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.

 

Managing your diet

Drinking plenty

Looking after the skin around your anus

Being prepared when you go out

Resting