What foods should you avoid when experiencing diarrhea. How can you identify trigger foods that worsen symptoms. What dietary strategies can help manage diarrhea effectively.

Common Trigger Foods That May Exacerbate Diarrhea

When dealing with diarrhea, it’s crucial to be mindful of certain foods that can potentially worsen symptoms. While individual triggers may vary, some common culprits include:

• Alcohol
• Fatty foods
• High-fiber foods
• Excess fruits and vegetables
• Dairy products
• Caffeinated beverages
• Artificial sweeteners

Understanding these potential triggers can help you make informed dietary choices during episodes of diarrhea. Let’s explore each category in more detail.

Alcohol and Its Effects on Digestive Health

Alcohol consumption can be a significant trigger for diarrhea in some individuals. This effect can occur with both occasional and long-term use. But why does alcohol cause diarrhea? Alcohol can irritate the lining of the intestines and accelerate the passage of food through the digestive system, leading to loose stools. Additionally, alcoholic beverages can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb water and electrolytes, further contributing to diarrhea symptoms.

The Impact of Fatty Foods on Diarrhea

Fatty foods can exacerbate diarrhea by stimulating contractions in the intestines and increasing the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract. This rapid transit can result in inadequate absorption of nutrients and water, leading to loose, watery stools. Examples of high-fat foods to avoid during episodes of diarrhea include:

• Fried foods
• Greasy fast food
• Fatty cuts of meat
• Full-fat dairy products
• Oils and butter

Fiber-Rich Foods: A Double-Edged Sword

While fiber is generally beneficial for digestive health, consuming large amounts of certain high-fiber foods during bouts of diarrhea can be counterproductive. Insoluble fiber, in particular, can be difficult to digest and may worsen symptoms. However, it’s important not to eliminate all fiber from your diet. Instead, focus on consuming moderate amounts of soluble fiber, which can help add bulk to stools and promote more formed bowel movements.

Examples of high-fiber foods that may aggravate diarrhea include:

• Bran cereals
• Raw vegetables
• Fruit skins
• Legumes
• Whole grains

The Role of Fruits and Vegetables in Diarrhea

While fruits and vegetables are essential components of a healthy diet, consuming them in excess during episodes of diarrhea can sometimes worsen symptoms. Certain fruits, such as prunes, figs, dates, and raisins, are known to have a laxative effect and may trigger diarrhea in some individuals. Additionally, the high fiber content in many fruits and vegetables can be difficult to digest when the digestive system is already compromised.

Dairy Products and Lactose Intolerance: A Common Diarrhea Trigger

Dairy products are a well-known trigger for diarrhea, especially in individuals with lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body lacks sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. When lactose isn’t properly digested, it can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

If you suspect that dairy products are triggering your diarrhea, consider the following options:

• Try lactose-free dairy products
• Use enzyme supplements like Lactaid
• Explore non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk
• Gradually reintroduce small amounts of dairy to test your tolerance

The Effects of Caffeine on Digestive Health

Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks, can stimulate the digestive system and potentially trigger diarrhea in sensitive individuals. Caffeine acts as a mild diuretic and can increase intestinal motility, leading to more frequent bowel movements. During episodes of diarrhea, it may be beneficial to limit or avoid caffeinated beverages to help manage symptoms.

Artificial Sweeteners and Their Impact on Digestion

Certain artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and fructose, have been linked to diarrhea in some people. These sweeteners are often found in sugar-free products, diet sodas, and some types of chewing gum. They can have a laxative effect by drawing water into the intestines, leading to loose stools. When experiencing diarrhea, it’s advisable to check food labels and avoid products containing these sweeteners.

Identifying Personal Trigger Foods: The Food Diary Approach

Recognizing that everyone’s digestive system reacts differently to various foods, keeping a food diary can be an invaluable tool in identifying personal trigger foods. A food diary allows you to track what you eat, when you eat it, and any subsequent digestive symptoms. This systematic approach can help you pinpoint specific foods or eating habits that may be contributing to your diarrhea.

To create an effective food diary:

1. Record everything you eat and drink, including portion sizes
2. Note the time of each meal or snack
3. Document any digestive symptoms that occur
4. Pay attention to cooking methods and food combinations
5. Keep the diary for at least two weeks to identify patterns

By analyzing your food diary, you can identify potential trigger foods and make informed decisions about your diet to help manage diarrhea symptoms more effectively.

The Importance of Treating Diarrhea: Beyond Dietary Changes

While dietary modifications play a crucial role in managing diarrhea, it’s important to recognize that treatment may extend beyond food choices. Persistent or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be dangerous if left untreated. Over-the-counter medications, such as Imodium (loperamide), can help alleviate symptoms by slowing down intestinal motility and promoting water absorption.

When considering medication for diarrhea relief, keep in mind:

• Always follow the recommended dosage instructions
• Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist for more than two days
• Be aware of potential side effects and drug interactions
• Use medication in conjunction with appropriate dietary changes

Remember that while these medications can provide relief, they do not address the underlying cause of diarrhea. If you experience frequent or chronic diarrhea, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the root cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Effective Dietary Strategies for Managing Diarrhea

In addition to avoiding trigger foods, implementing certain dietary strategies can help alleviate diarrhea symptoms and promote recovery. Here are some evidence-based approaches to consider:

The BRAT Diet: A Time-Tested Approach

The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, has long been recommended for managing diarrhea. These foods are easily digestible, low in fiber, and can help firm up stools. The BRAT diet works by:

• Providing easily digestible carbohydrates for energy
• Offering potassium to replace lost electrolytes
• Supplying pectin, which can help reduce diarrhea

While the BRAT diet can be helpful in the short term, it’s important to gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods to ensure adequate nutrition.

The Role of Probiotics in Digestive Health

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to the gut microbiome and potentially reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea. These live microorganisms can be found in fermented foods or taken as supplements. Some probiotic-rich foods to consider include:

• Yogurt (look for “live and active cultures” on the label)
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kombucha

When choosing a probiotic supplement, look for products containing strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii, which have shown promise in managing diarrhea.

Hydration: The Cornerstone of Diarrhea Management

Proper hydration is crucial when dealing with diarrhea, as the body loses significant amounts of water and electrolytes through loose stools. To prevent dehydration, focus on consuming clear fluids and electrolyte-rich beverages. Suitable options include:

• Water
• Clear broths
• Oral rehydration solutions
• Diluted fruit juices (avoid those high in fructose)
• Coconut water

Aim to drink small amounts frequently throughout the day rather than consuming large quantities at once, which may overwhelm the digestive system.

Long-Term Dietary Considerations for Digestive Health

While managing acute episodes of diarrhea is important, it’s equally crucial to focus on long-term dietary habits that promote overall digestive health. Implementing these strategies can help reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea episodes:

Balancing Fiber Intake

Once acute diarrhea has resolved, gradually increase your fiber intake to support regular bowel movements and overall gut health. Aim for a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber sources, including:

• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Fruits and vegetables (with skins, when tolerated)
• Nuts and seeds

Remember to increase fiber intake slowly and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation.

