Eating When You Have Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be a side effect of chemotherapy. If you have diarrhea that lasts for more than 24 hours, or if you have pain and cramping, call your doctor. Changes in your diet can help. Drink plenty of fluids that contain key chemicals and minerals so you don’t become dehydrated. Beverages with potassium in them, such as fruit juice and sports drinks, are especially good. Your doctor can prescribe medication if your diarrhea is very bad. Learn more about the causes of diarrhea and medicines that can help.
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.
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.
Recommended Reading: Can Align Probiotic Cause Nausea
Just Don’t Go Stuffing Yourself On Fruit
The last thing you want to do is go out and start stuffing yourself with fruit to try to put an end to the diarrhea It is all about moderation and eating too much of just about anything can cause digestive issues like diarrhea.
One big downside to eating fruit as a cure for this condition is the high fructose content, which is well known to cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Fructose is a sugar that isn’t digested very easily and some people are much more sensitive to it than others. If you are someone who is, you may want to avoid fruit altogether.
Everyone’s Body Responds Differently
One key point to understand here is that everyone’s body responds differently. Bananas might really help sooth one person’s stomach and lead to firmer stools, whereas they might upset someone else’s stomach who is easily irritated by the high fructose content. The same goes for a lot of fruits… Orange juice could cause diarrhea for one person because of the acidity it has but for others it could help.
It all depends. If you have been eating fruit and are still experiencing diarrhea in the same amount, or maybe even worse, then you may want to look at eliminating all foods that are high in fructose as well as foods that are high in fiber, because although fiber can be great and is necessary, some people are just too sensitive to it.
Lean Chicken Or Turkey
Greasy foods with a high fat content can make your diarrhea worse, so opt for low-fat meat options like skinless chicken or turkey. Mundkur recommends baking the meat and eating it unseasoned, since spices and seasonings can irritate your system. You can use dry or fresh herbs, like basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, or cilantro to flavor the meat, says Mundkur.
Also Check: Can Birth Control Give You Heartburn
Is Fish Okay To Eat When You Have Diarrhea
If you have diarrhea, you can eat beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey by baking or broiling them. The cooked eggs are also okay. If you have very severe diarrhea, you may need to stop drinking dairy products for a few days if you are not eating or drinking dairy products.
White Bread Pancakes Or Pasta:
Eating white bread, pancakes, and pasta aid when it comes to curing diarrhea white bread, pancakes, and pasta are low in fiber thus easier to digest and aid when youre dealing with a bout of diarrhea. Make sure to not add any sauces and oils to your pasta as they are harmful to your digestive system. Also, try avoiding butter, honey, jam, syrup, and margarine when you have loose motions.
Recommended Reading: Tramadol And Heartburn
Do Some Detective Work
Experiment with what you eat to find out what works for you, Bonci says. “People could be selective with what they have, saying, ‘OK, I’m no good with apples, but I’m alright with a pear. Or grapes don’t work for me, but I’m OK with having a little bit of a banana.'”
Keep a symptom journal to track which foods and which amounts seem to give you diarrhea. It’s the best way to figure out which eats might be causing you problems. Remember, different foods affect people differently.
You could also try an elimination diet — if you think certain foods might be triggering your symptoms, stop eating them one at a time, and see how that makes you feel.
The Types Of Food Patients Recovering From Diarrhea Must Avoid
While patients recover from diarrhea, the urge to consume heavy meals may be present. Nonetheless, steps must be taken to avoid certain food items that can upset the stomach and trigger another attack of diarrhea. Food items and beverages to avoid include:
- Spicy food
- Fried, fatty and greasy food
- Milk and dairy products
- Pineapples, cherries, seeded berries, figs, currants, and grapes
- Processed food
- Raw vegetables including onions and corn
- Pork and veal
Recommended Reading: Can Prenatal Vitamins Cause Diarrhea
Nutrition For Nausea Vomiting Or Diarrhea
Nutrition for nausea, vomiting or diarrhea consists of foods that are bland and gentle on the stomach. If you have nausea or vomiting, it may be hard to hold down food. Some foods may even make your symptoms worse. If you are experiencing diarrhea, the diet suggested below may help solidify your stools.
