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Having diarrhea on occasion is nothing to worry about. Diarrhea causes can range from a stomach flu to a meal or just an ingredient you ate that didn�t agree with you. Because certain foods can worsen symptoms, in order to start feeling better you need to know what to eat when you have diarrhea � and what not to eat. You should eat plain, simple foods for diarrhea, especially in the first 24 hours, says Peter Higgins, MD, PhD, assistant professor in gastroenterology in the department of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor. �It is best to eat thicker, bland foods, including oatmeal, bananas, plain rice, and applesauce,� he says. Other bland foods that you�re likely to tolerate include: * Boiled potatoes * Toast * Plain crackers such as saltines * Pretzels * Baked chicken without any skin or fat Also, research shows that foods with probiotics � often called �good� bacteria � may shorten the duration of a bout of diarrhea. Probiotics have become very popular and can be found in a number of -foods including yogurt. Foods to Avoid As important as it is to know what to eat when you have diarrhea, it is equally important to know what not to eat. Certain foods can travel through your intestines very fast and aggravate your condition, or worsen diarrhea in other ways. Avoid these foods for diarrhea relief: * Fatty foods. These include fried foods and foods that are greasy or covered in gravy, which can make diarrhea worse. * Milk, butter, ice cream, and cheese. Even if your diarrhea isn�t caused by lactose intolerance (difficulty processing the sugar lactose, found in dairy products), stay away from these foods during a bout with diarrhea. You may be temporarily sensitive to dairy products, even if you usually have no problem with them. Probiotic-rich yogurt may be the one exception to this rule. * Alcohol and caffeine drinks. When you have diarrhea, you want to avoid foods and beverages that cause you to lose fluids. Alcohol and caffeine can act as diuretics, meaning they are dehydrating, and should be avoided, Dr. Higgins says. � Sorbitol and other artificial sweeteners. Some people find that artificial sweeteners have a laxative effect on their digestive system. If you have diarrhea, it�s best to avoid sugarless candy and gum, diet soft drinks, and sugar substitutes. � Foods that cause excess gas. It�s important that you eat generous amounts of fruits and vegetables every day. However, when diarrhea strikes, you want to avoid choices that are likely to increase intestinal gas, such as cabbage, beans, broccoli, and cauliflower, until you�re feeling better. * Foods that may be tainted. Stay away from foods that may have been mishandled, including foods that have been out of the refrigerator for too long or improperly stored. Raw meat or fish can be problematic, too. Follow the old expression, �when in doubt, throw it out,� and you may save yourself some stomach upset. Other Diarrhea Strategies One of the more serious complications of diarrhea is dehydration. When you have diarrhea for any length of time, take steps to avoid becoming dehydrated, Higgins says. �Look for liquids with sugar and salt,� he says. �Pedialyte or full-salt soups work well.� To stay hydrated, you should consume enough liquid so that you make plenty of clear urine. �If your urine is not clear, or you are not making much urine, you are not drinking enough,� Higgins says. If diet and simple remedies don�t work and if symptoms persist for more than a few days and include bleeding, gas, and bloating, you should see your doctor. Your doctor can determine whether your diarrhea is caused by a more serious condition, and can recommend treatment.