Mindful Eating Practices

Adopting mindful eating habits can support digestive health and potentially reduce the risk of diarrhea. Consider the following practices:

• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
• Practice portion control to avoid overwhelming the digestive system
• Avoid eating late at night
• Limit distractions during meals (e.g., TV, smartphones)

Exploring Food Sensitivities

If you experience recurrent diarrhea, it may be worth exploring potential food sensitivities or intolerances. Common culprits include:

• Gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye)
• Lactose (found in dairy products)
• FODMAPs (fermentable carbohydrates found in various foods)

Consider working with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider to conduct an elimination diet and identify potential trigger foods.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea

While many cases of diarrhea can be managed at home with dietary changes and over-the-counter treatments, certain situations warrant medical attention. Seek professional help if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than three days
• Signs of dehydration (e.g., dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Fever above 102°F (39°C)
• Frequent episodes of diarrhea (more than 6 per day)

A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of persistent or severe diarrhea and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Preventing Diarrhea: Proactive Measures for Digestive Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent diarrhea entirely, taking proactive measures can help reduce your risk and maintain optimal digestive health. Consider implementing the following strategies:

Practicing Good Hygiene

Many cases of diarrhea are caused by infectious agents. To minimize your risk of exposure:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
• Avoid consuming untreated water or unpasteurized dairy products
• Properly wash and cook foods, particularly raw meats and vegetables

Supporting Gut Health with a Balanced Diet

A diet rich in diverse, nutrient-dense foods can help support a healthy gut microbiome and strengthen your digestive system. Focus on incorporating:

• A variety of fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats (e.g., olive oil, avocados, nuts)
• Fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)

Managing Stress Levels

Chronic stress can negatively impact digestive health and potentially trigger diarrhea in some individuals. Implement stress-reduction techniques such as:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Adequate sleep
• Engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy

By taking a comprehensive approach to digestive health that includes dietary considerations, stress management, and good hygiene practices, you can work towards minimizing the frequency and severity of diarrhea episodes while promoting overall well-being.

Trigger Foods That Can Cause Diarrhea Symptoms

Foods & drinks

Everyone is different. What might trigger diarrhea for one person could be fine for another. With this in mind, here are some foods and drinks that may cause diarrhea:

• Alcohol. Drinking alcohol can cause diarrhea in some people. This can happen with occasional or long-term use.
• Fatty foods. These foods can worsen diarrhea, so it may be a good idea to avoid fatty foods such as meats with a high fat content.
• Fiber-rich foods. Some foods high in fiber – like bran and fruits – can be hard to digest and cause diarrhea. Do not eliminate all fiber from your diet, but you might consider eating lower fiber foods such as rice, noodles, or white bread.
• Excess fruits or vegetables. For some people, eating large amounts of certain fruits such as prunes, figs, dates and raisins can trigger diarrhea.
• Dairy. Milk, cheese, cream and other dairy products are known to cause diarrhea for some, especially for those with lactose intolerance. If you are lactose intolerant, consider LACTAID products or non-dairy alternatives.
• Coffee and tea. Caffeine has been identified as a diarrhea trigger for many sufferers. Try to limit how much caffeine you drink.
• Sweeteners. Certain sweeteners like sorbitol, xylitol, manitol and fructose – which you’ll find in some drinks and sweets – have been linked with causing diarrhea. Keep an eye out for these ingredients on the packaging.

How to spot your problem foods

If you have diarrhea, it might be caused by eating certain foods. You can try to identify your trigger foods by keeping a daily food diary – including when and how you eat it – so you’re able to connect this knowledge to your diarrhea symptoms.

Read our tips on how to manage your diet and eating habits

Why treat your diarrhea?

IMODIUM products contain an active ingredient called Loperamide, which works to help relieve diarrhea and restore the digestive system to its normal balance. Your diarrhea symptoms may resolve more quickly with IMODIUM products than they will by letting the diarrhea run its course. If symptoms persist for more than two days or get worse, consult your healthcare professional.

Tips for Managing Diarrhea

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Food to Avoid & Triggers

When you know the things that can make your IBS symptoms flare up, called triggers, you can make a plan to avoid them. That way, you can work on keeping problems with constipation, diarrhea, belly pain, and bloating to a minimum.

IBS is different for everyone, but it may help to keep track of how you react to the most common symptom triggers and learn to prevent them.

1. Diet Triggers for IBS Constipation

Some foods can make IBS-related constipation worse, including:

• Breads and cereals made with refined (not whole) grains
• Processed foods such as chips and cookies
• Coffee, carbonated drinks, and alcohol
• High-protein diets
• Dairy products, especially cheese

Better Diet Choices for Constipation:

• Gradually boost your fiber intake by 2 to 3 grams per day until you’re eating 25 (for women) or 38 (for men) grams per day. Good sources include whole-grain bread and cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
• Eat a moderate amount of foods that are higher in the sugar substitute sorbitol, such as dried plums and prune juice.
• Drink plenty of plain water every day.

Try ground flaxseed. You can sprinkle it on salads and cooked vegetables.

2. Diet Triggers for IBS Diarrhea

Foods that can make IBS-related diarrhea worse for some people include:

• Too much fiber, especially the insoluble kind you get in the skin of fruits and vegetables
• Food and drinks with chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, fructose, or sorbitol
• Carbonated drinks
• Large meals
• Fried and fatty foods
• Dairy products, especially in people who can’t digest the milk sugar lactose, called lactose intolerance
• Foods with wheat for people who are allergic to or have a bad reaction to gluten.

Better Diet Choices for Diarrhea:

• Eat a moderate amount of soluble fiber. It adds bulk to your stools. Good sources are whole wheat breads, oats, barley, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, the flesh of fruit (not the skin), and dried fruits.
• Don’t eat foods at opposite temperatures, such as ice-cold water and steaming hot soup, in the same meal.
• Stay away from broccoli, onions, and cabbage. They cause gas, which can make you feel worse.
• Eat smaller portions.
• Drink water an hour before or after meals, not while you eat.
• Talk with your doctor or a dietitian if you think you may have a wheat allergy.

To ease symptoms of bloating and gas, try to avoid gassy foods such as beans, Brussels sprouts, wheat germ, raisins, and celery.

3. Stress and Anxiety Triggers for IBS

Stress and anxiety can make IBS symptoms worse. Worries can come from a lot of sources, including:

• Work
• Your commute
• Problems at home
• Money problems
• A sense that things are out of your control

How to Manage Stress:

• Choose healthy habits. Eat a well-balanced diet that works for your IBS. Get regular exercise and enough sleep.
• Do something fun as often as you can. Listen to music, read, shop, or take a walk.
• Learn better ways to calm down with behavioral therapy. There are a few types: relaxation therapy, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy.
• If you feel comfortable, talk to family members, close friends, your boss, or co-workers about your IBS. When they know what’s going on, they can support you and better understand how it affects you.

4. Drugs That Can Trigger IBS

Some drugs can trigger constipation or diarrhea. People with IBS may have trouble with:

How to Choose Better Meds:

• Talk with your doctor about switching to a drug that won’t make your symptoms flare. But ask them before you stop taking your meds.
• Choose antidepressants wisely. Older ones, called tricyclic antidepressants, can cause constipation. Standard ones, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) and sertraline (Zoloft), can cause diarrhea. Work with your doctor to find the right one.

5. Menstrual Triggers for IBS

Women with IBS tend to have worse symptoms during their periods. There’s not a lot you can do to prevent it, but you can ease pain and discomfort during that time of the month.

How to Feel Better:

• Think about taking birth control pills. They can make your periods more regular. But they can cause side effects, like upset stomach, vomiting, stomach cramps or bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Work with your doctor to find one that works without causing other problems.
• Treat severe PMS. Some drugs that treat depression can help, such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).

6. Other Triggers

• Eating while you work or drive
• Eating too quickly
• Chewing gum
• Not enough exercise

What to Do:

• Cut out distractions while you eat.
• Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. It can help you prevent constipation and ease stress.

Also, be sure to talk to your doctor about all your treatment options for IBS with constipation and IBS with diarrhea.