You may have heard of the BRAT diet which stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast. The BRAT diet was often recommended for nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but is no longer because of how restrictive it is. Below are lists of foods to focus on and avoid when experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, but there are many more foods that can be included.
If You Are Sick In A Residence Hall:
You can ask a friend to make arrangements to bring you food from the dining room. See information about Feel Better Meals.
If you have questions or concerns about your food intake, you may call the Dining Services dietician at 734-647-2614 or send email to .
Notify your Housing director and let your parent/s know if you are ill. If you need assistance, contact the staff at your Community Center.
If you are sick and work in food service, you should contact your supervisor.
Also Check: Why Does Lettuce Give Me Diarrhea
Low Fiber Diet For Diarrhea
The fiber in food provides the roughage or bulk that stimulates the bowel. It is generally recommended that you consume at least 28 grams of dietary fiber a day to promote good bowel health. The major sources of dietary fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and dried beans.
However, a common side effect of radiation treatment and many chemotherapies is diarrhea. If you experience treatment-related diarrhea, you should follow a low fiber diet and limit your intake of dietary fiber to about 10 grams a day. A low fiber diet is better tolerated with diarrhea because it will not stimulate the bowel as much and it will be easier to digest.
Things To Avoid: Fodmaps And More
Try to avoid high-fiber foods, and foods high in FODMAPs. FODMAPs are fermentable oli- di- mono-saccharides and polyols, aka a bunch of natural sugars that are hard for you to digest.
Spicy foods and caffeine can trigger diarrhea, so skip the Sriracha and coffee for now.
Don’t Miss: Does Lettuce Make You Poop
When To See Your Doctor
While many cases of diarrhea can be treated at home with OTC remedies, rest, and a temporarily restricted diet, if it lasts long enough you should consult your doctor. Call your doctor if your diarrhea lasts more than 2 days without improvement or if you get dehydrated.
If you get dehydrated or have other symptoms, you may need to go to the emergency room to get prompt treatment.
Other symptoms to watch for include black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or a fever of 102°F or higher. You can call your doctor and ask what you should do if you experience any of these symptoms.
If your child has diarrhea, call their pediatrician and ask whether you should take them to the emergency room if they:
- dont improve after 24 hours
- havent had a wet diaper in three or more hours
- have a fever of 102°F or higher
- have a dry mouth or tongue
- cry without tears
- have skin that doesnt flatten if pinched and released
- have a sunken appearance to the abdomen, cheeks, or eyes
The Ibs Diarrhea Diet
Belly pain, frequent bowel movements, loose stools. They are the unwelcome signs of IBS with diarrhea, also known as IBS-D. The sudden bathroom urges are equally upsetting. If you have IBS-D, you likely are very disturbed by this pattern.
Irritable bowel syndrome causes your colon to be more sensitive than is normal. Some people think of IBS as the gut’s response to stress, and stress is often part of the picture. However, medications and certain foods are also typically at the crux of this disorder.
Recommended Reading: How To Pronounce Microbiome
Dietary Recommendations For Diarrhea:
- Drink 8-10 cups of fluid per day, like water, broth, half-strength juice, weak tea, or electrolyte replacement drinks.
- Eat small frequent meals slowly during the day.
- Try sources of soluble fibre to help firm up stool.
- Limit fried or fatty foods since these can worsen diarrhea.
- Some high fibre foods may contribute to diarrhea.
- Foods with lots of sugar may worsen diarrhea, such as regular pop, candy, large quantities of juice, and chocolate milk.
- Some people may become temporarily lactose intolerant when experiencing diarrhea .
- Consult your physician to determine if an anti-diarrheal medication is suitable for you.
When And How To Eat If You Have Diarrhea:
- Try a clear liquid diet water, weak tea, apple juice, clear broth, frozen pops, or plain gelatin as soon as diarrhea starts or you feel it’s going to start. Clear liquids keep the bowels from working too hard and help prevent irritation.
- Eat small, frequent meals. Your body may find smaller amounts easier to digest.
- After 2 days of diarrhea, start a liquid diet and add low-fiber foods as you can tolerate them. This will help lessen bowel irritation and will give you some nutrients.
- Drink at least a cup of liquid after each bout of diarrhea so you don’t become dehydrated.
You May Like: Can Ibs Come And Go
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
Fruits To Eat To End The Unwanted Bathroom Visits
Don’t Miss: Tramadol Acid Reflux
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.
