Food plays a vital role in treating diarrhea. The foods you choose to eat while you have diarrhea can either help alleviate the symptoms or make them worse. Diarrhea causes the food you eat to pass quickly, not allowing it the proper time to digest and absorb the nutrients and water in the food. This can lead to dehydration and other complications if not treated properly. Talk to your doctor when you develop diarrhea to determine an accurate diagnosis.
Cause
Diarrhea can be caused by various reasons. Certain medications, traveling, food poisoning and viral infections can lead to inflammation and irritation in the gut. Medications such as antibiotics can kill the helpful bacteria in your gut, causing excessive, loose stools. When you travel, if you ingest certain foods or beverages containing uncommon bacteria in your body, you may develop diarrhea. Viral infection, or the stomach flu, is an infection of the intestines that causes excessive vomiting and diarrhea for one to three days.
Foods to Eat
Certain foods are easier to digest and will not place a strain on the digestive tract. If you have severe diarrhea, do not eat anything for a few hours to allow the stomach to settle. Once the stomach is settled, it is important to increase your liquid intake to keep your body hydrated. Incorporate bland foods in small portions as the condition improves. These foods include toast, plain rice, boiled potatoes, bananas, applesauce, cooked carrots and baked chicken. Talk to your doctor before modifying your diet to treat any condition.
Foods to Avoid
Avoiding certain foods and beverages can help improve the symptoms of diarrhea. Stay away from foods that are high in sugar, high in fiber or high in fat, that contain a lot of spices or diary. Also avoid food or beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine because of their diuretic affect. These types of foods and beverages can actually make the diarrhea worse.
Concern
Dehydration is a concern when you have diarrhea. You should keep yourself hydrated and call your doctor at the first signs of dehydration. Dehydration may require hospitalization and could lead to death if left untreated. Common symptoms of dehydration include light-headedness, dry skin, thirst and dark-colored urine.
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