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.

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.

What to eat if you have diarrhea:

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




• 
  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.




• 
  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.




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




• 
  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.




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




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




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




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




• 
  Limit milk and milk products. They may be hard to digest and promote diarrhea.




• 
  Avoid nuts, raw fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads, and bran products. They can be irritating to your digestive tract.

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Last modified on May 8, 2013 at 9:53 AM

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.

Food labels list grams of fiber

To find out how much fiber is in a serving of a food use food labels. Look for “Dietary Fiber” in the list of nutrients. Choose foods that have 2 grams or less of dietary fiber per serving.

Soluble fiber

Soluble fiber is a type of fiber found in some foods. Soluble fiber absorbs fluid and can help relieve diarrhea. Foods high in soluble fiber include:

• Fruits: Applesauce, bananas (ripe), canned fruit, orange and grapefruit sections
• Vegetables: Boiled potatoes
• Breads & pastas: White rice (see congee soup recipe below), tapioca, pearl barley and products made with white flour
• Cereals: Oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat and farina

Other foods that can contribute to diarrhea

• Fatty, greasy and fried foods
• Spicy and highly seasoned foods
• Caffeinated foods and beverages e. g. coffee, tea and chocolate
• Milk and milk based drinks
• Avoid chewing gum, as well as sugar free candies and gums that contain sugar alcohols such as sorbitol or mannitol

Foods best tolerated when diarrhea is severe

Eat bland and easy to digest foods such as chicken, fish, eggs, puddings, mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream of wheat, farina, smooth peanut butter, white bread, bananas, applesauce, canned fruit and well cooked vegetables. Eating 5 to 6 small meals/snacks throughout the day is often better tolerated than eating 3 large meals.

Congee Soup – Chinese rice soup

¾ cup white or sushi rice
2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
Salt to taste
Combine rice and broth in a pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and half cover the pot. Cook at a slight boil. Stir occasionally and scrape the bottom to prevent rice from sticking. Simmer 1 ½ to 2 hours. Cook until the grains burst and become thick – oatmeal consistency. Season with salt for taste. Can flavor as desired e.g. ginger, soy sauce or sesame oil. 

Sample menu

This is a sample meal plan to follow if you have diarrhea. It is low in dietary fiber and high in soluble fiber.

Nutrients

• Calories 1946
• Protein 101 gm
• Fat 54 gm
• Dietary fiber 10 gm

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

• bacterial infection

• parasitic infection

• viral infection

• lactose intolerance

• food intolerance

• laxatives

• change in diet

• excessive intake of alcohol

• 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.

What to Eat and What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

What foods should you eat to stop diarrhoea? Are bananas bad for you if you have a loose bowel movement? Let us find out.

What to eat

Here is a list of foods good for diarrhea.

• Bland foods like white rice, bread, apple, and cereals. These are easy to digest.

• Potassium-rich foods like bananas and potatoes without the skin.

• Skinless chicken or turkey

• Chicken broth and other foods with high sodium content.

• Probiotics. Yogurt is particularly good for diarrhea.

You must drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to avoid dehydration. In addition, try eating smaller meals to aid digestion.

What to avoid

Aside from taking note of what foods to eat to stop diarrhea, it is equally important to avoid certain food groups that may worsen the condition.

A good diet for diarrhea must NOT include the food groups listed below.

Dairy. In some cases, diarrhea is a result of lactose intolerance. Aside from milk products, do not consume cheese, butter, and ice cream.

Fatty foods. These can worsen your diarrhea. Do not eat fried and greasy foods temporarily.

Beans, broccoli, and cabbage. These vegetables may increase gas in the stomach, which may aggravate the condition.

Spicy foods. An upset stomach may not be able to tolerate spicy foods.

Alcohol. It can cause dehydration, especially if taken in large amounts, so it should be avoided.

Caffeine. This may speed up the bowel movements. Limit your caffeine intake or stop drinking coffee and caffeinated tea temporarily.

Sodas and beverages with high sugar content. Sodas contain caffeine. Moreover, foods and drinks with high fructose may just trigger a laxative effect on your stomach.

Gastroenteritis: First aid – Mayo Clinic

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of your stomach and intestines. Common causes are:

• Viruses
• Food or water contaminated by bacteria or parasites
• Side effect from medications

Characteristic signs and symptoms include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Low-grade fever (sometimes)

Depending on the cause of the inflammation, symptoms may last from one day to more than a week.

If you suspect gastroenteritis in yourself:

• Sip liquids, such as a sports drink or water, to prevent dehydration. Drinking fluids too quickly can worsen the nausea and vomiting, so try to take small frequent sips over a couple of hours, instead of drinking a large amount at once.
• Take note of urination. You should be urinating at regular intervals, and your urine should be light and clear. Infrequent passage of dark urine is a sign of dehydration. Dizziness and lightheadedness also are signs of dehydration. If any of these signs and symptoms occur and you can’t drink enough fluids, seek medical attention.
• Ease back into eating. Try to eat small amounts of food frequently if you experience nausea. Otherwise, gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, applesauce, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns. Avoid milk and dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods for a few days.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration can make you weak and tired.

Seek medical attention if:

• Vomiting persists more than two days
• Diarrhea persists more than several days
• Diarrhea turns bloody
• Fever is more than 102 F (39 C) or higher
• Lightheadedness or fainting occurs with standing
• Confusion develops
• Worrisome abdominal pain develops

If you suspect gastroenteritis in your child:

• Allow your child to rest.
• When your child’s vomiting stops, begin to offer small amounts of an oral rehydration solution (CeraLyte, Enfalyte, Pedialyte). Don’t use only water or only apple juice. Drinking fluids too quickly can worsen the nausea and vomiting, so try to give small frequent sips over a couple of hours, instead of drinking a large amount at once. Try using a water dropper of rehydration solution instead of a bottle or cup.
• Gradually introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as toast, rice, bananas and potatoes. Avoid giving your child full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk and ice cream, and sugary foods, such as sodas and candy. These can make diarrhea worse.
• If you’re breast-feeding, let your baby nurse. If your baby is bottle-fed, offer a small amount of an oral rehydration solution or regular formula.

Seek medical attention if your child:

• Becomes unusually drowsy.
• Vomits frequently or vomits blood.
• Has bloody diarrhea.
• Shows signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth and skin, marked thirst, sunken eyes, or crying without tears. In an infant, be alert to the soft spot on the top of the head becoming sunken and to diapers that remain dry for more than three hours.
• Is an infant and has a fever.
• Is older than three months of age and has a fever of 102 F (39 C) or more.

Sept. 18, 2021

Show references

1. Ferri FF. Gastroenteritis. In: Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2020. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 25, 2019.
2. Overview of gastroenteritis. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastroenteritis/overview-of-gastroenteritis#. Accessed June 27, 2019.
3. Viral gastroenteritis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis. Accessed June 27, 2019.
4. Hartman D, et al. Gastroenteritis in children. American Family Physician. 2019;99:159.
5. Onyon C, et al. Gastroenteritis. Paediatrics and Child Health. 2018;11:527.

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The best foods to eat when you have diarrhoea — and which foods you should definitely avoid

Plain foods like bananas and bread are easy to digest and can help your diarrhoea. Krit of Studio OMG/Getty Images

• The best foods for diarrhoea are clear broth and beverages with electrolytes like coconut water.
• You can also follow the BRAT diet when you have diarrhoea, which includes foods like bananas, toast, applesauce, and other easily-digestible foods.
• When you have diarrhoea, you should avoid milk and dairy products, raw vegetables, processed foods, and spicy foods.
• This article wasmedically reviewed bySamantha Cassetty, MS, RD, nutrition and wellness expert with a private practice based in New York City.
• Visit Insider’s Health Reference library for more advice.

