Diarrhea
Some of these suggestions may not be appropriate if you are on a special diet.
- Avoid high-fiber foods that may contribute to gas and cramping (beans, onions, cabbage, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, fruits or vegetables with skin or seeds, corn, dried fruits, whole grains) and carbonated beverages.
- Avoid greasy, fatty, fried foods; rich sauces; and heavy foods.
- Avoid highly spiced foods, such as hot pepper, curry, Cajun spices, and salsa.
- Avoid extremely cold or hot foods. They can bring on an episode of diarrhea.
- If milk and dairy products cause gas and cramping, consider using lactose-free milk products, taking Lactaid tablets, or avoiding milk products. Drink eight to 10 glasses of fluid during the day to prevent dehydration.
- Drink liquids at room temperature, and sip them slowly. Good choices are sweetened drinks, sports drinks, flat ginger ale, peach-apricot nectar, grape-apple juice, broth, gelatin, and tea.
- Eat small amounts of food throughout the day instead of three large meals. Bland, soft foods are usually good choices: rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, toast, bananas, canned fruit, applesauce, yogurt, smooth peanut butter, cottage cheese, eggs, skinless poultry, tender meats.
- Avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) and alcohol.
- Diarrhea causes loss of potassium and sodium. Replace potassium by eating bananas, orange juice, potatoes, and peaches. Replace sodium by eating boullion, crackers, pretzels, or adding extra salt to your meals.
If diarrhea persists after two to three days, consult your physician.