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Diarrhea can quickly make a bad day even worse, whether it’s from eating or drinking something your body doesn’t like, being sick with the stomach flu, being stressed out, or having a long-term condition like irritable bowel syndrome.
When things aren’t going well, eating might be the last thing on your mind, but what you eat is important for your digestive system to work right. Once you can eat again, it’s important to stick to the right foods for diarrhea and stay away from the bad ones.
Soluble fiber, which is found in bananas, apples, oats, and barley, can help with diarrhea because it turns into a gel-like substance and makes your stool bulkier, says Christie Gagnon, RD, founder of Hoorah to Health.
Another well-known way to treat diarrhea is the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It encourages eating bland foods that are easy to digest.
However, you should stay away from dairy, high-fat, spicy, and sugar-free foods, as they can make your gut spasms worse, says Beth Warren, RDN, founder of Beth Warren Nutrition and author of Living A Real Life With Real Food.
Nurturing your gut microbiome in general can help too. “Probiotics are live microorganisms that are added to foods like yogurt and kefir. Eating just one serving a day can help fill your gut with good bacteria and help you get better faster if you have diarrhea,” says Gagnon.
Meet the experts: Christie Gagnon, RD, is the founder of Hoorah to Health. Beth Warren, RDN, started Beth Warren Nutrition and wrote the book Living A Real Life With Real Food.
If you have diarrhea for more than a week, a fever, or a lot of pain, you should see a doctor to rule out a more serious condition, like inflammatory bowel disease or thyroid problems.
According to nutritionists, these foods should be added to your diet and other foods should be avoided until you feel better if you have diarrhea.
Can You Eat Shrimp When You Have Diarrhea? A Complete Guide
Diarrhea can strike at any time, leaving you desperate for relief. You might wonder if you can still eat shrimp during an attack or if it will make things worse. When you have diarrhea, this guide tells you everything you need to know about eating shrimp.
What Causes Diarrhea?
Diarrhea occurs when your bowel movements become loose, watery and more frequent. Acute diarrhea lasts 1-2 days and is often caused by:
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Food poisoning
- Medications like antibiotics
- Food intolerances
Chronic diarrhea persists for over 4 weeks and can result from
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Celiac disease
- Lactose intolerance
- Certain medications
Diarrhea leads to fluid loss, so staying hydrated is key. Seek medical care if symptoms are severe or you have signs of dehydration like dizziness, dry mouth or dark urine.
Is Shrimp Safe to Eat With Diarrhea?
Shrimp can usually be eaten in moderation when you have diarrhea. It provides lean protein, vitamins and minerals without aggravating symptoms.
Some tips for eating shrimp with diarrhea:
- Stick to 3-4 oz servings
- Choose wild-caught over farmed shrimp
- Avoid heavily breaded or fried shrimp
- Don’t overdo omega-3’s if taking blood thinners
- Prevent food poisoning by cooking thoroughly
Potential Benefits of Shrimp With Diarrhea
Here are some of the top reasons shrimp can be helpful when dealing with diarrhea:
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Contains electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium that are lost during diarrhea.
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Provides protein to help maintain energy and muscle mass when intake is reduced.
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High in vitamin B12, which supports immunity and energy production.
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Has anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that may ease intestinal inflammation.
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Low in fiber and fat, making it easy to digest.
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Naturally gluten-free and contains no common allergy triggers.
Potential Drawbacks of Eating Shrimp With Diarrhea
A few things to consider:
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Farm-raised shrimp may contain antibiotic residues that disrupt gut flora.
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Preservatives like sulfates in processed shrimp can worsen diarrhea.
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Heavy seasoning or cooking methods like frying may irritate the gut.
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High cholesterol content of 195mg per serving may be unsuitable for some.
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Omega-3’s may increase bleeding risk if taking blood-thinning medications.
Tips for Preparing Shrimp With Diarrhea
When choosing and cooking shrimp with diarrhea, keep these tips in mind:
- Opt for wild-caught shrimp over imported farmed shrimp
- Avoid pre-seasoned, breaded or fried shrimp
- Cook shrimp thoroughly until opaque to prevent foodborne illness
- Prepare simply – try steaming, grilling or sautéing with minimal seasoning
- Pair with non-irritating sides like white rice, potatoes or steamed vegetables
Recipe Ideas for Shrimp With Diarrhea
Here are some appetizing ways to eat shrimp that won’t worsen diarrhea:
- Poached shrimp over rice with parsley and lemon
- Shrimp and vegetable skewers with ginger-lime dressing
- Simple garlic shrimp pasta with olive oil
- Sheet pan shrimp fajitas with peppers and onions
- Coconut curry shrimp soup with cauliflower rice
- Grilled shrimp tacos in corn tortillas with avocado
- Shrimp avocado salad with cucumbers and tomatoes
Should You Avoid Any Shrimp With Diarrhea?