When you have diarrhoea, you pass loose or watery stool more than three times a day. It’s a common problem and in most cases isn’t indicative of any underlying conditions. However, it can be uncomfortable.

There are many foods you can eat to help you stop diarrhoea. But on the other hand, consuming some foods may potentially worsen your diarrhoea symptoms. Here’s a list of foods to eat and foods to avoid when you have diarrhoea, and how they work.

Foods that help with diarrhoea

Bland foods that are easy to digest are the best foods to eat when you have diarrhoea. These can include:

The BRAT diet

BRAT is an acronym that stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, “but can also include similar foods such as oatmeal and soup or broth,” says Amir Masoud, MBBS, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Yale Medicine.

The BRAT diet is great for diarrhoea because it is made up of low-fibre foods that are easy to digest and can reduce the quantity of undigested food moving through your digestive tract. This helps your body to produce less stool.

Here’s a breakdown of each food in the BRAT diet and why they work to help treat diarrhoea.

• Bananas: Bananas are full of potassium, which is helpful because your body needs to replace lost nutrients after a bout of diarrhoea.
• Rice: Plain white rice is easy to digest and can help bind your stool, making it firmer as you pass it.
• Applesauce: Applesauce is made from cooked, pureed apples. The process of making applesauce breaks down the cell structures of apples, making them easy to digest but still highly nutritious.
• Toast: Toasted white bread is a great option to help with diarrhoea because it’s easy to digest. You might want to avoid whole wheat bread, as it contains more fibre, making it harder to digest.

The BRAT diet is a helpful guide to some low-fibre foods, but there are many others that can help with diarrhoea. A low-fibre diet contains less than 13 grams of fibre per day. Some other examples of foods you can eat include:

• Cereals
• Crackers
• Plain pasta

Clear broth

Clear broth is an easily digestible liquid that provides your body with sugar, salt, and other key nutrients that your body may be craving if you have not been able to eat solid food. It also has a high water content which can help keep you hydrated. Keeping hydrated is especially important because diarrhoea that lasts more than a day can lead to dehydration.

“Clear broth or light soups are low in fats and proteins and this makes them easier to digest — literally giving your digestive system the break it needs during the illness,” says Masoud.

A clear broth is completely liquid and unlike other soups, doesn’t contain any solid ingredients like meats and vegetables. You can make your own broth at home or buy a can of it at your local supermarket. You can also combine clear broth with other low-fibre foods like white bread for a slightly more satisfying meal.

Beverages with electrolytes

When you have diarrhoea, your body loses electrolytes, which are essential minerals that your body needs like sodium, calcium, and potassium.

Consuming beverages with electrolytes can help you replenish this loss and prevent dehydration. Here are some that you can choose from:

Sports drinks like Gatorade have lots of electrolytes but are not a good idea to drink when you have diarrhoea because they contain a lot of processed sugars, which might worsen your symptoms.

Foods to avoid with diarrhoea

Certain foods are more likely to worsen diarrhoea symptoms and further irritate your bowels. These include:

Milk and dairy products

Milk and dairy products that contain lactose are harder to digest when you have diarrhoea, even if you aren’t lactose intolerant. That’s because when you have diarrhoea, your body produces less lactase than it usually would. Lactase is an enzyme your body needs to digest lactose properly.

When lactose isn’t digested properly it may worsen your diarrhoea, and also cause bloating and nausea.

Spicy foods

Spicy foods can further irritate your already sensitive bowels and digestive tracts when you have diarrhoea. They might also cause a sensation known as burning diarrhoea.

This happens because capsaicin — the active ingredient in most spicy foods — passes quickly through your digestive tract without breaking down properly, causing a burning sensation when you pass stool.

Processed foods

Processed foods often contain high amounts of salts, fats, and sugars. Examples include:

• Pizzas
• Sugary drinks like soda
• Pastries
• Cakes

“High sugar foods or even artificial sweeteners can also worsen diarrhoea by “pulling in” water and leading to more voluminous diarrhoea,” says Masoud. This can make your stool even more watery.

Raw vegetables

Raw vegetables are great for you on a regular day, but they can be hard to digest when you have diarrhoea. Vegetables like broccoli, beans, and cabbage can also make you very gassy.

“Not all vegetables need to be avoided, but certain ones like broccoli, cauliflower, and onions can lead to an increase in intestinal gas formation, which can make bloating and cramping when you have diarrhoea worse,” Masoud says.

Takeaways

Diarrhoea is a common problem and in most cases is nothing to worry about. Your diet plays a vital role in how you manage it. Eating low fibre foods when you have diarrhoea is recommended because they are easy to digest and can help reduce the amount of stool your body produces.

On the other hand spicy foods, dairy products, processed foods and raw vegetables should be avoided until your diarrhoea is treated. These foods can be hard to digest and could worsen your diarrhoea symptoms.

If you have persistent diarrhoea, that fails to go away in 2 to 4 days, then you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, or blood in your stool when you have diarrhoea.

About the Author

90,000 top-10 products that need to be abandoned – Medaboutme.ru

Diarrhea can occur unexpectedly and for various reasons: severe stress, traveler’s illness, infection, various kinds of poisoning, food intolerance, etc. If it is a mild gastrointestinal disorder, it usually goes away in one day. But sometimes diarrhea can last for two or more days. If additional symptoms such as high fever, severe weakness and pallor of the skin appear, it is necessary to urgently seek medical help.The correct diet plays an important role in the recovery of the body. Foods that cause and worsen diarrhea often contain artificial ingredients, oils, hot spices, and stimulants. Here are ten foods you shouldn’t eat for indigestion.

1. Dairy products

Lactose contained in dairy products (cottage cheese, milk, cream cheese, ice cream, sour cream) is a substance that is difficult for a weakened stomach to cope with during diarrhea.With a large amount of this carbohydrate, it enters the colon, and the condition of the body usually deteriorates. However, low lactose dairy products (natural yogurt, kefir, or hard cheeses) can help calm the digestive system.

If a person suffers from hypolactasia (lactose intolerance), then the likelihood of diarrhea when eating dairy products increases significantly. Other symptoms of lactose intolerance include flatulence, cramps, bloating, and bad breath.

2. Caffeinated drinks

If diarrhea occurs, then it is advisable for a person not to consume caffeinated drinks and food. Caffeine loosens stools and has a strong diuretic effect, which increases dehydration in diarrhea. Alternatively, you can use green or herbal teas, decaffeinated drinks. With diarrhea, you need to give up not only coffee, but also carbonated drinks, which only irritate the gastrointestinal tract and increase fluid loss.

3. Cruciferous vegetables

Vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, radishes, and white cabbage (including sauerkraut) can increase the symptoms of diarrhea. They all contain complex carbohydrates that are difficult to digest. Plus, these vegetables are high in fiber, which can worsen diarrhea and flatulence. In addition to cruciferous vegetables, it is advisable to limit the use of artichokes, herbs, lettuce, asparagus and onions.

4. Red meat

It contains many beneficial nutrients, but this type of meat is quite difficult to digest. It increases C-reactive protein levels, which in turn can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, resulting in increased diarrhea. An excess of red meat in the daily menu is fraught with problems with the cardiovascular system. Recent studies by American scientists indicate that frequent and abundant consumption of red meat products increases the risk of developing diabetes and cancer.

