Health & Wellness

Soluble Fiber Foods for Diarrhea: Does fiber help with Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal condition with soft, watery stools and increased stool frequency. Several things, including bacterial or viral infections, food intolerances, medications, or underlying medical disorders, can cause it. Due to the discomfort and trouble caused by dealing with diarrhea, many people look for efficient treatments to get better. Fiber is one such treatment that is frequently considered. Does fiber help with Diarrhea? The connection between fiber and diarrhea will be discussed in this article, along with how does fiber help diarrhea and its potential to help with diarrhea symptoms.

In This Article

  1. Does Fiber Help Diarrhea

Does Fiber Help Diarrhea?

Yes, fiber helps prevent diarrhea. Dietary fiber, especially soluble fibre, can help control bowel motions and ease the symptoms of diarrhea. Fiber absorbs water in the intestines, adding bulk to the stool and promoting firmer, more formed bowel movements.

When you have diarrhea, it’s important to consider the type of fiber you consume. The soluble fiber in oats, bananas, apples, carrots, and lentils absorbs water and helps bulk the stool. This can help to regulate bowel movements and reduce the frequency of loose stools.

Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect and can worsen the symptoms of diarrhea. Insoluble fiber is found in foods such as whole grains, nuts and seeds, and it adds volume  to bowel movements without absorbing water. In some cases, this can make diarrhoea worse or cause additional discomfort.

So It is recommended to eat foods high in soluble fiber for diarrhea.

High Soluble Fiber Foods for Diarrhea

Does fiber help with Diarrhea

Here is list of soluble fiber foods for diarrhea:

1. Oats

Oats are a great source of soluble fibre. They can be eaten as groatscereal bars or smoothies.

2. Bananas

Bananas are soft on the stomach and rich in soluble fiber, making them a great choice for managing diarrhoea. You can eat them plain, add them to yoghurt or use them in smoothies.

3. Apples

Apples are high in soluble fiber, particularly when consumed with their skin. Choose softer varieties like Gala or Fuji if you have a sensitive stomach. You can eat them whole or include them with apple sauce.

4. Carrots

Carrots contain soluble fiber and are rich in nutrients. Cooked or steamed carrots are generally easier to digest. You can enjoy them as a side dish, in soups, or mashed in a carrot soup.

5. Lentils

Lentils provide a nutritious source of soluble fibre, protein and other essential nutrients. They can be incorporated into soups, stews or cooked and added to salads.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not just delicious but also a good source of soluble fibre. They can be baked, boiled, crushed or used in sweet potato chips or soups.

7. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are tiny, soluble fibre cores. They can absorb water and create a gel-like consistency. You can add chia seeds to yoghurt, smoothies or make chia pudding.

How Does Fiber help Diarrhea?

The fibre can help with diarrhoea by regulating the stool and improving the consistency of the stool. Here is how the fiber works for diarrhoea relief:

1. Absorbs water

Soluble fibers can absorb water from the bowel. When you get diarrhea, your stool is often watery and loose because of the increased water content. Soluble fibers absorb excess water, which helps swell the stool and make it more formed.

2. Adds Bulk

Fibers, especially soluble fibers, add bulk to the stool. This bulk increase stimulates bowel muscles promoting regular and coordinated contractions. This can help regulate stool and decrease the frequency of soft stools associated with diarrhea.

3. Slows Down Digestion

Soluble fiber slows down the digesting process. When foods cross the digestive system too quickly, they can lead to diarrhea. By slowing down digestion, fiber allows better absorption of nutrients and a more controlled transit time, which may help relieve the symptoms of diarrhea.

It is important to note that although fiber can benefit diarrhoea management, the type and amount of fiber consumed should be appropriate for each individual. Increasing the intake of fiber and staying well hydrated are also important factors to consider when using fiber to relieve diarrhea.

If you have serious or chronic diarrhea, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and advice.

Does fiber help with constipation or diarrhea?

Fiber can help with both constipation and diarrhea, but the type of fiber and its effect can vary. If you have Constipation, then Fiber is often recommended as a natural cure for constipation. It adds volume to bowel movements and helps retain water, making them smoother and easier.

If you have Diarrhea, Soluble fibres can help regulate stool and relieve symptoms of diarrhoea. They absorb excess water from the intestines, add bulk to the stool, and promote firmer, more formed stools.

Does insoluble fiber help with diarrhea?

Insoluble fiber typically does not help with diarrhea and may even worsen symptoms for some individuals. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool but does not absorb water, which can contribute to looser stools and increased frequency. Therefore, consuming soluble fiber when dealing with diarrhea is generally recommended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fiber can be useful in treating the symptoms of diarrhea. Foods, including oats, bananas, apples, carrots, and lentils, contain soluble fiber, which absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool. This can control bowel movements and promote firmer, better-formed stools, which reduces diarrhea.

It’s essential to remember, though, that insoluble fiber doesn’t have the same positive impact and might even worsen diarrhea symptoms by increasing stool volume.

References

  1. Dietary fiber in irritable bowel syndrome (Review)
  2. A High Fiber Diet May Improve Bowel Function
  3. Fibre effects on intestinal functions (diarrhoea, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome)

Dr Maria

MD. Board Certified physician. Fellowship In Family Medicine UK. 8 years of medical experience in Lifestyle-related health disorders. Graduated from AIIMS – All India Institute Of Medical Science, INDIA

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