What foods should you eat when experiencing diarrhea. How can the BRAT diet help alleviate symptoms. Which foods should be avoided during a bout of diarrhea. When should you seek medical attention for diarrhea.

Understanding the BRAT Diet for Diarrhea Relief

The BRAT diet is a widely recommended dietary approach for managing diarrhea. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are chosen for their specific properties that can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms:

• Bananas: Rich in potassium and pectin, which can help firm up stools
• Rice: Easy to digest and can help absorb excess fluid in the intestines
• Applesauce: Contains pectin and provides easily digestible carbohydrates
• Toast: Made from white bread, it’s low in fiber and gentle on the stomach

Why is the BRAT diet effective for diarrhea? These foods are bland, low in fiber, and binding, which means they can help firm up stools and reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Additionally, they’re gentle on the digestive system, reducing the risk of further irritation.

Expanding Beyond BRAT: Additional Foods to Consider

While the BRAT diet forms a solid foundation, there are other foods you can incorporate into your diet when dealing with diarrhea:

• Cooked cereals: Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, or Farina
• Soda crackers: Provide easily digestible carbohydrates
• Apple juice: Low in added sugars, it can help replace lost fluids
• Baked or boiled potatoes: A good source of easily digestible starch

Are there any protein sources that are safe to eat during diarrhea? As you start to recover, you can gradually introduce lean proteins such as scrambled eggs and cooked chicken. These provide essential nutrients without overtaxing your digestive system.

Hydration: The Key to Managing Diarrhea

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial when dealing with diarrhea. Fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which can exacerbate symptoms and slow recovery. Here are some hydration options to consider:

• Water or ice chips
• Clear broths (vegetable, chicken, or beef)
• Electrolyte-enhanced water or coconut water
• Pedialyte or similar oral rehydration solutions
• Weak, decaffeinated tea

How much fluid should you consume when experiencing diarrhea? While individual needs may vary, aim to drink enough to keep your urine clear or light yellow. If you’re experiencing frequent, watery stools, you may need to increase your fluid intake significantly to compensate for the loss.

Foods to Avoid During a Bout of Diarrhea

Certain foods can aggravate diarrhea symptoms or prolong the condition. It’s best to avoid the following during an episode of diarrhea:

• Dairy products, including milk-based protein drinks
• Fried, fatty, or greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• Processed foods with additives
• Raw vegetables and certain fruits (citrus, pineapples, cherries, seeded berries)
• Alcohol and caffeinated beverages
• Artificial sweeteners

Why should these foods be avoided? Many of these items can irritate the digestive system, increase intestinal motility, or be difficult to digest, potentially worsening diarrhea symptoms.

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Treatments

In addition to dietary changes, several home remedies and OTC treatments can help manage diarrhea:

• Rest: Allowing your body to recover is essential
• Increased fluid intake: To prevent dehydration
• Anti-diarrheal medications: Such as Pepto-Bismol, which can help slow down diarrhea
• Probiotics: Can help restore beneficial gut bacteria, especially after antibiotic use

How do probiotics help with diarrhea? Probiotics introduce healthy bacteria back into the digestive system, which can help restore balance and potentially prevent future cases of diarrhea, especially when taken after a course of antibiotics.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While many cases of diarrhea can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant medical attention:

• Diarrhea lasting more than a few days without improvement
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness)
• Black or bloody stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• High fever (102°F/39°C or higher)

For children, additional warning signs include:

• No improvement after 24 hours
• No wet diaper for 3 or more hours
• High fever (100.4°F/38°C in infants under 3 months, 102.2°F/39°C in children 3-36 months)
• Dry mouth or tongue
• Lack of tears when crying
• Sunken appearance of abdomen, cheeks, or eyes

Why is prompt medical attention important in these cases? These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition or severe dehydration, which can be dangerous if left untreated.

The Role of Diet in Diarrhea Recovery

Your diet plays a crucial role in both the onset and recovery from diarrhea. By following a careful dietary plan, you can help your body recover more quickly:

1. Start with clear liquids and ice chips to stay hydrated
2. Introduce BRAT foods after a few hours
3. Gradually add other bland, soft foods over the next day or two
4. Slowly reintroduce lean proteins like chicken and eggs
5. Return to your normal diet as symptoms improve

How long should you follow a restricted diet for diarrhea? Generally, you should follow a bland diet for 24-48 hours after symptoms subside. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider.