5. Alcoholic drinks

For any stomach problems, including when diarrhea is observed, it is important to stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol is toxic to the stomach lining and impairs liver function. Alcohol disrupts the normal hydration of the body and causes severe fluid loss, which can only worsen the condition of indigestion. Alcohol can also weaken the effect of drugs or make them unsafe to take.

6.Hot pepper

Hot chili peppers can make diarrhea worse. It irritates the stomach lining, causing bloating and diarrhea. Experts do not recommend consuming any kind of pepper for people who have gastrointestinal problems. Studies show that when taking chili peppers, abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome increases several times. When diarrhea begins, it is advisable to exclude other spices from the diet until the stomach and the body as a whole are fully restored.

7. Sugar substitutes

Any artificial sweeteners (xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol) found in sweets and medicines can worsen the symptoms of diarrhea. They are absorbed much more slowly than regular sugar. Artificial sweeteners enter the intestines intact, which increases gas production and increases diarrhea. It is important for people prone to gastrointestinal distress to read the labels carefully before purchasing them.It is better to prefer regular sugar, but in moderation. It will do less stomach damage than sweeteners.

8. Nuts

Any nuts, as well as dried fruits, are rich in insoluble fiber. It aggravates the symptoms of diarrhea that are already present. Nuts are difficult to digest and quickly irritate the delicate lining of the stomach and intestines, which aggravates their disorder. These foods often cause severe bloating and, as a result, flatulence. For diarrhea, it is important to temporarily exclude nuts from the diet and replace them with other healthy snacks, such as ripe bananas or applesauce, which are much better absorbed.

9. Legumes

On the list of foods that should not be consumed for diarrhea, there are legumes (peas, soybeans, beans, lentils, beans). With a weakened stomach, they do not have time to digest and enter the large intestine through the entire small intestine. This is often the cause of flatulence and can only complicate the condition of the body with diarrhea. These vegetables are rich in lectin, a protein that causes severe intestinal inflammation. To prevent diarrhea, legumes can be consumed along with cereals (rice, oatmeal, buckwheat).But during diarrhea, it is better to abstain from beans.

10. Citrus and other fruits

All citrus fruits, as well as fruits such as pineapples, cherries, currants, grapes, can negate the treatment of diarrhea, only increasing its symptoms. When eating these fruits and berries, there is a high probability of fructose malabsorption – a special disorder when the absorption of fructose is impaired, and it accumulates in the intestines. Because of it, bouts of diarrhea become more intense.It is better to eat bananas or a baked apple instead of citrus fruits.

Useful tips for diarrhea

To reduce the symptoms of diarrhea, in addition to taking medications prescribed by your doctor, it is advisable to:

• Avoid all of the above foods to reduce symptoms of diarrhea.
• Focus on foods that help reduce inflammation and restore balance in the stomach: oatmeal, mashed potatoes, white rice (especially its foam formed during cooking), pasta, bananas, boiled chicken.They will help speed up your recovery.
• Eat small meals every three to four hours, avoiding overeating.
• To avoid dehydration, which can result from frequent diarrhea, it is important to drink plenty of purified water throughout the day.
• If severe diarrhea lasts more than one day, seek medical attention immediately and do not self-medicate.

Nutrition for diarrhea: what foods will help alleviate the patient’s condition

Many of us have digestive problems at times.For example, diarrhea. And we, offers Joinfo.com, will tell you how to deal with diarrhea, what are its causes and what to eat with this problem!

What is diarrhea and where does it come from

In general, diarrhea, or diarrhea, is the most common symptom of an intestinal disorder, that is, frequent loose stools. It happens due to the use of unboiled contaminated water. It happens – like an allergy to food or medicine. Sometimes the body reacts in this way to lactose, there may still be an intestinal infection, stress or emotional distress.Chronic diarrhea is caused by Crohn’s disease, chronic inflammation, ulcers and ulcerative colitis, rectal cancer, and malabsorption syndrome. Symptoms include frequent stools, high fever, nausea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and similar troubles.

What to eat for diarrhea

Photo: pxhere

The purpose of the diet is to restore the intestinal microflora, resume the function of absorbing excess fluid. There is such a diet – the fourth, its purpose is to calm the mucous membrane and reduce fermentation processes in the intestines.Steam food, boil and wipe. And add liquid and semi-liquid foods to the diet. Be sure to pay special attention to your drinking regime! Drink apple juice, herbal tea, black with lemon, raspberry leaf tea, banal pharmacy rehydron (JoInfoMedia journalist Diana Lynn confirms: it works!), Still water, dried fruit decoctions.

And you need to eat boiled white rice (it “holds” everything in the intestines) every two hours for half a cup, banana (potassium, which bananas contain, diarrhea washes out from the body), two pieces every four hours, liquid porridge on water, crackers …To replenish the proteins – soft-boiled eggs, grated cottage cheese and a steam omelet. To restore microflora – baked apples. As an adsorbent – carrot puree. You can also eat soups with meatballs in low-fat broth, steam cutlets, mashed potatoes, jelly.

Photo: Pinterest

Folk recipes for the treatment of diarrhea

To replenish the water-salt balance, you need to add a quarter of a teaspoon of salt to half a liter of water, the same amount of soda, two tablespoons of honey – and one and a half liters a day! If the diarrhea is bacterial, you should drink half a teaspoon of garlic juice every two hours.Or take aloe juice three times a day, half an hour before meals, two tablespoons. Birch tincture is also suitable – half a bottle of birch buds must be poured with vodka, corked and infused for a month in a warm place, forty drops are taken three times a day. You can drink bird cherry broth (fifteen grams per two hundred milliliters of water, boil for five minutes).

Photo: pxhere

What to eat with diarrhea

No citrus juices, tomato and pineapple juices – they only irritate the intestines.The symptoms of diarrhea, in addition, aggravate convenience foods, sweets, fatty foods, milk, coffee, black bread, legumes, sauerkraut, beets, cucumbers, plums, radishes, radishes, grapes, fruit juices, cream, yoghurts, fermented baked milk, kefir, cheese , caviar, fatty meat, fish or poultry, alcohol, millet and barley groats, pasta, canned food or pickled, salted, smoked products. And also – jam, honey, raw fruits, chocolate, eggs (fried or hard-boiled), spices, spices, sauces.

Photo: pxhere

And we have already talked about the symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis in detail.If you need to determine if you need to see a doctor, you know what to do! And we wish you good health.

90,000 What to Eat for Diarrhea: Five Right Foods Named

Certain foods can make an upset stomach worse. / Pixabay

If you have diarrhea, food may be the last thing on your mind. However, during an episode of diarrhea, it is imperative to stay hydrated and receive adequate nutrition, says Deepti Mundkur, M.D., a primary care physician practicing in the United States.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dehydration is one of the biggest dangers of diarrhea, Insider reports.

Certain foods can worsen an upset stomach, so it is important to eat foods that are light on the stomach. Boiled vegetables, low-fiber starches, lean poultry, crackers, soup and eggs are some of the foods recommended for diarrhea patients, Mundkur says.

On the other hand, foods to avoid include spicy foods, sugary foods, dairy products, and foods high in fat.You should also avoid gas-causing foods.

You may have heard of the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, which is a traditional remedy for diarrhea. This is not a diet that you should stick to for long periods of time, but it can be beneficial for short periods of time.

Here are some foods to eat for diarrhea to relieve symptoms and speed up recovery.

5 types of foods that can help with diarrhea

Read alsoConstant fatigue and diarrhea: what these symptoms say

1.Low-fiber starches and cereals

Although fiber is an important nutrient that increases stool volume and maintains regular bowel movements, a low-fiber diet is recommended for diarrhea as it facilitates digestion and reduces bowel movements. Mundkur says boiled rice, noodles, wheat, or oats can help, especially if you have watery stools.

