Managing your diet

Although it is usually better for us to eat a diet high in fiber, this makes diarrhea worse. So if you have diarrhea you will need to break the rules for a while and eat foods that don’t contain too much fiber. It’s best to check with your doctor how long you should do this for.


Foods high in fiber include

High fiber cereals such as bran

Wholegrain breads

Dried and fresh fruit

Nuts

Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and beans

Other foods that tend to make diarrhea worse include

Greasy, fatty and fried foods

Foods with caffeine in them – chocolate and coffee

Dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, butter and cream

Some foods tend to make your stools firmer so try these instead

Rice and pasta

Potatoes without the skin

Dry cracker biscuits

Baked foods

White bread

Pretzels

Bananas

Chicken, beef or fish

Avoid pickled and spicy foods as these irritate the digestive tract and can make diarrhea worse. Eating several small meals a day instead of 3 large ones can help you feel less bloated.