The Importance of Individualized Approaches

It’s important to note that while these dietary guidelines are generally effective, individual responses may vary. Some people may find certain foods more tolerable than others, even within the recommended lists. Pay attention to your body’s reactions and adjust your diet accordingly.

Can chronic conditions affect how you should manage diet during diarrhea? Absolutely. If you have a chronic condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or food allergies, you may need to modify these recommendations. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Long-Term Dietary Considerations for Digestive Health

While managing acute diarrhea is important, maintaining good digestive health in the long term can help prevent future episodes. Consider incorporating these strategies into your regular diet:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Limit intake of processed foods, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats
• Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements
• Identify and avoid any personal food triggers

How can probiotics contribute to long-term digestive health? Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can improve digestion, boost immunity, and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea episodes.

The Connection Between Stress and Digestive Health

Stress can have a significant impact on digestive health and may contribute to diarrhea in some individuals. Incorporating stress-management techniques into your daily routine can support overall digestive wellness:

• Practice regular exercise
• Engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Seek support from friends, family, or professionals when needed

How does stress affect digestion? Stress can alter gut motility, increase inflammation, and affect the balance of gut bacteria, all of which can contribute to digestive issues including diarrhea.

The Role of Fiber in Digestive Health

While a low-fiber diet is recommended during acute diarrhea, fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining overall digestive health. Once your symptoms have resolved, gradually reintroducing fiber into your diet can help promote regular bowel movements and support a healthy gut microbiome.

There are two main types of fiber:

• Soluble fiber: Dissolves in water and can help firm up loose stools
• Insoluble fiber: Adds bulk to stools and helps food pass more quickly through the digestive system

How much fiber should you aim for in your daily diet? The general recommendation is 25-30 grams of fiber per day for adults. However, if you’re not used to a high-fiber diet, increase your intake gradually to avoid digestive discomfort.

Fiber-Rich Foods to Incorporate After Recovery

Once your diarrhea has resolved, consider gradually adding these fiber-rich foods to your diet:

• Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice)
• Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
• Fruits with edible skins and seeds
• Vegetables, especially leafy greens
• Nuts and seeds

Remember to increase your water intake as you add more fiber to your diet, as fiber absorbs water in the digestive tract.

The Impact of Food Preparation on Digestive Health

The way you prepare your food can significantly impact its digestibility and its effect on your digestive system. During and after a bout of diarrhea, consider these food preparation tips:

• Boil or steam vegetables instead of eating them raw
• Remove skins from fruits and vegetables to reduce fiber content
• Choose lean meats and prepare them by grilling, baking, or boiling rather than frying
• Avoid adding excess fats or oils in cooking
• Cook foods thoroughly to ensure they’re easily digestible

How does cooking affect food’s impact on digestion? Cooking can break down tough fibers, making foods easier to digest. It can also kill harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of foodborne illness that could exacerbate diarrhea.

The Importance of Food Safety

Practicing good food safety habits can help prevent diarrhea caused by foodborne illnesses. Key food safety practices include:

• Washing hands thoroughly before handling food
• Keeping raw meats separate from other foods
• Cooking foods to safe internal temperatures
• Refrigerating perishable foods promptly
• Washing fruits and vegetables before consumption

Why is food safety particularly important for preventing diarrhea? Many cases of acute diarrhea are caused by consuming contaminated food or water. By following proper food safety practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of foodborne illnesses that cause diarrhea.

Understanding the Link Between Gut Health and Overall Wellness

The health of your digestive system plays a crucial role in your overall wellbeing. A healthy gut contributes to:

• Improved immune function
• Better nutrient absorption
• Balanced mood and mental health
• Healthy weight management
• Reduced risk of certain chronic diseases

How does gut health impact these aspects of overall wellness? The gut microbiome interacts with various body systems, influencing everything from immune responses to neurotransmitter production. A healthy, diverse gut microbiome can support these functions, while an imbalanced microbiome may contribute to various health issues.

Strategies for Long-Term Gut Health

To support long-term gut health and potentially reduce the frequency of diarrhea episodes, consider these strategies:

• Eat a diverse range of foods to support a diverse gut microbiome
• Include fermented foods in your diet (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
• Limit artificial sweeteners and highly processed foods
• Stay physically active
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
• Get adequate sleep
• Stay hydrated

By incorporating these strategies into your lifestyle, you can support your digestive health and potentially reduce your risk of future diarrhea episodes.

