Dealing with diarrhoea can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but knowing what to eat and drink can make all the difference in helping you feel better faster!

Diarrhoea happens when your stools become loose and watery, and is often accompanied by cramps, bloating, and the urgent need to go to the bathroom (also known as faecal incontinence). It can be caused by a variety of things, from viral infections and medications to food intolerances, but the good news is that with the right diet, you can help prevent it from prolonging!

One of the most crucial things to remember when you're dealing with diarrhoea is to stay hydrated. Your body loses a lot of fluids during bouts of diarrhoea, which can leave you feeling drained and dehydrated.

Sipping on water, clear broths, herbal teas, or electrolyte solutions can help replenish those lost fluids and keep you feeling refreshed. Remember, staying hydrated is key [1]!

The BRAT diet stands for:

• Bananas

• Rice

• Applesauce

• and toast

As you can see, this diet focuses on bland, easy-to-digest foods and has long been recommended for easing diarrhoea symptoms.

These foods can help firm up stools and provide essential nutrients without aggravating the digestive system [2].

If you’re experiencing diarrhoea, it's best to temporarily reduce your intake of high-fibre foods, as they can be harder to digest and may worsen symptoms. These foods mostly consist of:

• Raw fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains

• Beans

Instead, you can opt for low-fibre options like:

• Cooked or canned fruits without skins

• White rice

• Refined pasta

• Well-cooked lean proteins such as chicken or fish without the skin [3].

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and may help alleviate diarrhoea, particularly if it's caused by an imbalance of gut flora (the microorganisms that live in our digestive tracts). Foods rich in probiotics include [4]:

• Yoghurt

• Kefir

• Kombucha

• Fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi

If you’re not a fan of these foods, don’t worry! You can also try probiotic supplements from your local health store or chemist. Always speak to your doctor before introducing new supplements into your daily routine.

Certain foods and drinks can worsen your diarrhoea symptoms and should be avoided until your digestive system stabilises. These include [5]:

• Spicy foods

• Fatty or greasy foods

• Dairy products (especially if lactose intolerant)

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Artificial sweeteners

As your symptoms improve, you’ll be able to slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet to ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs.

Start with small portions of easily digestible foods and monitor how your body responds. If symptoms recur or worsen, temporarily revert to a simpler diet until you feel better [6].

If diarrhoea persists or worsens (lasts longer than two weeks), it's essential to seek medical advice. Chronic or severe diarrhoea may indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. A healthcare professional can provide personalised guidance and can help you feel better sooner [7].

Feel like you’re experiencing constipation and diarrhoea at the same time?

Dealing with diarrhoea is never fun, but with the right diet and a little patience, you can start feeling better soon. Remember to stay hydrated, stick to gentle foods like bananas and rice, and give your gut some love with probiotics. And if you're not feeling better or have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for help. You've got this—here's to a happy, healthy tummy!

If you need assistance in managing your faecal incontinence, our range of Dailee Pull-Up Pants are suitable for everyday active wear. With up to 12 hours of usage time and designed with our patented odour-neutralising technology, you’re able to have full confidence in knowing you're protected from any leakage or unwanted smells.

For those less mobile who experience bowel incontinence, our Dailee Slips are a great option. Their easy-to-fasten velcro side-tabs make them easy to apply on the person you care for and they feature the same absorbency technology and odour-locking benefits as our pull-ups.

If you’re not sure which product is best suited to your needs, or the person you care for, please don’t hesitate to contact us to speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable product specialists.