Is pasta good for diarrhea?

Pasta is a staple food for many people around the world. It’s versatile, easy to make, and often well-tolerated. However, when you have diarrhea, you may wonder if pasta is a good choice or if it will make your symptoms worse.

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Quick Answer

In general, plain pasta is gentle on the digestive system and unlikely to cause or worsen diarrhea. Some pasta varieties may be better tolerated than others. Well-cooked, low-fiber pasta dishes can be part of the initial diet as you recover from diarrhea.

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools that occur more frequently than usual. It’s often accompanied by abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and urgency to use the bathroom. Diarrhea is typically caused by:

Viral infections
Bacterial infections

Parasitic infections
Food poisoning
Reactions to medications

Chronic conditions like IBS or IBD
Food intolerance or allergies

Acute diarrhea often lasts for a few days and goes away on its own without needing treatment. However, chronic or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids when you have diarrhea.

Is Pasta Good for Diarrhea?

Pasta made from refined wheat flour is generally benign for digestion. During cooking, the gluten in pasta becomes partially broken down, making it easier to digest. Well-cooked plain pasta is low in fiber, low in fat, and contains no irritating spices, making it unlikely to worsen diarrhea.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends including starchy, low-fiber foods like plain pasta as part of the initial diet for children recovering from diarrhea. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is commonly recommended, with plain pasta being an acceptable alternative to rice and toast.

The pasta shape and variety can make a difference in tolerability:

Refined wheat pasta – Typically well-tolerated
Whole wheat pasta – Higher in fiber which may worsen diarrhea
Gluten-free pasta – Usually made from rice flour or corn; lower in fiber than whole wheat

Fresh pasta – Contains eggs which some people may react to
Stuffed pasta – Harder to digest; filling may be irritating
Dry pasta – Less nutrients than fresh pasta; easier to break down

Going with a refined wheat spaghetti, linguine, or macaroni in a plain tomato or broth-based sauce is likely the safest option when recovering from diarrhea. The pasta should be thoroughly cooked until very soft.

Benefits of Pasta for Diarrhea

Here are some of the top reasons why plain pasta can be beneficial when you have diarrhea:

High in carbohydrates – Provides energy when appetite is reduced

Low in fiber – Doesn’t overstimulate the digestive tract
Low in fat – Easier to digest than fatty foods
Gluten-free options – Well tolerated if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance

Binding properties – Absorbs excess moisture in the gut
Familiar comfort food – Easy to eat when you have little appetite
Versatile – Can be flavored to taste with allowed seasonings

Provides manganese – Helps metabolize nutrients for energy

The carbohydrates, protein and manganese in pasta help provide energy, restore muscle tissue and support nutrient metabolism. Pasta is free of compounds that overstimulate the intestines. It also has binding properties that can help firm up loose stools.

Risks and Precautions

While plain pasta is gentle on the digestive system, here are some things to keep in mind:

Avoid pasta dishes with cream, butter, cheese or oily sauces which may worsen diarrhea.
Don’t eat raw or undercooked pasta, ensure it is very soft and fully cooked.
Limit high-fiber whole wheat varieties which could irritate the intestinal tract.

If you have celiac disease only choose certified gluten-free pasta.
Introduce pasta in small portions to see how it agrees with you.
Stay hydrated by drinking water, herbal tea, broths and electrolyte drinks.

Avoid caffeinated drinks which can dehydrate you.
Monitor for worsening diarrhea or abdominal pain.

While pasta is unlikely to worsen diarrhea, everyone’s tolerance can vary. Take it slow when first reintroducing pasta to make sure it sits well with your digestive system.

The Best Pasta for Diarrhea

The ideal pasta choice for diarrhea recovery includes:

Refined wheat pastas like spaghetti, macaroni, linguine
Gluten-free pasta made from rice flour or corn

Short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, rotini
Well-cooked until very soft
Served plain or with minimal seasoning

A bland tomato-based sauce, olive oil, or broth can make the pasta more palatable. Avoid chunky sauces that are hard to digest. Season lightly with salt and herbs or spices that don’t irritate your stomach.

Pasta Recommendations

Pasta Type	Benefits
Refined wheat pasta	Least likely to aggravate diarrhea if no gluten intolerance. Choose plain versions without added protein or fiber.
Gluten-free pasta	Well tolerated if you have celiac disease. Check labels to confirm gluten-free.
Rice pasta	Lower in fiber than whole grain wheat pasta. Easy to digest.
Buckwheat pasta	Despite the name, it’s gluten-free. Higher in fiber than rice pasta.
Corn pasta	Gluten-free and low in fiber. More delicate texture.