The Role of Nutritional Supplements in Digestive Health

While a balanced diet should be the primary source of nutrients, certain supplements may support digestive health and potentially help manage diarrhea:

• Probiotics: Can help restore beneficial gut bacteria
• Prebiotics: Feed beneficial gut bacteria
• Zinc: May help reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea, especially in children
• Glutamine: An amino acid that may help repair the gut lining
• Vitamin D: Important for gut health and immune function

How should you approach using supplements for digestive health? Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have chronic health conditions or are taking medications.

The Potential of Herbal Remedies

Some herbal remedies have been traditionally used to manage diarrhea and support digestive health:

• Chamomile tea: May help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract
• Peppermint: Can help soothe digestive discomfort
• Ginger: May help reduce nausea and support digestion
• Psyllium husk: A source of soluble fiber that can help firm up loose stools

While these remedies are generally considered safe, it’s important to use them judiciously and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have ongoing digestive issues or are taking medications.

By understanding the intricate relationship between diet and digestive health, you can better manage episodes of diarrhea and support your overall wellbeing. Remember, while these strategies can be helpful, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

What to Eat and What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

Eating bland foods can help diarrhea go away faster and prevent stomach upset and irritation. You can follow the BRAT diet, which stands for “bananas, rice, applesauce, toast.” This diet also helps firm up stool.

Whether your diarrhea is caused by allergies, food poisoning, or a chronic condition like irritable bowel syndrome, diet and diarrhea are intricately linked.

Even if you have long-term conditions that affect the digestive system, your food can affect your comfort levels.

When you’re experiencing an episode of diarrhea, certain foods you eat can help your digestive system get back on track. Other foods might prolong or worsen your symptoms.

When you have diarrhea, the foods you eat and avoid can be critical to a quicker recovery. This is where BRAT foods come in.

The BRAT diet includes:

• bananas
• white rice
• applesauce
• toast made from white bread

These foods are bland and low in fiber so they won’t aggravate the digestive system. They’re also binding, so they help firm up stool. While following a BRAT diet, you can combine these ingredients, such as putting applesauce or bananas on toast.

You can eat additional foods as part of a bland diet. These can include:

• cooked cereal, like oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, or Farina
• soda crackers
• apple juice that’s low in added sugar
• baked or boiled potatoes

Drinking plenty of liquids can help you stay hydrated and replace the lost fluids. Options to try include:

• water or sucking on ice chips
• clear broths, like vegetable, chicken, or beef broth with any grease removed
• electrolyte-enhanced water or coconut water with vitamins or electrolytes (try to avoid ones high in sugar)
• solutions like Pedialyte
• weak, decaffeinated tea

After you’ve started to recover, you can try to add in foods like scrambled eggs and cooked vegetables.

When you’re experiencing diarrhea or recovering from it, certain foods can trigger the digestive system and worsen or prolong diarrhea.

Foods to avoid while experiencing diarrhea include:

• milk and dairy products (including milk-based protein drinks)
• fried, fatty, greasy foods
• spicy foods
• processed foods, especially those with additives
• pork and veal
• sardines
• raw vegetables
• onions
• corn
• all citrus fruits
• other fruits, like pineapples, cherries, seeded berries, figs, currants, and grapes
• alcohol
• coffee, soda, and other caffeinated or carbonated drinks
• artificial sweeteners, including sorbitol

Many cases of diarrhea are short-lived and respond well to home treatments such as:

• modified diet
• increased fluid intake
• over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as anti-diarrheal medications like Pepto-Bismol, which can help stop or slow down diarrhea
• rest

But you may also develop diarrhea due to a bacterial infection. In these cases, a doctor may recommend antibiotics.

Taking probiotics after taking antibiotics can help prevent adverse reactions to antibiotics by introducing healthy bacteria back into the digestive system. This can also help prevent future cases of diarrhea.

If your diarrhea is severe, you may need to be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.

While many cases of diarrhea can be treated at home, if your bout is prolonged or you experience concerning symptoms, you may have an underlying medical condition. Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days without improvement or occurs with dehydration may require medical care.

