What To Eat After Diarrhea

What Other Guidelines Should I Follow

• Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink more liquids than usual to prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. You may need to drink an oral rehydration solution . An ORS helps replace fluids and electrolytes that you lose when you have diarrhea.
• Eat small meals or snacks every 3 to 4 hours instead of large meals. Continue eating even if you still have diarrhea. Your diarrhea will continue for a few days but should gradually go away.

What Is The Best Food To Eat When You Have Stomach Flu

If youve recently suffered from a stomach bug, also known as gastroenteritis or stomach flu, you might be wondering, if anything, what you can eat. However, its crucial during this time to keep hydrated, and not overburden your system with heavy or stimulating foods. You should also be supplying your body with the essential nutrients it needs in order to help support your immune system, keep your energy levels up and fight off the invading bug.

This is why I recommend the following five foods to help support your recovery from a stomach bug:

Next, I explore exactly why you should eat these five foods if youre feeling sorry for yourself and have a stomach bug.

Remedies And Treatments For Upset Stomach And Diarrhea

Upset Stomach Remedies

Most stomach ailments can be treated at home. As soon as you start feeling sick, begin limiting your diet to clear liquids in frequent, small amounts. Make sure to drink enough fluids to keep your urine clear or a pale yellow.

If youâre not able to keep liquids down and begin to vomit, start with sips of water or sucking on ice chips. Once you are able to keep that down, try other fluids like:

• Clear soup broth or bouillon
• Clear soft-drinks like 7-Up, Sprite, or Ginger Ale
• Juices like apple, grape, cherry, or cranberry
• Popsicles

Once you are able to keep all liquids down, try some solid foods along with the liquids. Good foods to try are:

• Applesauce
• White rice
• White toast

It may take several days to one week to regain your appetite, energy level, and for your bowels to regain normalcy.

Diarrhea TreatmentsMost cases of diarrhea clear on their own within a couple of days without treatment. If you’ve tried lifestyle changes and home remedies for an upset stomach and diarrhea without success, your doctor might recommend the following:

Antibiotics might help treat diarrhea caused by bacteria or parasites. If a virus is causing your diarrhea, antibiotics won’t help. Alternatively, if your doctor determines that antibiotics are whatâs causing your diarrhea, they will likely lower the dose or switch to another medication.

Treatment to Replace Fluids

Treating underlying conditions

Upset Stomach and Diarrhea Prevention

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Lean Chicken & Turkey:

Now that youve overcome diarrhea and want to be fit and healthy again, you need to look out for foods with proteins.

Unluckily, not every food with enough proteins is advised to be eaten just after stoppage of diarrhea.

And luckily, you can add a small portion of either lean chicken or turkey to your diet plan in order to become healthy again.

Both of these foods can reassure your state of health being improved over time.

But again, try to eat very little of them as they are often hard to digest, causing stomachache and diarrhea if consumed heavily.

Following are the extras included in this article.

Controversy On What You Should Be Eating

If you’ve done a fair amount of research on foods that you should be eating when experiencing diarrhea, then you have probably come across contradicting information Such as some sources telling you to eat this food and that food, while others tell you to avoid such.

One of the big problems here is the simple fact that everyone’s body is different and may respond differently to different foods. One person’s body may have a problem with the amount of fiber provided in one food while another person’s may respond as if it is not getting enough.

If you know something on the list above is going to cause you a diarrhea, or worsen it, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t eat it.

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What Diet Changes May Help

If you have chronic diarrhea, it is a good idea to keep a food diary. This can help you identify problem foods, difficult times of the day, and symptoms. You should share your food symptom diary with your healthcare provider or dietitian. This will help them see if there are any foods causing your symptoms.

Try Eating Foods That Go Down Easily

There is a diet out there called the BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast. It is all about eating soft and bland foods when dealing with diarrhea. It’s a pretty basic diet but the foods recommended are good choices.

Bananas – Already made the list. Good source of many vitamins/minerals and go down very easy.

Rice – Already made the list. Bland, low in fiber, versatile… a pretty good option.

22. Applesauce – Apples aren’t our favorite choice, but we get it. They provide a fair amount of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and potassium. We listed applesauce here instead of just apples because it goes down easier and much of the fiber is in the skin. They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but not the dentist. We would suggest you don’t overdue it with them because of the high sugar amount.

Toast – White bread that is toasted is going to give you the littlest amount of fiber as already discussed. Throw a bit of butter on it and enjoy!

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How Can Diarrhea Be Prevented

Prevention of diarrhea depends on the underlying cause. If medications are causing a person to experience diarrhea, an alternative form or type of medication should be explored, especially when diarrhea is chronic. Some people who are malnourished or on bowel rest, may experience diarrhea for the first few days when starting to eat again because the bowel walls ability to function decreases when it is not used and resumes normal function slowly. Consult your physician to determine the underlying cause and treatment for your diarrhea, especially if there is any associated pain, blood, or distension.