When To Seek Medical Treatment For Diarrhea:
- Fever
- Yellow urine
- Less urine than usual
If your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, Mundkur says you may experience severe diarrhea, fever, and bloody stools however, antibiotics can help treat the infection if it’s bacterial.
On the other hand, persistent blood in your stools could also be an indication of something more serious. “Sometimes colon cancer can cause diarrhea and blood in the stool, so it is important to talk to your primary care physician about whether you need a colonoscopy,” says Mundkur.
You May Like: Align Digestive Care
Supplements That May Help To Control Diarrhea
Probiotics may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. They are found in yogurts that contain Live Active Cultures such as lactobacillus acidophilus. Look for the term LAC on the label of yogurts in the dairy aisle .
Pectin is a form of fiber found in fruits and some vegetables that may slow the movement of stool in your intestines. It is also sold as a powder in grocery stores. You can find this in the aisle with pudding and gelatin. To help with diarrhea, mix 1 tablespoon of pectin powder with ¼ cup of lemon water and drink it 2030 minutes before a meal.
What To Eat After Diarrhea5 Food Options
Once you have recovered from diarrhea, there are some food options you can try to speed up the healing process. Here are 5 common options you should follow after diarrhea.
1. Broth-Based Soups or Juices
You will lose bodily fluids due to diarrhea, so it is important to replenish fluids through clear fluids, such as water, broth, and juices. If you want to eat solid foods, you can add bland vegetables to your soup. Adding chicken breast to soups will also provide you with helpful protein and nutrients.
Clear juice varieties such as white grape juice, apple juice, and light cranberry juice are quite beneficial after diarrhea. You can also take some soft drinks like ginger ale, plain water, and sports drink that contain sodium and potassium to avoid dehydration. Yet, avoid alcohol and caffeine because they can dehydrate your body.
2. Enjoy Bland Fruits and Veggies
You get minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants from vegetables and fruits, and these nutrients really help prevent further infection. However, you should only eat bland fruits and veggies, such as cooked carrots, bananas, and mashed potatoes soon after initial recovery. Increase your portion size after a couple of days and eat cooked peas, steamed cauliflower, berry smoothies, or unsweetened applesauce.
3. Try Low-Fiber Food
4. Try BRAT Diet
5. Consume Probiotics
You May Like: Does Tramadol Make You Constipated
Dehydration Is A Serious Risk
Fact. Diarrhea causes you to lose fluids. Losing too much fluid can bring on dehydration, especially in children. A child may be dehydrated if they seem thirsty, has a dry mouth or sunken soft spots on the head , or is urinating less than usual or crying without tears. Adults may have similar symptoms, as well as sunken eyes and lethargy. Call your doctor if you see signs of dehydration. Your doctor may recommend drinking oral rehydration solutions, water, uncaffeinated, low-sugar sports drinks, diluted fruit juices, and broths.
List Of Foods To Eat When You Have Diarrhea
Diarrhoea, or diarrhea, is the condition wherein your bowel movements become loose or watery. It is also characterised by frequent loose bowel movements of at least three times a day. The condition can be uncomfortable but temporary as it usually lasts for just 2 to 3 days.
Common Causes
-
a side effect of taking antibiotics
-
other underlying medical conditions like Chron’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome
Symptoms
The first sign of diarrhoea is loose and watery stools that are more frequent than usual. You may also feel the need to pass stools right away. It may be accompanied by bloating and abdominal cramps.
In some cases, a person with diarrhea may suffer from nausea and fever. The stools may appear greasy and may also contain blood or mucus.
Treatment
Diarrhea is usually treatable at home. In fact, mild cases go away even without treatment. However, recovery can be expedited by taking over-the-counter diarrhea medication.
To ease diarrhea, you may take loperamide capsules and oral rehydration fluids. You may purchase these from St Heliers Pharmacy in Auckland. For proper dosage, make sure to follow what is on the label or ask our trained pharmacists for instructions.
Complications
The most common complications of diarrhea are dehydration and loss of electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
Chronic diarrhea, or when the illness persists for weeks, may result in malabsorption of food nutrients. This may also be a sign of a more serious medical disorder.
Don’t Miss: Is Mayo Bad For Ibs