If you have concerning symptoms, you may need to go to the emergency room for treatment. These symptoms can include:

• black or bloody stools
• severe abdominal pain
• a fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher

If a child has diarrhea, they may need urgent or emergency care if they:

• don’t improve after 24 hours
• haven’t had a wet diaper in 3 or more hours
• have a fever of 100. 4°F (38°C) in children under 3 months old or 102.2°F (39°C) or higher in children between 3 and 36 months old
• have a dry mouth or tongue
• cry without tears
• have skin that doesn’t flatten if pinched and released
• have a sunken appearance to the abdomen, cheeks, or eyes
• have black or bloody stools

The foods you eat can cause and help your body recover from diarrhea.

When you have diarrhea, get lots of rest, drink plenty of water, and start introducing BRAT foods after a few hours. After a day or 2 of bland, soft foods, you can add in foods like lean ground chicken and scrambled eggs.

Sticking to this diet can help you recover faster and feel better sooner, so you can return to eating all the foods you love as soon as possible.

Eating bland foods low in fiber can help your diarrhea go away faster. Always remember to rehydrate to replenish lost fluids.

What to Eat When You Have the Stomach Flu: 17 Great Options

When you have viral gastroenteritis, certain foods and drinks may help keep you nourished and soothe your stomach. These can include ice chips, clear broths, and bland foods like bananas.

Scientifically, the stomach flu is known as viral gastroenteritis. It is a highly contagious infection that affects your stomach and intestines.

Norovirus — the most common stomach flu virus — results in 19–21 million cases each year in the United States (1).

The primary symptoms of the stomach flu include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, and abdominal pain (2).

If you have the stomach flu, some foods and beverages may help settle your stomach, prevent further complications, and help you bounce back faster.

Here are 17 foods and drinks for when you have the stomach flu.

1. Ice chips

The most common complication of the stomach flu is dehydration (3).

When you have the stomach flu, it can be difficult to keep anything down, including water and other liquids. Though hydration is crucial when you have this virus, drinking too much at once may worsen nausea and vomiting.

Sucking on ice chips is a great place to start because it prevents you from consuming liquids too quickly. This may help you keep fluids down and stay better hydrated in the early stages of the stomach flu.

Summary

Ice chips help you take in water slowly, which your body may tolerate better in the early stages of the stomach flu.

2. Clear liquids

Diarrhea and vomiting are the main symptoms of the stomach flu. They can quickly lead to dehydration if you do not replace lost fluids (4).

Clear liquids mainly contain water, while some also have sugar. They are usually easier to digest than drinks like orange juice and milk, which are not considered clear liquids (5).

Clear liquids include:

• water
• broth
• oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte
• herbal or decaffeinated teas
• clear fruit juices, such as apple, cranberry, and grape juice
• sports drinks
• coconut water

Keep in mind that fruit juices and sports drinks can be very high in sugar, so it’s important to avoid drinking too much of these beverages at once. Also, avoid giving them to infants and young children without professional guidance, since they may worsen diarrhea (6, 7, 8).

Summary

Clear liquids are easily digested and help replenish fluids lost due to diarrhea and vomiting.

3. Electrolyte beverages

Electrolytes are a group of electrically charged minerals that aid critical bodily functions, such as blood pressure regulation and muscle contraction (9).

Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the cornerstone of stomach flu treatment (4).

At the first onset of diarrhea and vomiting, health professionals often recommend oral rehydration solutions, especially for infants and children. These contain water, sugar, and electrolytes in specific proportions that are easy to digest (10).

Sports drinks are another option to help replenish fluids and electrolytes but are typically higher in sugar. Researchers suggest that they may be just as effective as oral rehydration solutions at treating dehydration in adults (11).

Summary

Electrolyte beverages provide fluids and replenish important minerals lost while you have the stomach flu.

4. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea may help relieve stomach flu symptoms. In fact, just the smell of peppermint may reduce nausea (12).

In one study including 26 people who experienced nausea after surgery, smelling peppermint oil while doing deep breathing exercises relieved nausea in 58% of participants (13).

While studies on the benefits of peppermint tea for stomach flu specifically are lacking, there is little to lose by trying it. At the very least, peppermint tea is a potential source of much-needed fluids when you have the stomach flu.

Summary

Several studies suggest that smelling peppermint may alleviate nausea, though more research is needed on peppermint and the stomach flu specifically.

5. Ginger

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Ginger is commonly used to alleviate nausea, a primary symptom of the stomach flu (14).

Though research on ginger for nausea from the stomach flu specifically is lacking, studies have found that ginger helped reduce nausea due to pregnancy, cancer treatment, and motion sickness (15, 16, 17).

