What Are Stool-Binding Foods?
Stool-binding foods are low-fiber foods that help to make stools firmer when an individual experiences diarrhea. The BRAT diet is a popular, medically recommended diet for diarrhea that incorporates stool-binding applesauce, rice and toast with potassium-rich bananas to help stop diarrhea and replenish the nutrients lost throughout the sickness, according to FamilyDoctor.org from the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Bread products made from refined, white flour are also stool-binding foods, notes MedlinePlus. These include prepared hot and cold cereals, pretzels, waffles, pancakes, cornbread, cookies, cakes and crackers. MedlinePlus also recommends low-fiber, stool-binding baked or broiled chicken, beef, fish and turkey. Low-fat yogurt, cheeses and milk are stool-binding foods that can be consumed if they do not worsen the symptoms of diarrhea.
Low-fiber vegetables, including green beans, carrots, baked potatoes, peeled zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus tips and acorn squash are additional stool-binding foods, notes MedlinePlus. However, individuals should avoid eating high-fiber vegetables, such as peas; beans; green, leafy vegetables; corn; peppers; prunes; and broccoli when they have diarrhea because these foods have anti-stool-binding effects.
According to Cedars-Sinai, individuals who follow a stool-binding diet can add small amounts of oatmeal and fresh fruits and vegetables back into their diets following a bout with diarrhea.
