When you have diarrhea, it is best to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods that help firm up stools and avoid irritation to the digestive system. Common recommended foods include bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet). Other good options are plain pasta, boiled or steamed potatoes (without skins), cooked cereals such as oatmeal or cream of wheat, clear broths, lean cooked chicken or fish, soft-cooked eggs, and yogurt with probiotics. Staying well hydrated with water, clear broths, and electrolyte drinks is also very important.

Foods and drinks to avoid during diarrhea include fatty, fried, or spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, dairy products if they worsen symptoms, and raw fruits or vegetables with skins or seeds that may irritate the bowels.

Eating smaller, frequent meals rather than large meals is recommended to reduce stress on the digestive tract.

In summary, focus on bland, low-fiber, "binding" foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, white bread, boiled potatoes, plain pasta, and lean proteins, while avoiding foods that can worsen diarrhea symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.