Ginger is available fresh, as a spice, or as an ingredient in teas, ginger ale, and candies.

Concentrated amounts of ginger can be found in syrups, capsules, and tinctures. However, it may be best to avoid concentrated sources because ginger may cause diarrhea when taken in high doses (18).

Instead, try grating fresh ginger root into a soup or brewing it as a tea to potentially relieve nausea if you have the stomach flu.

Summary

Many studies support using ginger to reduce nausea, but more research is needed on using this herb to reduce nausea from the stomach flu specifically.

6. Broth-based soups

The American College of Gastroenterology recommends broth and broth-based soups as a first choice if you’re experiencing diarrhea and transitioning back to eating (19).

Broth-based soups have a very high water content, which can help with hydration during the stomach flu.

They’re also an excellent source of sodium, an electrolyte that can quickly become depleted with frequent vomiting and diarrhea.

For example, 1 cup (240 mL) of a standard chicken-noodle soup is about 90% water and provides roughly 32% of the daily value (DV) for sodium (20).

Summary

During the stomach flu, broth-based soups are an ideal transition to solid foods, providing plenty of fluids and electrolytes.

7–10. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast

Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are the foundation of the BRAT diet.

Health professionals commonly recommend these bland foods for stomach complaints because they’re gentle on your stomach.

Keep in mind that the BRAT diet alone will not provide your body with all the nutrients it needs.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children return to their usual age-appropriate diets as soon as they are rehydrated (21, 22).

Nonetheless, bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are safe options to start with when queasy from the stomach flu.

Summary

Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are safe foods to try while sick with the stomach flu.

11–13. Dry cereal, crackers, and pretzels

To avoid triggering nausea and vomiting during the stomach flu, dry foods like cereal, plain crackers, and pretzels are safe options (23).

Since they’re free of spices, low in fat, and low in fiber, they’re gentle on your stomach.

They’re also made up of simple carbs, which your body quickly and easily digests (24).

What’s more, these refined grains are often fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, which may help you get closer to meeting your daily nutrient needs while you have the stomach flu (25).

Summary

Your body may better tolerate dry cereal, crackers, and pretzels during the stomach flu, since they’re easy to digest, free of spices, and low in fat and fiber.

14. Plain potatoes

Bland foods like plain, boiled potatoes are great options when you have the stomach flu.

Plain potatoes are soft, low in fat, and made up of easily digestible starches. They’re also loaded with potassium, which is one of the primary electrolytes lost from vomiting and diarrhea (9).

In fact, just 1 medium potato, or 167 grams (g), provides about 12% of the DV for potassium (26).

Avoid adding high fat toppings, such as butter, cheese, and sour cream. These can worsen diarrhea. Instead, consider seasoning your potatoes with a dash of salt, because sodium can become depleted during the stomach flu.

Summary

Plain potatoes are easily digested and rich in potassium, an important electrolyte that can become depleted during the stomach flu.

15. Eggs

Eggs are a nutritious choice when you have the stomach flu.

When prepared with minimal added fat, dairy, and spices, eggs are easy on your stomach.

They’re also an excellent source of protein, with 6 g per large egg, and provide other nutrients, like B vitamins and selenium, which is a mineral that’s important for your immune system (27, 28).

Avoid frying eggs in oil, butter, or lard, as high amounts of fat may worsen your diarrhea (29).

Summary

Eggs are easy on your stomach and rich in protein and other nutrients, making them a great option when you have the stomach flu.

16. Low fat poultry and meat

Your body may better tolerate lean poultry and meats than high fat options when you have the stomach flu. Lean choices include:

• skinless, white-meat cuts of chicken and turkey
• extra-lean ground chicken, turkey, and beef
• low fat cold cuts (lunch meat), such as chicken, turkey, and ham
• extra-lean cuts of beef, such as top sirloin and eye of round steak
• pork chops with the fat trimmed off

Avoid frying the meat and instead opt for baking, roasting, or grilling to help keep the fat content low and prevent making your upset stomach worse.

Summary

Low fat poultry and meat are recommended over high fat options, since they may be better tolerated during the stomach flu.

17. Fruit

When you have the stomach flu, replenishing fluids is a top priority.

Beverages aren’t the only option for hydration. In fact, many fruits are 80–90% water. The following are some of the fruits highest in water (30, 31, 32, 33):

• watermelon
• strawberries
• cantaloupe
• peaches

Fruits also provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and vitamins A and C.