It’s best to avoid certain types of shrimp when you have diarrhea:
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Imported, farm-raised shrimp: Higher risk of antibiotics and contaminants
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Pre-marinated and breaded shrimp: May contain additives that irritate the gut
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Fried or heavy sauced shrimp: High fat content can worsen diarrhea
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Imitation shrimp made from fish paste: Contains additives and preservatives
The Bottom Line
Overall, shrimp can be a safe, nutritious choice when dealing with diarrhea, especially when prepared simply. Focus on high-quality wild-caught shrimp in reasonable portions. Avoid heavily processed shrimp products. Listen to your body and limit intake if shrimp seems to worsen your symptoms. With some care when selecting and cooking shrimp, it can be part of an anti-diarrhea diet.
Best Foods to Eat when You Have Diarrhea
The foods below are bland and easy to digest, or they will help you get back the nutrients you lose while you’re leaving the house all the time.
Bananas contain easily digestible carbs, which are gentle on your gut. They’re also loaded with potassium, an electrolyte that’s often lost when you have diarrhea, Warren says. Besides that, pectin in bananas helps your intestines absorb liquid, which makes poop go more easily, she says.
Warren says that since rice is a binder, it can help your poop get firmer before it leaves the building.
Most likely, you should avoid a big Western omelette. However, eating plain, well-cooked eggs without any butter or oil can help your body heal as your bowel movements get back to normal, according to
Learn how to poach an egg perfectly every time:
This has no fiber, which makes it easier for you to digest when you have diarrhea, Warren says.
The says that diarrhea can make you thirsty very quickly, which is why it’s so important to drink water when you can. Broth will help you do that and give you extra nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and sodium that water can’t.
Butter and milk aren’t great for you when you’re battling diarrhea. But you can get the general feel of mashed potatoes by steaming a potato and smashing it up with a fork. Potatoes are high in the electrolyte potassium, which helps to regulate fluid balance, and is often depleted during bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. Warren says, potatoes are easily digested, too, making them a good choice.
Low-fiber foods are clutch when you’re struggling with diarrhea, which is why the recommends nibbling on these crackers.
Unless your diarrhea is related to lactose-intolerance, yogurt may help alleviate symptoms. Gagnon says that dairy products like milk, butter, ice cream, and cheese that are high in fat and sugar can make diarrhea worse. However, yogurt has probiotics that help your gut get back on track by replacing bad bacteria with good ones. Just be sure to choose one that’s low in sugar. What you should do is choose a plain Greek yogurt that doesn’t have any added sugars and add fresh fruit or a little honey to taste.
Barley is high in soluble fiber, which may help bulk up your stool and ease diarrhea, says Gagnon. If you want something sweet, she says to make a porridge with it, oat milk, diced apples, and cinnamon.
Gagnon says that canned peaches are soft, low in fiber, and easy to digest, which makes them a good choice if you have diarrhea. Pick items that are packed in water or 100% natural fruit juice and stay away from those that are packed in heavy syrup. Gagnon says that you can add a little cinnamon for extra flavor. Cinnamon has been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Worst Foods to Eat with Diarrhea
These foods can make your stomach upset, so stay away from them until your bathroom habits return to normal.
9 FOODS To Bring You Back To Life When You Have Diarrhea
FAQ
Can I eat seafood during diarrhea?
What foods should I avoid with diarrhea?
Are scrambled eggs good for diarrhea?
Can a restrictive diet help with diarrhea?
If you have diarrhea, a temporary, restrictive diet can bind watery stools and give your bowels a chance to rest. It can also help restore lost fluids and balance electrolytes (electrically charged minerals like sodium and calcium) in your body.
Are diabetics allowed to eat shrimps?
Shrimp is appropriate for pre-diabetics and diabetics in most cases because of its minimal effect on blood sugar. Shrimp is a versatile, high protein, low carbohydrate food. It contains moderate amounts of vitamin B12, selenium, and is low in saturated fat. The concentration of cholesterol in shrimp may present an issue for some individuals with type 2 diabetes or those with already unhealthy lipid profiles. However, this is most likely only an issue if consumed in excess and in the context of an already unhealthy dietary pattern. Shrimp, when caught sustainably and consumed moderately are a healthy choice for humans and the environment. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest aiming for two 4-ounce servings of seafood per week and many health experts suggest up to 12 ounces per week. Look for shrimp certified by an independent agency such as Wild American Shrimp or the Marine Stewardship Council(MSC), which certifies that wild fisheries are well-managed and sustainable. Or look for the Best Aquaculture Practices label, which is for farmed shrimp.
Can you eat if you have diarrhea?
Opt for clear broths (like vegetable, chicken, or beef broth with no grease), weak decaffeinated tea, and electrolyte-enhanced water or coconut water (avoid ones high in sugar). 3.**Avoid These Foods**:
Can you eat starchy food if you have diarrhea?
Go back to starchy foods for diarrhea until you can get to the doctor. According to the Mayo Clinic, in cases of severe diarrhea, dehydration may be life-threatening if it’s left untreated. Dehydration is most dangerous for children, people with weakened immune systems and older adults.