Pasta Dishes for Diarrhea

Here are some easy pasta dishes to try as you recover from diarrhea:

Refined Wheat Pasta

Pasta pomodoro – Toasted pasta with olive oil, garlic, diced tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper. Omit garlic if it gives you gas.

Pasta aglio e olio – Spaghetti with olive oil, one or two minced garlic cloves, Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
Tomato soup with pasta – Swirl a handful of small pasta shapes into a bowl of tomato soup.
Pasta e fagioli – Pasta and bean soup with vegetables. Use a small amount of beans and drain and rinse them first to reduce fiber and gas.

Gluten-Free Pasta

Pesto pasta – Toss gluten-free pasta with a spoonful of pesto sauce. Avoid versions with nuts or dairy if they bother your stomach.
Lemony pasta – Cooked pasta tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pasta with shrimp – Saute a few peeled shrimp in olive oil and serve over rice pasta. Season with herbs.

Vegetable pasta soup – Simmer gluten-free pasta in chicken or vegetable broth with allowed veggies like carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach.

Focus on cooking the pasta until it’s very soft. Introduce small amounts of fiber, fat, protein, and probiotics as your symptoms improve. Avoid dairy, raw veggies, beans, nuts, and seeds until diarrhea subsides.

When to Avoid Pasta with Diarrhea

While pasta is generally well tolerated, there are some instances where you may want to avoid it:

If you have gluten intolerance, celiac disease or a wheat allergy
If you have chronic digestive issues that are aggravated by grains
If you experience cramping or loose stools after eating pasta

During the first 24 hours of a sudden bout of acute diarrhea when following a clear liquid diet
If your diarrhea is accompanied by nausea, vomiting or fever
If you have diarrhea lasting more than 3 days without improvement

In these situations, bland starchy alternatives like plain rice, potatoes or wheat-free grains may be better options until your diarrhea resolves. Speak to your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve within a few days.

Foods to Eat With Pasta for Diarrhea Recovery

As the diarrhea clears, you can start reintroducing other foods along with pasta:

Smooth nut butters – Help replace lost protein; limit to 1-2 tbsp per day

Well-cooked vegetables – Carrots, green beans, squash, pumpkin, zucchini
Fruits – Bananas, applesauce, melon, berries
Bone broth – Provides electrolytes, protein and nutrients

Tea and electrolyte water – Prevent dehydration
Probiotic foods – Yogurt, kefir, fermented veggies strengthen gut flora
Oats – Gradually reintroduce as a source of fiber

Lean proteins – Chicken, fish, eggs, tofu

Avoid stimulants, greasy or fried food, alcohol, raw produce, beans, dairy, and fiber-rich grains until bowel movements return to normal. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated when recovering from diarrhea.

Sample Meal Plans

Here are some sample meal plans incorporating pasta as you recover from diarrhea:

Day 1

Breakfast – Oatmeal made with water or non-dairy milk, banana slices, cinnamon
Lunch – Chicken noodle soup with refined wheat noodles, saltine crackers
Dinner – Pasta pomodoro with chicken, green beans

Snacks – Chamomile tea, applesauce

Day 2

Breakfast – Gluten-free oatmeal with blueberries, almond milk
Lunch – Minestrone soup with small gluten-free pasta shapes, bread roll

Dinner – Baked salmon, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots
Snacks – Hard boiled egg, melon cubes

Day 3

Breakfast – Rice porridge with cinnamon, scrambled eggs

Lunch – Turkey sandwich on white bread, yogurt, banana
Dinner – Chicken pasta soup with spinach, pumpkin seeds
Snacks – Smoothie with banana, rice milk, peanut butter

Gradually reintroduce higher fiber foods like whole grains and raw fruits and vegetables. Limit portion sizes of beans, dairy and fat. Stay hydrated and get rest to help your gut recover.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor if:

Diarrhea lasts more than 3 days without improvement

You have a fever over 101 F (38 C)
There is blood or mucus in the stool
You have severe abdominal pain or cramping

You are showing signs of dehydration – excessive thirst, dry mouth, little to no urination
You have a weakened immune system or serious health condition
You recently traveled internationally where you may have gotten an intestinal infection

Seek prompt medical care if diarrhea is not improving or you are unable to keep down any fluids. IV fluids and medication may be needed to treat dehydration and restore electrolyte balances.

The Bottom Line

Plain pasta made from refined wheat flour or gluten-free varieties like rice and corn are unlikely to worsen diarrhea. Well-cooked pasta can be part of the initial diet as you recover from acute diarrhea and food poisoning. Take care to avoid oils, dairy, raw vegetables, and high-fiber whole grains until bowel movements return to normal. Drink plenty of fluids and get rest while battling diarrhea. See your doctor if symptoms don’t start to improve within a few days.