However, many whole fruits are high in fiber, which can make them difficult to digest. Cooked fruits like applesauce may be easier to tolerate.

Summary

Eating fruit can help replenish fluids when you have the stomach flu, which is a top priority. Cooked fruits may be easier on your stomach than raw fruits.

Food and drinks to avoid

Some foods and beverages may worsen nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach flu symptoms. Consider avoiding the following:

• Caffeinated beverages: Caffeine can impair sleep quality, which may get in the way of recovery. Coffee stimulates your digestion and may worsen diarrhea (34, 35).
• High fat and fried foods: High fat foods are more difficult to digest and may lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (23, 36).
• Spicy foods: Spicy foods may trigger nausea and vomiting in some people (23).
• Sugary foods and beverages: High amounts of sugar may worsen diarrhea, especially in children (37).
• Milk and milk products: When sick with the stomach flu, some people have issues digesting lactose, a sugar in milk and milk products. In some cases, this side effect can last up to a month or more (29, 38).

Summary

Caffeine, dairy, and overly sweet, spicy, or fatty foods and drinks may make stomach flu symptoms worse.

The bottom line

When you have the stomach flu, it can be difficult to keep down foods and beverages.

Ice chips, clear liquids, and electrolyte beverages are good places to start. They can help you replenish fluids and electrolytes.

Until you’re able to tolerate your usual diet, bland options like soups, refined grains, and plain potatoes are safer choices. Eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and low fat poultry may also be easier to digest.

Allowing your body to rest, staying hydrated, and trying some of the foods on this list may help you recover more quickly when you have the stomach.

Traveler’s diarrhea: how not to spoil your trip

Travel and business trips to exotic countries are always interesting and exciting. But often, acquaintance with new locations and sights is interrupted by an unexpected bowel disorder. Approximately every 4 foreign tourists are faced with the so-called traveler’s diarrhea. How dangerous this diagnosis is, what provokes the disorder, how to treat it and whether it can be prevented – read in this article.

Traveler’s diarrhea – a specific disorder

In the human intestine, beneficial and harmful microorganisms coexist peacefully, which are involved in the digestive process. An imbalance in the bacterial composition, when the pathogenic flora begins to predominate, causes a disorder. It is characterized by uncontrolled urge to defecate a liquid consistency, that is, diarrhea is a typical symptom of poisoning.

But there is a special type of gastrointestinal disorder – traveler’s diarrhea. It occurs with a sharp change in permanent place of residence, mainly in warm countries. For example, for Europeans, countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America are considered an unusual climatic zone and carry a high risk of this type of disorder. But trips to “safe” countries can also provoke diarrhea, since it is often the result of the reaction of the digestive system to unfamiliar food.

Symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea include:

• loose stools (more than three times a day) lasting several days;
• abdominal pain of a spasmodic nature;
• nausea and vomiting;
• accumulation of gases in the stomach;
• headaches, body aches.

Severe disease is characterized by fever up to 38-39 ° C, blood in the stool, and seizures, which is a sign of severe dehydration. Usually, a negative reaction of the body manifests itself after 4-8 hours, but sometimes even in the second week of eating unusual food and poor-quality water. The cause of the disorder may also be contact with local residents, when E. coli or a local virus is transmitted through unwashed hands. Diarrhea can suddenly develop against the background of an allergic reaction, overheating in the sun, under the influence of severe stress from a flight or acclimatization.

What is the risk of disorder?

First of all, due to diarrhea, the water-salt balance is disturbed and gradual dehydration of the body occurs. The loss of water supplies poses the greatest threat to young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Unfortunately, late dehydration can cause serious complications and even death, so if you experience even minor problems with emptying, you should immediately begin treatment and take control of the situation.

What can be done to control diarrhea?

Relatively mild traveler’s diarrhea can be managed on its own. To do this, you need:

1. Eliminate the cause of diarrhea – toxins. In the process of disorder, the body “cleanses itself”, but it will not be superfluous to help it. The use of enterosorbents will reduce absorption and accelerate the elimination of toxins, and prebiotics will restore healthy intestinal microflora.
2. Restore the amount of lost fluid and salts. You need to drink clean water a lot and often. You can also supplement rehydration therapy with electrolyte preparations that will replace the loss of mineral salts.
3. Exclude all unfamiliar, exotic dishes and products, raw meat and fish, fruits, spices, limit the use of dairy products, sweets and gluten. When the appetite is restored, it is useful to eat vegetable puree or broth, rice and white bread crackers.

