-oil preparation and moderate portions.

Do not eat only foods from the BRAT diet

• Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast in the BRAT diet may be suitable for a short period when the digestive tract is sensitive, but they do not provide sufficient protein and essential nutrients.

• Adding lean chicken or eggs helps diversify the menu, instead of focusing solely on what to eat to stop diarrhea.

Combine nutrition with rehydration

• Protein does not replace lost fluids and electrolytes. If you have severe diarrhea, prioritize oral rehydration solution (ORS) to prevent and treat dehydration, while continuing to eat suitable foods.

• If you experience signs of dehydration, continuous vomiting, bloody stools, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or prolonged diarrhea, you should see a doctor instead of just adjusting your diet when you have diarrhea at home.

Tip 4: Should you eat yogurt when you have diarrhea?

You can eat yogurt if your body tolerates it well

• When considering what to eat when you have diarrhea, yogurt can be included in the menu if it doesn't increase bloating, abdominal pain, or bowel movements. Yogurt provides protein, calcium, and some products also contain beneficial live microorganisms.

• However, you shouldn't force yourself to eat a lot of yogurt with the aim of stopping diarrhea. The effectiveness depends on the cause of diarrhea, the strain of microorganism, the dosage, and individual characteristics.

Probiotics may be helpful but evidence is not consistent

• Probiotics are live microorganisms that can offer health benefits when consumed in appropriate amounts. Some strains have been studied for acute diarrhea or antibiotic-associated diarrhea, but the results across studies are not entirely consistent.

• Strains commonly appearing in research include Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (formerly known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. The results of one probiotic strain should not be generalized to all types of yogurt or probiotic products.

Not all yogurts contain the same probiotics

• When choosing yogurt, check the product label to see if specific live microorganism strains are listed. Simply stating "yogurt" or "live cultures" does not mean the product has been proven to treat diarrhea.

• Prioritize plain yogurt with little or no added sugar. A large amount of simple sugar can worsen diarrhea symptoms in some people.

Monitor lactose tolerance

• After an episode of acute diarrhea, some people may temporarily experience reduced ability to digest lactose due to affected intestinal lining. In such cases, dairy products can cause bloating, abdominal pain, or looser stools.

• If eating yogurt worsens symptoms, stop temporarily and try again when your gut is more stable. Consider low-lactose or lactose-free products if suitable.

Do not consider probiotic pills as a diarrhea stopper

• Probiotic pills, powder packets, and granules can contain one or more strains of microorganisms, but a greater number of strains does not necessarily mean better efficacy. The effect of probiotics is specific to each strain and disease condition.

• Especially, immunocompromised individuals, those with severe illness, or those with risk factors for infection should consult a doctor before using probiotic supplements.

No need to limit the menu to the BRAT diet

• Yogurt and protein-rich foods can help expand the diet compared to the traditional BRAT diet, which only consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

• When you can eat, the goal should be to gradually return to a nutritionally complete diet according to your tolerance, rather than just looking for foods that are believed to stop diarrhea.

Rehydration is still more important than probiotics

• Whether using yogurt or probiotics, the top priority for diarrhea is still preventing dehydration. If a lot of fluid is lost through stool or vomiting, fluids and electrolytes must be replaced, with oral rehydration solution (ORS) being the standard choice when appropriate.

• If diarrhea is bloody, accompanied by high fever, severe abdominal pain, excessive vomiting, signs of dehydration, or prolonged symptoms, you should see a doctor to determine the cause instead of relying solely on yogurt, probiotics, or the BRAT diet.

Tip 5: Should you eat chocolate when you have diarrhea?

Do not use chocolate to stop diarrhea

• Some laboratory studies show that flavanol compounds in cocoa can affect intestinal fluid secretion. However, these results are not sufficient to confirm that eating chocolate or drinking cocoa can treat diarrhea in humans.

• Therefore, if you are looking for what to eat when you have diarrhea, chocolate is not a priority. In particular, chocolate should not be considered a method to stop diarrhea as a substitute for rehydration and electrolytes.

Pure cocoa does not mean chocolate

• Cocoa and commercial chocolate have very different ingredients. Chocolate often contains sugar, fat, and sometimes caffeine, ingredients that can cause some people to experience bloating or discomfort when they have diarrhea.