Washing Hands May Keep You Well

Fact. According to public health experts, washing your hands is still the best way to fight the germs that cause diarrhea. One review of research found that good hand washing can cut the transmission of infectious diarrhea by almost 40%. Use soap and water — and scrub as long as it takes you to recite the alphabet.

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When To Call Your Doctor

If you have other concerns, dont hesitate to ask your doctor for advice and follow their instructions on what to eat and when after struggling with diarrhea.

If your diarrhea does not resolve within 48 hours, or you are feeling extremely weak with dry skin and sunken eyes, get medical help as soon as possible.

When To Contact A Doctor

Blood or mucus may appear in the stool in more serious cases of diarrhea, which can also involve fever. Anyone with these symptoms should speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

Untreated diarrhea can also lead to serious complications, including dehydration. A person with severe diarrhea may require hospitalization and intravenous electrolytes.

Anyone experiencing a fever higher than 102°F or severe abdominal pains should speak with a doctor.

Parents or caregivers should carefully monitor any children with diarrhea. If the symptoms do not clear up within 24 hours, they should call a doctor for guidance.

If a child shows any signs of dehydration, it is essential to seek immediate medical care. The signs

• dry diaper for 3 hours or more
• weight loss

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Should You Eat Fiber After You’ve Had Diarrhea

You may have heard you should avoid fiber when you have diarrhea. This is not necessarily true.

There are two different types of fiber:

• Soluble fiber can be dissolved in water. It ferments readily in the colon. This type of fiber can be prebiotic. This means it acts as food for healthy bacteria in the stomach. It also delays the speed at which stools pass through and exit the body.
• Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in the body. Instead, it absorbs water as it passes through the digestive tract. This softens and loosens stools.

When recovering from diarrhea, focus on foods with soluble fiber, like oatmeal. This will help the good bacteria in your intestines recover while building more solid stools.

Foods That May Not Help

1. Fatty or greasy foods

For some people, greasy foods worsen diarrhea, DAmbrosio says.

Avoid fried foods, or foods high in fat like bacon, sausage, pizza and pastries which may worsen symptoms.

2. Caffeine

Caffeine acts as a bowel stimulant and may aggravate diarrhea in some, she says.

3. Milk

If someone has underlying lactose intolerance, they will need to determine how much they are able to tolerate without symptoms, DAmbrosio says.

For many with lactose intolerance, yogurt and cheese are easier to tolerate because they have lower amount of lactose.

4. Sorbitol or sugar-free foods

If an individual has sugar-free candies or gums or certain diet products, the sorbitol or xylitol ingredients can act as laxatives and can worsen diarrhea, according to DAmbrosio.

5. Bran

If you have diarrhea, you will want to minimize the amount of insoluble fibre, which adds bulk to the stools and promotes movement, DAmbrosio says.

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Basic Dietary Principles To Remember After Diarrhea

Knowing basic diet guidelines helps to improve your conditions and avoid making your diarrhea worse. Certain foods will also help accelerate recovery.

1. Consume Some Clear Fluids First

Keep in mind that it is best to eat a clear liquid diet after diarrhea, including apple juice, weak tea, frozen pops, clear broth, plain gelatin or simple water. Clear liquids will help prevent irritation.

2. Adopt Small Meals

It is equally important to eat smaller meals more frequently to avoid putting stress on your digestive system. You can switch to a low-fiber diet after a couple of days of diarrhea. Be sure to drink water to avoid becoming dehydrated.

3. Follw the Dietary Chart Below

Minerals Are Important Too

Make sure to get enough zinc…

Having a deficiency in zinc can lead to diarrhea, loss of hair, a weakened immune system, and a number of other downsides. Good sources of this mineral are

17. Beef – Red meats in general are good sources of zinc, beef being one of them. In a 100g patty of ground beef you are already getting about 4.8mg of zinc. This is close to half of the RDA for men and more so for women. There also is zero fiber here as well as those that follow..

18. Lamb – Another red meat, lamb is also a good choice. So if you like gyros you are in luck.

19. Pork – While not as great as ground beef, pork is still supplies a fair amount at 2.39mg per 100g.

Potassium…

Getting enough potassium is something else that you should consider. When you have diarrhea and are losing a lot of fluids, high amounts of potassium are lost. This makes it important to replenish so that you do not become deficient. Some good foods to eat for this purpose include

20. Bananas – Thought to have originated somewhere in southeast Asia, they are super easy to chew, very smooth, and well known for their potassium. A medium sized one will fetch you about 422mg or about 12% of what you should be getting daily. They also give you a good amount of vitamin C but you may not want to eat too much due to the high fructose levels, which may upset your stomach.

