Overview
Diet recommendations to manage diarrhoea
Important
This information is produced for adults under the care of Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals. We usually give you the information after an assessment or appointment. Your dietitian or other healthcare professional may give you different guidance, depending on your specific medical needs.
It is important to check with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet. Please contact your dietitian if you have any questions or concerns.
If you are not a patient at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals, please contact a GP or specialist healthcare professional.
Any illness can cause a lack of appetite. If you have diarrhoea, it is important to choose nourishing foods and fluids that replenish your body.
Most cases of diarrhoea settle within a few days. However, if your diarrhoea continues, it is best to make a GP appointment.
Tips for managing diarrhoea
Here are some practical tips to manage diarrhoea through your diet.
Do
- Think about what may have caused the diarrhoea. Infection, side effects of medicines, too much alcohol or caffeine, and anxiety are common causes.
- Try to replace the fluid that you are losing. Aim to drink at least 1.6 to 2 litres (6 to 8 glasses) of fluid each day.
- Take small, frequent sips of a drink rather than drinking a whole glass at once, if you find this more manageable.
- Eat as soon as you can manage. It is best to choose plain, light meals and avoid fatty or spicy foods.
- Try eating little and often, as smaller portions are often easier to manage. Take time to chew your food well and relax after meals.
- Choose foods that are high in fluids, such as soup, vegetables and fruit. Water in food contributes to your fluid intake.
- Cook fruit and vegetables rather than eating them raw. They are easier to digest.
- Choose white bread, pasta and rice instead of wholegrain options.
- Try probiotic products, such as probiotic yoghurt drinks like Actimel®, Activia® or Biomel® (plant-based). They may help to shorten your episode of diarrhoea.
Don't
-
Do not choose foods high in fibre, such as beans, bran cereal and nuts. They may make the diarrhoea worse.
When you recover
When your diarrhoea symptoms improve, you can return to your usual diet. You can then introduce high-fibre foods again gradually.
Resource number: 4056/VER4
Last reviewed: January 2026
Next review: January 2029