• If you want to drink cocoa, dilute it, limit sugar, and avoid adding too much milk if you are experiencing bloating or symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Dark chocolate is also not necessary during the acute phase

• Dark chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa than some other types of chocolate, but still has fat and caffeine. Therefore, there is no practical basis to recommend eating a lot of dark chocolate to make stools firmer.

• When the digestive tract is sensitive, prioritize simple, easily digestible foods such as rice, boiled potatoes, toast, or lean meat if your body tolerates it well.

No need to add chocolate to the BRAT diet

• The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, but nowadays it is not recommended to strictly follow it for many days. Chocolate is also not an essential ingredient to expand this diet.

• The more important goal is to gradually return to a diverse, energy- and protein-sufficient diet when your appetite returns, rather than just focusing on what to eat to stop diarrhea.

Prioritize water and electrolytes

• When you have diarrhea, the most concerning issue is dehydration and electrolyte loss. Drink enough fluids and use oral rehydration solution (ORS) as directed when rehydration and electrolyte replacement are needed.

• If diarrhea is prolonged, bloody, accompanied by high fever, severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as infrequent urination, dizziness, dry mouth, and extreme fatigue, a healthcare professional should assess you instead of self-treating with chocolate to stop diarrhea.

Tip 6: Can psyllium help reduce diarrhea?

Psyllium can help thicken stool

• Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber that can absorb water and form a gel in the intestines. Therefore, it can help improve stool consistency in some cases of diarrhea.

• However, it should not be understood that psyllium can immediately stop diarrhea or is suitable for all causes of diarrhea. Evidence for the use of bulk-forming fiber in acute diarrhea is limited and depends on the specific condition. A study on patients with tube feeding-related diarrhea showed that psyllium could help firm stools, but this result cannot be applied to all people with diarrhea.

Do not self-administer high doses of psyllium

• The 9–30 g/day mentioned in the original content should not be considered a general dosage for everyone. The appropriate amount of psyllium depends on the product, age, health status, and cause of diarrhea.

• If you wish to use psyllium when you have diarrhea, you should carefully read the product instructions or consult a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are taking other medications or have a gastrointestinal condition.

Always drink enough water when using psyllium

• Psyllium absorbs water to form a gel, so adequate fluid intake is necessary when using it. Do not increase the dose yourself if you are dehydrated due to diarrhea.

• This is especially important because the top priority when having diarrhea is still rehydration and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes and is recommended in diarrhea management.

Carob powder lacks sufficient evidence to treat diarrhea

• Carob is a powder made from the fruit of the carob tree and is sometimes used in digestive support formulas. However, there is not enough high-quality clinical evidence to recommend carob powder as a treatment for acute diarrhea.

• If you want to try it, do not consider carob mixed with applesauce as a method for what to eat to stop diarrhea. Prioritize easily digestible and clearly nutritious foods.

Applesauce can be combined if tolerated well

• Applesauce can be a light option in the BRAT diet, but there's no need to only eat bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast for many days.

• According to the NIDDK, people with acute diarrhea can usually return to a regular diet when they feel like eating; fasting or overly restrictive diets are not recommended.

Don't use psyllium as a substitute for rehydration

• If the goal is to stop diarrhea, the most important thing is still to maintain adequate fluids and electrolytes, then choose foods that are tolerated well. Psyllium should only be considered a supplementary option in appropriate cases, not a fundamental measure.

• If diarrhea is prolonged, bloody or black stools, high fever, severe abdominal pain, excessive vomiting, or signs of dehydration appear, a healthcare professional should assess the condition instead of self-increasing psyllium dosage or continuing the BRAT diet.

Tip 7: Foods to avoid when you have diarrhea

Limit fatty foods

• When experiencing diarrhea, temporarily avoid fried foods, fast food, pizza, and other high-fat items if they worsen your symptoms. Fats can irritate the digestive system in some people.

• Instead, prioritize boiled, steamed, or soft-cooked dishes like rice, potatoes, noodles, and lean meats. Simple cooking methods help you easily control the amount of fat in your diet.

Temporarily limit dairy if it causes discomfort

• After an episode of acute diarrhea, some people may temporarily have difficulty digesting lactose in milk and dairy products. This condition can persist for some time after the diarrhea has subsided.

• It's not necessary to avoid all dairy products. If yogurt doesn't cause bloating or worsen diarrhea, it can still be consumed in appropriate amounts.