In case of severe illness, a doctor should be consulted. Important: hospitalization is mandatory for young children and pregnant women!

How to choose the right enterosorbent?

Enterosorbents are substances that have good adsorption properties. Once in the intestines, they absorb and remove harmful substances, poisons and toxins from the body. In the event of a critical situation, it is necessary to take a sorbent preparation as soon as possible. In a foreign country, both activated charcoal and any sorbent found in a local pharmacy will do. However, knowing about the high risk of manifestation of this disease, it is better to take care of everything in advance and take a quality product with you, it has a quick effect. Preference should be given to the combined sorbent.

Combined sorbents have a multifunctional effect, eliminating the need to use several agents. One of these is Enteroklin – a powerful tool with pronounced sorption and detoxification properties. This enterosorbent is recommended for adults and children from 3 years. It contains:

• Highly dispersed silicon dioxide – the main active substance that effectively binds and removes toxins;
• Pectin – neutralizes the harmful effects of toxins on the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines;
• Chitosan is a natural amino sugar derived from crustacean shells. Supports the normal microflora of the digestive system, reduces the acidity of gastric juice, restores the gastric mucosa, eliminates dysbacteriosis;
• Lactulose is a prebiotic that reduces intoxication by stimulating intestinal motility.

For detailed information, please read the package insert for DD Enteroklin.

Tips for preventing traveler’s diarrhea

• If you do not follow the basic rules of personal hygiene, then the probability of catching diarrhea in an exotic country increases dramatically to 75%.
• The most important rule that applies to any trip is to wash your hands as often as possible and use an antiseptic.
• Vigilance and caution when tasting local cuisine is also appropriate. You should refuse to buy food from street vendors, and also do not eat in dubious establishments.
• Purchased fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly, preferably peeled before use.
• Drink boiled water, preferably bottled water. Refuse ice in drinks, as there is no exact information from which water it was made. It is advisable not to brush your teeth with tap water.
• Do not contact with animals. This is especially true for children.

Remember to take precautions, food safety and personal hygiene to make sure your trip is a memorable one. A first aid kit for travel, which contains the necessary set of drugs, should become an indispensable companion, like a camera or a bank card.
You may also be interested in the article on how to improve the intestinal microflora in the Articles section.

Gastroenterologist explained why indigestion occurs due to stress – Gazeta.

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Gastroenterologist explained why indigestion occurs due to stress – Gazeta.Ru | News

March 18, 2022, 14:28

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Rumbling, colic, bloating, diarrhea (diarrhea) are symptoms that people often notice in themselves on the eve of an important event. And this is a completely understandable reaction of the body to stress, Daria Ovchinnikova, a gastroenterologist at the Clinic of Innovative Technologies in Kurkino (KIT), told Gazeta.Ru.

“There is a direct link between the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the central nervous system (CNS)—the so-called brain-gut axis. This means that the state of mind (apathy, anxiety, irritability, fear, etc.) can affect the balance of microorganisms in the intestines and, conversely, a violation of the microflora affects the mood, ”the doctor explained.

According to her, stress provokes spasm and leads to excitation of the central nervous system. This affects the peripheral nerve endings in the intestine, creating favorable conditions for the growth of pathogenic microflora. Violation of the ratio of good and “bad” bacteria triggers the corresponding reaction, which is defined as irritable bowel syndrome, “bear disease” and so on.

“Accordingly, as soon as the balance of microflora is restored, the work of the peripheral and central nervous systems stabilizes, and the emotional state improves,” Ovchinnikova notes.

To reduce anxiety, you can use medication, which is determined by a doctor, as well as psychotherapy sessions, adds a gastroenterologist.

“To prevent functional bowel disorders, you should eat a balanced and varied diet. You need to constantly change the diet, add new products – this will lead to a variety of dietary fibers entering the body and curbing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, ”she advises.

If the symptoms of irritable bowel are already present, then it is worth eating more meat and fish and avoiding foods that provoke bloating and diarrhea. Namely: bakery products, raw fruits and vegetables, alcohol and dairy products.

“One of the reactions to stress is a complete refusal to eat, which is also not good for the body. This can negatively affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract – lead to erosive gastritis and stomach ulcers, ”stated Ovchinnikova.

Earlier Gazeta.Ru wrote about how to stop overeat because of anxiety.

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