Dietary Recommendations for Diarrhea

What Is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common condition where a person passes loose, watery stools and loses body fluids and electrolytes. Diarrhea may be due to sudden dietary changes or infections, resulting in rapid movement of contents in the gastrointestinal tract, causing minimal fluid and nutrient absorption. Diarrhea is due to the rapid movement of the colon (a part of the large intestine). When the colon starts intense movements, the food is passed more quickly through the digestive tract.

How Can Diarrhea Be Prevented?

It is essential to treat diarrhea immediately, especially in children. The following are the various methods that help manage diarrhea:

• Certain medications help to prevent chronic diarrhea.

• Drinking plenty of fluids helps replace the lost fluid and electrolytes.

• Eating small amounts of food instead of large quantities should be considered.

• Spicy food should be avoided.

• Fiber-rich food will help enhance digestion and must be included in the diet.

• Fatty foods such as fried foods should be avoided.

What Are the Dietary Recommendations for Diarrhea?

A person should follow a healthy eating pattern, especially while suffering from diarrhea. Some food might relieve the symptoms, while some other food may increase the symptoms of diarrhea. So it is vital to take care of a proper diet.

The following are the dietary recommendations for diarrhea:

• Any food that aggravate the symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract have to be avoided.

• At least eight to ten glasses of water should be taken daily. Broth, juice, mild teas, or electrolyte replacement drinks such as ORS (oral rehydration solution) and Pedialyte (for pediatric patients) has to be included.

• Foods that are rich in soluble fibers should be included in the diet.

• Eating small and frequent meals will be beneficial.

• Fried food may worsen the symptoms of diarrhea and should be avoided.

• High-sugary food may also worsen diarrhea, which should be avoided.

• Some people who are lactose intolerant should avoid milk-based products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and other milk-based products.

The following food can be included in the diet if the person is having diarrhea:

• Fruits and vegetables like apples, applesauce, bananas, peaches, apricots, canned pears, grapefruit, potatoes, melons, and squash.

• Bread and cereals like oatmeal, oat bran, white rice, plain noodles, white bread or bagels, crackers, wheat cream, and arrowroot cookies.

• Protein food that include low-fat cheese, yogurt, eggs, lean meat, lean fish, beef, pork, and skinless poultry can be included.

• Bland food such as bananas, plain rice, applesauce, bread, and toast.

• Probiotics such as yogurt, kefir, and probiotics help in proper digestion. However, some people may become lactose intolerant when having diarrhea, so it is essential to consult healthcare providers before starting probiotics in the diet. Probiotics improve gut bacteria and fight against harmful bacteria.

What Food Should Be Limited in Case of Diarrhea?

Various food may increase the symptoms of diarrhea. Any food that aggravate the symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract have to be avoided. The following food have to be limited:

• Fruits and vegetables that includes purines, prune juices, berries, dates, dry fruits, figs, green beans, wax beans, brussels, sprouts, corn, and broccoli.

• Bread and cereals such as whole wheat, bran products, mini wheat, raisin, wheat, shredded wheat, bran flakes, all bran, bran buds, barely, wheat gram, muesli.

• Protein food including dried beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, fried meats, fish, and poultry.

What Are the Other Symptoms of Diarrhea?

Along with the loose stools, the following are the other symptoms of diarrhea:

• Cramps.

• Abdominal bloating and pain.

• Bubbling feeling in the intestines.

• Urgent need to pass stools.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Fever.

• Weakness.

• Dizziness.

What Are Drinks That Can Be Included in a Diet During Diarrhea?

Liquids are also crucial for a speedy recovery from diarrhea and tiredness, and other symptoms associated with it. People with diarrhea may require to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and they should drink an additional glass of water after every bowel passing. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration and removes toxins from the body. The body loses minerals and electrolytes through diarrhea. Therefore, people should drink liquids rich in minerals and electrolytes to regain lost fluids. The following are the sources of electrolytes and minerals includes:

• Any soup or broth helps replenish the lost electrolytes. Bone broth helps replace sodium and fluids lost due to excessive passage of stools. Soups may usually be made using broths and will calm the senses and relieve other diarrhea symptoms. Care should be given while preparing soups for a diarrhea patient because adding more spices can worsen the condition.

• Coconut water is an electrolyte-rich natural beverage that helps to manage diarrhea. It rehydrates the person and improves energy.

• Electrolyte-containing drinks like oral rehydration solution or ORS will be helpful in case of diarrhea. ORS contains sodium and potassium chloride in a definite ratio. It does not prevent diarrhea but helps treat the symptoms of dehydration.

• Sports or energy drinks are drinks containing electrolytes and sugar. It is made more palatable by the addition of flavoring agents.

What Are the Drinks That Have to Be Avoided While Having Diarrhea?

The following drinks have to be avoided while having diarrhea:

• Caffeine-containing beverages like coffee, tea, soda, and cold drinks may stimulate the digestive system and worsen symptoms.

• Carbonated drinks should be avoided.

• Drinks that contain artificial sweeteners have to be avoided.

• Alcohol-containing beverages have to be avoided.

Conclusion

Diarrhea is a common condition that very often develops in people. The person passes more amount of watery stools in a day. Diarrhea may be due to any sudden dietary changes or infections resulting in rapid movement of contents in the gastrointestinal tract, causing minimal fluid and nutrient absorption. Following particular dietary changes and choosing the right foods is essential to prevent the symptoms from worsening. A physician should be consulted in severe cases when the person becomes weak and when there is severe loss of body fluids from the body. Take excess water after passing every stool. Avoid carbonated, caffeinated, and alcohol-containing beverages that may stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and aggravate diarrhea symptoms.