2. Boiled vegetables

Raw vegetables can be difficult to digest and can cause discomfort in the form of gas and bloating, so boiled vegetables can be easier on your body if you have diarrhea.Mundkur recommends choosing cooked vegetables such as green beans, potatoes, and carrots.

3. Soup and Crackers

Soup can help replenish fluid and nutrient levels, while crackers are healthy because they are usually high in salt. Diarrhea can lead to significant loss of fluids and electrolytes, which are minerals like sodium and potassium, so eating salty foods can help restore them.

4. Lean chicken or turkey

Fatty foods high in fat can worsen diarrhea, so choose lean meats such as skinless chicken or turkey.Mundkur recommends baking the meat and eating it without seasoning, as spices and seasonings can irritate your body. Dry or fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, or cilantro can be used to flavor the meat, says Mundkur.

5. Eggs

Boiled eggs are safe for diarrhea. Choose foods that don’t have a lot of butter, cheese, or seasonings, such as scrambled eggs and salt.

While the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast was once prescribed to treat diarrhea, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Diseases argues that this diet is nutritionally inadequate for a long period of time …However, you can eat these foods during a short bout of diarrhea.

If you have no appetite or have nausea or vomiting in addition to diarrhea, Mundkur says that you can only drink liquids for a short time until you can tolerate a little food. Liquids are easier to digest and help prevent intestinal irritation.

Drinking liquids for diarrhea:

• Water
• Applesauce
• Diluted fruit juice
• Clear soup or broth
• Weak tea or decaffeinated coffee
• High electrolyte drinks
• Frozen popsicles

5 foods to avoid with diarrhea

These are some foods that make diarrhea worse.Mundkur recommends consulting with your doctor about which foods may cause you diarrhea if you have it chronic (that is, for a long period of time or very often), individually, as food intolerances can lead to diarrhea.

1. Foods high in fat

Foods high in fat can aggravate diarrhea, leading to frequent trips to the toilet and fatty and smelly stools. Mundkur says this can happen because diarrhea can sometimes temporarily affect your body’s ability to metabolize fat.Fat usually takes longer to digest, so it slows down the movement of food through your body; however, if your body cannot digest fat, food can pass through your body much faster.

“Foods high in fat should be avoided until bowel function returns to normal after a severe bout of diarrhea,” says Mundkur. Some foods to avoid include fried foods, high-fat or high-fat meats, nuts, and creamy sauces or dressings.

It is also worth noting that sometimes the opposite can also happen: you may develop fat malabsorption, that is, an inability to digest fat, which can lead to chronic diarrhea, says Mundkur.

Dairy products and butter; yogurt is an exception, however, because it’s a probiotic that can help with diarrhea, Mundkur says. “Plain yogurt is best because the sugar added to flavored yogurt is bad for the gut during an episode of diarrhea,” she says.

3. Spicy foods

Spicy foods and spices can irritate the digestive system and worsen discomfort, so avoid them while you have diarrhea. What’s more, what makes spicy food so spicy can make it spicy again. Therefore, do a favor and season your food with only salt or herbs, as this can help replenish electrolyte levels.

4. Sweet foods

Sugar can worsen diarrhea because it excretes a lot of water in the intestines, which leads to loose stools.Avoid sugary foods and drinks, even with artificial sweeteners like stevia and aspartame, such as baked goods, candy, and sodas, when you have diarrhea.

5. Foods that cause gas

Certain foods tend to cause gas and should be avoided for diarrhea as they can aggravate diarrhea and worsen discomfort. These foods include:

• Beans and legumes such as beans and chickpeas, as they are high in fiber and contain raffinose, a complex sugar that is difficult to digest.
• Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, as they also contain raffinose.
• Chewing gum, as it can swallow a lot of air, resulting in gas.
• Carbonated drinks, such as carbonated drinks, as they are carbonated and contain a lot of gas.

Diarrhea in children with cancer

What is diarrhea?

Evaluation of diarrhea in children with cancer

When assessing diarrhea, the following are taken into account:

• Frequency of bowel movements (number of episodes per day)
• Stool type (soft, liquid, watery)
• Incontinence (inability to control bowel movement)
• Having to get up to use the toilet at night or interrupt classes during the day

Doctors will also evaluate the following signs and symptoms:

• Heat
• Pain and cramping
• Weakness or dizziness
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Nausea and vomiting
• Body weight and body fluid balance

The doctor will order laboratory blood tests to evaluate blood cells, electrolyte levels and kidney health.

Stool samples may be taken to check for viruses or bacteria. The most common causes of diarrhea are rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, as well as bacteria of the species Salmonella , Campylobacter , Shigella and Clostridioides difficile . Infectious diarrhea may require a different treatment approach.

Doctors will also assess the likelihood that diarrhea is caused by other causes, such as medication, diet, and situational reasons.

Occasionally, with diarrhea, imaging studies are prescribed to study the state of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diarrhea and constipation are common problems in cancer treatment. The doctor may ask the family to describe the appearance of the patient’s stool on a special scale.

Health problems due to diarrhea

Diarrhea can be life threatening. Problems caused by diarrhea include:

• Dehydration
• Insufficient power supply
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Renal failure

Sometimes, because of diarrhea, chemotherapy and other treatments have to be postponed until symptoms become less severe.

Causes of diarrhea in children with cancer

As food moves through the digestive tract, water and nutrients are absorbed from it. Waste is removed from the body in the form of stool. The intestine secretes digestive juices and mucus to help break down food and make it easier to move around. The digestive tract is also home to bacteria that help break down food. Sometimes, if the water is not absorbed or if there is too much discharge, the stool becomes too thin. Medications can alter the balance of bacteria in the gut.Increased bowel mobility can also lead to faster stool passage. Diarrhea can be caused by a change or disruption in any of the digestive processes.

Factors that can cause diarrhea in cancer treatment include:

Diarrhea due to chemotherapy

Diarrhea is a common side effect of chemotherapy. It is sometimes called chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID). Chemotherapy can cause diarrhea for several reasons.Sometimes chemotherapy damages the intestinal lining. Some drugs upset the water balance in the intestines. The fluid is not absorbed properly, or the production of intestinal juices or mucus increases. Chemotherapy can also interfere with the absorption of nutrients or the work of digestive enzymes in the intestines.

In children with cancer, diarrhea is often caused by drugs such as irinotecan, docetaxel, fluorouracil, dasatanib, imatinib, pazopanib, sorafenib, and sunitinib.

What cancer drugs cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea can be a side effect of other common medicines used to treat childhood cancer. This can happen for a variety of reasons. Some medications upset the balance between good and bad bacteria in the stomach and intestines. Other medications affect food breakdown and absorption and excretion of fluids.

Medicines that cause diarrhea include antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin / clavulanate, cefixime, cefpodoxime, clindamycin, and erythromycin.Stool softeners, laxatives, magnesium antacids, potassium chloride, and proton pump inhibitors can also cause diarrhea.

Radiation therapy and diarrhea

Irradiation of the abdomen, back, or pelvis may cause diarrhea. Radiation kills fast-growing cells, including those that line the intestines. This phenomenon is called radiation enteritis. It is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cramps, fatigue, and diarrhea. Stools may be watery, mucus, or bloody.Radiation enteritis usually subsides 2 to 3 weeks after treatment ends, but symptoms may persist for 12 weeks or longer. In some patients, diarrhea may last even longer or even show up later in life.