Avoid sugary drinks and foods

• Soft drinks, some fruit juices, candies, pastries, and foods containing a lot of simple sugars can worsen diarrhea in some people. Therefore, do not drink pure fruit juice for rehydration.

• If you're looking for what to eat for diarrhea, prioritize water, oral rehydration solution (ORS) when electrolyte replacement is needed, and simple foods instead of sugary drinks.

Limit caffeine and alcohol

• Coffee, caffeinated tea, some caffeinated soft drinks, and alcohol can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. NIDDK recommends avoiding these beverages during acute diarrhea.

• Do not try to use coffee or alcohol to "detoxify" or stop diarrhea. When dehydrated, adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement is the priority.

No need for excessive food restriction

• The idea that you must fast or only eat certain foods to stop diarrhea is no longer consistent with current evidence. NIDDK states that most people with acute diarrhea can return to a normal diet when their appetite returns, even if diarrhea persists.

• The BRAT diet can provide some easy-to-eat foods for a short period, but it should not be strictly followed for many days as it can lead to a lack of dietary diversity and nutrients.

Monitor foods that worsen symptoms

• Food tolerance varies from person to person. If a specific food causes you abdominal pain, bloating, or more frequent bowel movements, you can temporarily stop it and try again after your digestive system stabilizes.

• You can record the foods you've eaten, when symptoms appeared, and the severity of diarrhea. This helps identify foods that truly cause discomfort rather than overly restricting your diet.

Prioritize rehydration over just focusing on food

• Diarrhea causes the body to lose water and electrolytes, so fluid replacement is more crucial than finding a food that can stop diarrhea. You can use ORS to replenish water and electrolytes as appropriate.

• If you experience excessive thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination, dark urine, dizziness, persistent vomiting, bloody or black stools, severe abdominal pain, medical evaluation is needed. Adults should also contact a doctor if diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days or if they have 6 or more bowel movements per day.

When to see a doctor for diarrhea?

See a doctor if diarrhea or vomiting persists

• Do not simply continue to adjust the BRAT diet if diarrhea or vomiting does not improve. For adults, NIDDK recommends contacting a doctor if diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days; in some cases, such as food poisoning, diarrhea lasting longer than 3 days is also a sign that needs evaluation.

• Children need earlier attention. You should contact a doctor if a child has diarrhea lasting longer than 1 day, especially if the child is young, vomits excessively, or does not drink enough water and electrolyte replacement solutions.

High fever requires medical evaluation

• High fever accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting may be related to an infection or a condition requiring treatment. Do not just look for what to eat to stop diarrhea when a high fever occurs.

• In children, a fever of approximately 38.9°C (102°F) or higher with diarrhea is a sign to contact a doctor. In adults, NIDDK recommends seeing a doctor if high fever accompanies diarrhea.

Dizziness or lightheadedness may be signs of dehydration

• Diarrhea causes the body to lose water and electrolytes. Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or very weak can occur when dehydration has become noticeable.

• If you have these symptoms, prioritize rehydration and electrolyte replacement with an appropriate oral rehydration solution (ORS), and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or do not improve.

Little to no urination is a warning sign

• A significant decrease in urine output is one of the common signs of dehydration. Dark urine, dry mouth, and excessive thirst may also accompany it.

• If the patient has almost no urination, cannot drink enough water, or continuously vomits, causing rehydration to fail, prompt medical evaluation is needed. Severe dehydration sometimes requires intravenous fluids in the hospital.

Sunken eyes or cheeks may signal dehydration

• Sunken eyes or cheeks, especially when accompanied by dry mouth, decreased urination, no tears when crying, or lethargy, are warning signs. In young children, dehydration can progress rapidly and dangerously.

• For infants and young children with diarrhea, do not wait until symptoms are severe before seeking medical help.

Do not try to stop diarrhea by fasting excessively

• When their appetite returns, most people with acute diarrhea can gradually resume a normal diet. The BRAT diet should only be considered a choice of simple foods for a short period, not the primary treatment method.

• More importantly, ensure adequate hydration and electrolytes, eat according to your tolerance, and recognize warning signs early. If there is dehydration, high fever, excessive vomiting, severe pain, or bloody/black stools, a healthcare professional should assess the condition instead of just focusing on what to eat for diarrhea.

References

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2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Treatment of diarrhea. National Institutes of Health.
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Content edited by: Leigh Kennedy Ly.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Evelyn Clark.