Can Changing My Diet Help Diarrhoea?

You may find that you have diarrhoea whatever you eat or drink, but some people find altering their diet helps to reduce diarrhoea. Everyone is different and what works for others may not work for you. However, the following suggestions may be of some assistance.

Eating

• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Keep a food diary and note down any foods that seem to upset you, so you can avoid them. It is important not to cut out too many food groups, however, and if you find you are avoiding lots of different types of food it may be helpful to consult a dietitian to help you balance your diet. Some sensitivities may be only temporary and you may be able to re-introduce that food at a later date. 
• For many people foods rich in fibre tend to make diarrhoea worse. Don’t give up all fruit and vegetables, but try cutting down on high fibre foods such as bran cereal, pulses (peas and beans) and the type of fruits or vegetables usually eaten with the skins, pips and seeds. Onions can be particularly troublesome. 
• Avoid very hot or spicy foods if they don’t agree with you.
• If milk makes your diarrhoea worse, try using a lactose free milk and avoiding foods made with milk such as custards and sauces. Some medicines also contain lactose, but do not stop taking any prescribed medication without checking with your IBD team. 
• Chicken and rice soup is a traditional remedy for diarrhoea, which some people have found useful. Carrot soup is also said to be soothing for the gut, and is rich in beta-carotene which may promote healing. 
• The BRAT diet, (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast – or tea) is also traditionally recommended as a way of reducing acute diarrhoea, but does not contain enough nutrients to be a healthy long term option.

Other ‘special diets’ may also reduce diarrhoea. However, in order to make sure that you are still getting a balanced and nutritious intake, these are best used only with the advice of a qualified dietitian. 

Drinking

• Many people are sensitive to caffeine, so try opting for decaffeinated coffee, tea, and cola drinks.
• Avoid alcohol, as this is known to have a laxative effect.
• Drinks made with artificial sweeteners can also cause diarrhoea.

For more information on healthy eating with IBD see our booklet, Food and IBD Check out our information leaflet for more guidance on Managing Diarrhoea.