Factors increasing the risk of diarrhea with radiation therapy:

• Higher dose and radiation frequency
• Large irradiation area affecting the intestine
• Concurrent radiation therapy and chemotherapy

Drugs such as loperamide and octreotide have been used to treat radiation-induced diarrhea.

Other causes of diarrhea

Treatment of diarrhea in children with cancer

Diarrhea can cause serious problems, especially in cancer. It is important that the patient’s family and healthcare team work together to manage the child’s symptoms. Treatment for diarrhea includes antidiarrheal drugs and dietary adjustments. Sufficient fluid intake is required to prevent dehydration.If you have severe diarrhea or are unable to drink enough fluids on your own, intravenous fluids may be needed.

Antidiarrheal drugs

Medicines for diarrhea are prescribed based on the severity of the condition and the known or suspected cause. Medicines that can be prescribed for diarrhea in children with cancer are loperamide (Imodium®) and antibiotics. Atropine and octreotide can be used to treat some special cases of diarrhea.

Sometimes a doctor may recommend probiotics. However, children with cancer can only take probiotics under the supervision of a doctor.

Treatment of diarrhea is based on the individual needs of the patient, and doctors select treatment based on each case.

What you can eat with diarrhea

To relieve diarrhea, doctors may suggest changing the patient’s diet: making portions smaller, eating light meals, and eliminating caffeinated drinks.Sometimes the so-called BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast – bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) is recommended for patients with diarrhea. However, these foods are low in important nutrients, so the diet can only be applied for a few days or as long as doctors recommend. Other foods may be recommended, such as oatmeal, low-sugar cereals, crackers, pasta without sauce, and soft, peeled fruits such as peaches or pears. To return to solid foods and increase fluid intake, broth soups with boiled vegetables and lean meats work well.

Some foods make diarrhea worse. This is how spicy or fatty foods, milk and dairy products, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, some fruit juices, foods high in fat or sugar, and caffeine work.

If you have diarrhea associated with GVHD, your dietary restrictions may be more severe.

Nutritional advice for diarrhea:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Drink water or caffeine-free, high-sugar drinks such as Pedialyte® or low-sugar sports drinks.
• Eat small meals, chew slowly, and chew well.
• Choose foods that are soft and will not irritate the stomach.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Eat less insoluble fiber foods, such as whole fruits and vegetables with skins and seeds. The soluble fiber in oatmeal, applesauce, bananas, and some fiber supplements can help solidify loose stools.
• Avoid food that makes gas and cramps worse.These include beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and sodas.
• Offer potassium-rich foods to the sick person: bananas, potatoes, apricots and peaches.

Rehydron instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects – description Rehydron powder for prigot. solution for oral administration: Pak. 4 or 20 pcs. (45400)

Given the composition of the medicinal product, caution should be exercised in patients with diabetes mellitus, impaired liver or kidney function, and in patients on a diet low in salt (sodium and / or potassium).

In patients with diabetes mellitus, renal failure and some other chronic diseases, diarrhea can cause a significant imbalance in fluid or glucose balance. In this regard, the treatment of diarrhea in these patients may require laboratory monitoring and hospitalization. If the patient’s need for additional administration of electrolytes is not confirmed by laboratory tests, the recommended doses of the drug should not be exceeded.

Severe dehydration (loss of body weight> 10%, cessation of urine excretion) should be treated with IV rehydration drugs, after which Rehydron ^® solution can be started.

If intravenous administration of drugs is necessary or in case of severe dehydration or severe vomiting, with a decrease or cessation of urine excretion, Rehydron ^® should be used with caution.

In case of vomiting, wait 10 minutes after the end of the vomiting attack and give the solution to drink slowly, in small sips.

The patient should consult a doctor if during the use of the drug Rehydron ^® he has the following situations:

• delayed speech, irritability, rapid fatigue, drowsiness, stupor;
• the temperature rises above 39 ° C;
• Bloody stools;
• persistent vomiting;
• diarrhea lasts more than 2 days;
• severe abdominal pain.

In case of diarrhea developing with cholera and a number of other severe intestinal infections, the use of Rehydron ^® solution in order to replenish the loss of electrolytes may not be enough.

Persons with renal insufficiency or on a diet low in potassium should take into account that the preparation contains potassium.

Pediatric use

In children , other solutions with a lower sodium content and osmolarity should be used.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms

Rehydron ^® does not affect the ability to drive vehicles and engage in other potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration of attention and speed of psychomotor reactions.

90,000 How to eat and rest so as not to get to the infectious diseases hospital later.

Another common summer problem is poisoning.In the heat, food deteriorates very quickly, and the risk of intestinal poisoning increases significantly. In addition, in the summer we walk a lot, which means we often eat on the street and in summer cafes, and street food sellers, unfortunately, do not always carefully monitor their food. A separate point is poisoning on vacation – there, to all of the above, a general frivolous mood is added, and even bacteria in another city, and even more so in the country “alien”, unusual.

What rules must be followed in order not to spend the summer in an infectious diseases hospital?

Product selection

When buying products, pay special attention to the date of manufacture, expiration date and the conditions in which they are stored in the store.Give preference to large stores, they carefully monitor the storage conditions and shelf life of products than in small stalls.

If you buy berries or fruits on the street, do not eat immediately, only after thorough washing.

If possible, do not buy fast food on the street. This is especially dangerous in hot weather.

Food storage

Vegetables, fruits, herbs, eggs and even meat must be washed thoroughly before putting them in the refrigerator.And before cooking, wash it again. Even if you just washed the food with plain water, the risk of catching an infection is significantly reduced.

In summer, food must be stored in the refrigerator – in food left even “literally half an hour” in the heat, bacteria actively begin to multiply.

If you go to nature, bring food in a refrigerator bag. Believe me, buying such a bag will cost you less than treatment for acute intestinal or foodborne toxicity!

Try to cook at one time so that you do not have to store salads and soups – in summer they deteriorate very quickly.Storing food for a long time – even in the refrigerator – can lead to contamination.

Do not put raw meat and poultry next to fish.

Store raw and cooked foods separately.

Cover food to protect it from insects and rodents that transmit infections.

Food preparation

Be sure to follow basic hygiene rules. Yes, yes, those same “wash your hands before eating,” and, accordingly, before cooking.Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, as well as the food before you start cooking.

Cut meat, vegetables and herbs on different boards and different knives to avoid so-called cross-contamination. After cooking, rinse planks, knives, etc. well. If you cut meat – do not be lazy and pour boiling water over the board and knife. By the way, it is generally recommended to regularly rinse kitchen plates with boiling water – this way you do not give bacteria a single chance to multiply.

Be sure to wash your eggs before breaking them.

The most dangerous are dishes that do not undergo sufficient heat treatment (raw or semi-raw).

Symptoms of food poisoning and acute intestinal infection

The disease is characterized by an acute onset: nausea, repeated vomiting, diarrhea. Pain and cramps in the abdomen, fever, headache may be severe or mild.Chills, weakness, general malaise also appear. Dehydration gradually develops and symptoms appear: dry mouth, dizziness, dark yellow urine, or decreased volume and frequency of urination.

The disease usually resolves in 1–3 days. It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately when the first signs of poisoning appear. If food poisoning happened to a child, a pregnant woman, or an elderly person – call an ambulance immediately!

What to do in case of poisoning

If you or your child have the above symptoms, do not delay, contact an infectious disease doctor immediately.The doctor will diagnose the presence of dangerous pathogens in the body, select medications that will alleviate your condition and promote a speedy recovery, as well as prevent possible complications.