Others – Sweet potatoes, avocados and spinach are also good sources but they already made the list so we will not be repeating them here.

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What Is The Stomach Flu

Weve all suffered through the stomach flu or stomach bug at some point in our lives. Both names are laymans terms for the same condition, which is officially called gastroenteritis.

This intestinal infection is brought on by a virus that causes inflammation in your stomach and intestines. Theres no treatment for this viral infection, but you can take preventive measures to avoid getting sick.

Thorough and frequent hand washing is your best defense against gastroenteritis. Prevention is important, since the stomach flu is contagious and typically occurs after contact with an infected person.

Even though the stomach flu shares the same name and some of the same symptoms as the regular flu, they are different conditions. As youll see from the listed symptoms below, the stomach flu primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. Meanwhile, influenza affects the respiratory tract but can also involve the gastrointestinal tract.

Take Medicine Once You Feel Sick

Myth. Diarrhea often goes away on its own, so treatment isnt usually necessary. But over-the-counter diarrhea medications can offer some relief from symptoms. Avoid them if you have a fever or other symptoms, such as bloody stool. Dont give babies or children any diarrhea medicine unless a pediatrician recommends it.

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What Should You Eat After Having Diarrhea

Electrolytes

The most important thing to do when suffering from diarrhea is drink lots of fluids or clear liquids. Your body has lost hydration and electrolytes are lost from the body, which can make you feel weak, fatigued, dizzy and cause leg cramps. Severe dehydration can lead to low blood pressure and even turn life-threatening if it leads to hypovolemic shock.

To replenish your body:

• Keep sipping an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution or electrolyte sports drink throughout the day.
• Aim to drink a cup of water after every loose bowel movement.
• Stick to clear liquids, like clear broths, vegetable soup and decaffeinated tea.

The BRAT diet

Following the BRAT diet during this period may help, since it consists of bland foods that are low in fiber and gentle on the stomach, and can also help bind the loose stools. The BRAT diet includes:

• Banana
• Apple sauce
• Toast

Bananas contain pectin that is beneficial for the digestive tract. Being a rich source of potassium, it also replenishes the body with potassium that is lost in diarrhea. One review article that analyzed several studies found that green banana pulp may reduce both diarrhea and constipation in children. Another study from 2016 found that consuming rice soups along with a rehydration solution was effective in reducing diarrhea in children.

To reap the maximum benefits of the BRAT diet, remember to maintain hydration by drinking lots of water and other fluids.

What Foods Can I Eat After Vomiting And/or Diarrhea

When your stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea have fully or partially subsided, you may feel up to eating again. The goal is to reintroduce bland foods that are easy for your stomach to digest. The most recommended foods to eat after the stomach flu, food poisoning or a regular stomach ache are part of whats known as the BRAT diet. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These particular foods are ideal because of their blandness and because theyre easy to digest. Plus, their high starch content will help bind your stool together, which may reduce bouts of continued diarrhea. BRAT foods are considered low-residual, meaning they stay in your stomach for less time.

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How K Health Can Help

In most cases, symptoms for the stomach flu and food poisoning are mild and last only a short time. If you have any other questions about what to eat after food poisoning or stomach flu, speak to a doctor.

Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? , explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.

What To Eat If You Have Diarrhea:

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  Eat foods that are high in pectin, such as applesauce, bananas, and yogurt. Pectin, a water-soluble fiber, helps reduce diarrhea.

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  Eat foods that have a lot of potassium, such as fruit juices, sports drinks, potatoes without the skin, and bananas. Potassium is often lost through diarrhea.

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  Eat foods that are high in sodium, such as soups, broths, sports drinks, crackers, and pretzels. Salt helps you retain water so you don’t become dehydrated.

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  Get enough protein. Try lean baked beef, pork, turkey, or chicken, or well-cooked eggs or tofu. This can help you avoid fatigue.

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  If you like certain fruits and vegetables, eat them cooked, not raw. Some raw fruits and vegetables can make diarrhea worse. Try soups made with cooked asparagus tips, beets, carrots, peeled zucchini, mushrooms, or celery tomato puree or a baked potato without the skin.

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  Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or carbonated beverages and very hot or cold foods. They may irritate your digestive tract.

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  Avoid using tobacco products. They may irritate your digestive tract.

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  Avoid high-fat, fried, greasy, and rich foods. They can promote diarrhea.

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  Avoid foods that cause gas, such as chewing gum and carbonated beverages. They can irritate your digestive tract.

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Avoid These Foods When You Have Diarrhea

What not to eat when you have diarrhea? A rapid increase in volume and frequency often occur after consuming starchy carbohydrates which make up for up to 45% of Americans daily caloric intake. Starch digests more slowly than proteins and fats, which means that they take longer to move through the gastrointestinal tract.