What to eat with diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can reduce your appetite, but fasting is usually unnecessary. Fluid and salt loss are the immediate concerns. Some people temporarily digest lactose less well after an infection, while fatty meals, alcohol, caffeine, and very spicy foods can worsen urgency or cramps. If symptoms repeatedly follow a particular food, Food Intolerance or Coeliac Disease may need assessment. Food Poisoning and Gastroenteritis can also cause a short-lived change in appetite and bowel habit.

Take small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution. Try rice, bread, pasta, potatoes, bananas, soup, or other familiar foods that feel comfortable. Add normal foods gradually as your appetite returns. Choose lightly prepared meals and avoid alcohol, excess caffeine, greasy foods, and sugar-free sweets if they worsen symptoms. Keep a food and symptom diary rather than cutting out several food groups without professional advice.

Seek urgent medical care for severe dehydration, fainting, confusion, severe pain, black or bloody stools, or vomiting that stops you drinking. Contact a clinician if diarrhoea persists, returns frequently, causes weight loss, or is accompanied by fever or marked weakness. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and those with long-term illness should seek advice earlier.

Which foods should I continue while my symptoms settle? Could lactose, another intolerance, or Coeliac Disease be relevant? How can I replace fluid and salts? When is testing needed if a food diary shows a pattern?