In case of poisoning, it is important to follow bed rest and a special diet.

Until the nausea, vomiting and diarrhea stop, do not eat anything! Putting stress on your already irritated digestive organs can worsen your condition.But you need to drink as much as possible! The liquid removes toxins and allows you to replenish the mineral balance of the body. Drink in small portions – about half a glass at a time, so as not to provoke vomiting. The first day after the poisoning, it is worth drinking boiled water, weak warm black tea without sugar. To replenish the lack of salt in the body, you can drink water with salt (1 teaspoon per glass of water). Also, after poisoning, the body needs to replenish its supply of potassium. To do this, you can drink vegetable or fruit decoctions, decoctions of medicinal herbs (St. John’s wort, chamomile, mint).

You can relieve nausea with mint green tea. For painful sensations in the stomach and intestines, a decoction of potato starch drunk on an empty stomach (1 tablespoon of starch per glass of warm boiled water) will help.

After the acute stage has passed, the unpleasant symptoms have gone, it is important to follow a sparing diet – otherwise the disease may return. For about one to two weeks it is recommended to eat as follows: in small portions (50-100 g every 2-3 hours), give up fats and complex carbohydrates, heavy food; drink plenty of fluids, especially dried fruit compote is recommended, since it contains all the many useful vitamins and minerals.

Can

Weak black or green tea, liquid cereals in water (especially: rice and oatmeal), originally cooked without salt and sugar, later – you can add sugar or honey, dried fruits, dried fruit compote, white bread croutons, unsalted crackers. If you feel good, you can steam chicken or turkey meatballs.

It is forbidden

black bread, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole milk and dairy products, spicy, smoked and salty foods, as well as any foods containing fiber; coffee, fruit jelly and juices.

A week after the poisoning, vegetable soups (without cabbage and beans) and cereal decoctions can be gradually introduced into the diet.

Then you can gradually include fresh vegetables in the diet, starting with tiny portions – literally 1 tablespoon.

Only three weeks after the poisoning can you start eating buns and fresh bread, but fatty, fried, salty and pickled ones should not be tried earlier than after 5-6 weeks.

Take care of yourself, observe the requirements of hygiene, wash your hands more often, monitor the cleanliness and freshness of the products you eat.Preventing food poisoning isn’t that hard, so make it a daily habit!

What you can eat after poisoning

Various types of bacteria, viruses and parasites can cause food poisoning. Harmful microorganisms can be found in any food that has not been properly processed. When faced with an acute digestive upset, you can recover from an unpleasant problem faster by following simple dietary guidelines.

First aid for the body

You can read about the main signs of an eating disorder and the main rules of behavior in such situations in our article “Food poisoning” .

What can you eat in case of poisoning? Like many other illnesses, Eating Disorder is associated with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The first thing that can improve your well-being is a well-thought-out diet. If you neglect proper nutrition in case of poisoning, the likelihood of recurrence of intestinal problems is very high. Indigestion, nausea and vomiting with a sparing diet subside after 48 hours.

Here are some tips to help you recover from poisoning:

1. Let your stomach settle.As soon as the symptoms of the disorder began, it is absolutely impossible to lean on heavy food. Refrain from any food for at least a few hours so as not to complicate the work of the stomach.

2. Provide fluid to the body. Severe vomiting and diarrhea dehydrate the body in minutes. The fluid that has been lost in the body must be restored. Avoid heavy food the first day, but try to drink as much purified drinking water as possible. If the symptoms are too severe and the body does not absorb fluids, try to drink water in small sips or take pieces of ice.

3. The food poisoning diet includes light snacks, liquid cereals and soft fruits. Such food should restore strength, but not overload the stomach. Low-fiber foods normalize stool, and fruits compensate for nutrients lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

4. Avoid prohibited foods. In case of poisoning, you need to exclude spicy, fatty and spicy foods.

These four rules will ease the symptoms of an eating disorder.

Approved Products

Food for poisoning includes simple food and soothing drinks:

• Rice cooked in water
• Mashed potatoes
• Rusks or toast
• Grated carrots
• Bananas
• Natural yoghurt
• Vegetable and chicken broth
• Homemade kissels
• Dried fruit compote
• Herbal teas

In addition to rice, you can diversify your diet with other cereals, such as buckwheat or oatmeal.The consistency of the groats should be liquid. And they are prepared strictly in water, without oil and spices. Compotes should not be too sweet, and teas should not contain flavors.

Drinks and soft foods will not strain the stomach, but will provide it with all the nutrients. And natural yogurt will become an excellent probiotic that will restore the bacterial balance in the body.

Some people find it very difficult to eat when poisoned. When a person tries to eat something, the body rejects food in every possible way.In this case, forcible food is prohibited, the main thing is not to stop drinking liquid.

Prohibited foods

Eating with food poisoning can be not only good, but also harmful.

There are prohibited foods that further stimulate symptoms of an eating disorder:

1. Dairy products. While the body is struggling with an acute disorder, the digestive system experiences lactose intolerance for a while. Because of this, all dairy products: cheeses, sweet synthetic yoghurts, butter will only aggravate vomiting and diarrhea.

2. Foods high in fiber. Citrus fruits, heavy whole grains, nuts, and legumes overload the gastrointestinal tract. Fruits and vegetables, which have a laxative effect, prevent the stool from recovering.

3. Apple and pear juices. These fruits are rich in fructose and sorbitol. People who are sensitive to natural sweeteners should avoid these drinks if they are foodborne, as they make diarrhea more difficult.

4. Spicy and fatty foods. When poisoning, you can not eat fried meat dishes, sweets, spicy snacks and sauces. Such food is difficult for a weakened stomach and can additionally cause vomiting and diarrhea.

5. Caffeine and alcohol. Green / black tea, hot chocolate, coffee, and alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body.

In addition, the poisoning diet excludes other foods:

• Canned food
• Sausages and smoked products
• Sweet pastries
• Eggs
• Seafood (mussels, shellfish, oysters)
• Fast Food

A pregnant woman or an elderly person should especially refrain from prohibited foods.During pregnancy or aging, the immune system is weakened, making it susceptible to various bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Food poisoning in children

Often an acute disorder occurs in a child. The principles of first aid and nutrition in case of poisoning are the same for both children and adults:

1. Drinking regimen will restore fluid in the body. Drinking plenty of fluids will keep you hydrated. Give your child a small amount of purified water every hour.If vomiting is severe and any fluid is rejected by the body, try giving ice cubes as an alternative. Avoid soda, concentrated fruit juices, and caffeinated drinks from liquids. Babies under 6 months of age are most susceptible to dehydration. If the baby has symptoms of poisoning, you should immediately consult a doctor. The baby’s body is too unpredictable, unlike older children. Do not self-medicate. Home first aid can be inappropriate and aggravate the poisoning.The only thing you shouldn’t stop is breastfeeding.

2. Diet for poisoning in children. The child’s diet should exclude all spicy, fatty and spicy foods. On the first day of poisoning, it is advisable to avoid eating for several hours altogether. It takes time for the stomach to figure out how to react to poisoning in the future. In eating disorders, it is important to avoid foods that stimulate nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Food should be taken in small portions so as not to burden the stomach.

What can you eat in case of child poisoning:

• Natural yoghurt
• Low fat kefir
• Rusks
• Buckwheat and rice decoctions
• Vegetable and chicken broth
• Mashed potatoes
• Bananas

The next day, if the vomiting attacks and diarrhea have subsided slightly, you can add lean boiled fish and chicken fillet to the child’s menu. Cereals and meat are boiled in water, without spices and the addition of vegetable and butter.