Diarrhea Diets

Irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea are often caused by foods that interfere with the function of your gastrointestinal tract. There are a number of food allergies that can cause diarrhea, but many people commonly suffer from dairy, fiber and fructose allergies, according to Brian E. Lacy, author of "Making Sense of IBS." Keep track of what you eat in a food diary in order to determine the cause of your stomach problems.

Dairy

• Eliminate dairy from your diet for two weeks to determine if it is the cause of your upset stomach. Lactose intolerance is a big contributor to diarrhea, as your body may have a hard time digesting cow's milk. Yogurt, cheese, milk and ice cream can all exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, even in small amounts. If symptoms subside after eliminating it from your diet, contact your physician and notify her of your dietary change and the effects. Drink soy milk and other soy products as an alternative. Caffeine can also worsen diarrhea and should be limited to reduce symptoms. Caffeine can be found in tea, coffee, energy drinks, soft drinks and chocolate.

Fructose

• Fructose is a naturally occurring sweetener found in fruit and used in food and drinks, according to Lacy. It is found in soft drinks, sports and energy drinks and fruit drinks. Food that contains high fructose corn syrup interferes with the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to diarrhea. According to Lacy, those who suffer from IBS and diarrhea may be unable to break down and absorb fructose normally. When fructose isn't absorbed, it pulls excess water into the intestines and increases the transit time of food passing through the intestines. Completely removing fructose from your diet will improve symptoms but will not eliminate them.

Fiber

• Although dietary fiber is good for maintaining bowel health, it can overwhelm your gastrointestinal tract if you suffer from IBS or diarrhea. Excess fiber accelerates your intestinal transit, which worsens your symptoms and increases gas production that leads to bloating. Lacy recommends eliminating fiber supplements, reducing natural fiber intake and focusing more on lean protein and small portions of carbohydrates to reduce symptoms.

  Fiber can be found in white and wheat bread, pasta, beans, citrus fruit and apples. Vegetables that contain fiber include celery, green beans, kale, tomatoes, sweet peppers and nuts. Opt instead for potatoes, bananas, toast and cooked carrots to settle your stomach. These foods cause your stomach to digest at a slower rate, which is necessary for alleviating diarrhea.