Diarrhea and vomiting are uncomfortable and potentially serious medical conditions. Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea, according to New Medical Information and Health Information. Following a special dietary plan will decrease symptoms and get you back on your feet quickly.
Causes
Viruses, food contaminated with bacteria, or parasites such as giardia cause gastroenteritis and its associated symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. Gastroenteritis literally means inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This inflammation damages cells lining the intestines. These cells seep fluids into the digestive tract. This adds excess liquid to stool, causing watery stool and diarrhea. Diarrhea and vomiting may have other causes, such as digestive diseases, therapies and medicines, but the diet for diarrhea and vomiting would be the same, despite the cause.
Features
A diet for diarrhea and vomiting allows the stomach and intestines to rest, replacing fluids and supplying nourishment to a healing body. Do not consume anything by mouth immediately after the initial bout of diarrhea or vomiting. Progress as tolerated through the dietary steps.
Sips and Chips
Start with a single sip of water or a teaspoon of ice chips. Wait five minutes before attempting another to make certain you can tolerate liquids. If you vomit, wait another half hour before attempting another sip or spoon of ice chips. Continue to take in fluids as you recover, according to the NDDIC.
Clear Liquids
Begin taking clear liquids as tolerated. Clear liquids include decaffeinated tea, fruit ices, broth and gelatin. Clear liquids replenish fluids lost through bouts of vomiting or diarrhea to prevent dehydration which may cause irregular heartbeat and cardiac problems. Parents may give electrolyte replacement drinks to children. Adults may consume sports drinks. You should not be on a clear liquid diet for more than five days.
Full Liquids
Advance to a full liquid diet as tolerated. You may have cream soups, pudding, sherbet, strained vegetable juices, honey, butter, margarine and cream. If you have a history of lactose intolerance, you should avoid consuming dairy products as you recover from diarrhea and vomiting. A full liquid diet does not supply the iron, vitamin A, B12 and thiamine a person needs, so you should advance your diet as soon as tolerated.
Soft/Bland Diet
Use caution when progressing to soft food until you know whether solid food will cause another bout of diarrhea. Eat foods that are soft or easy to digest such as mashed potatoes and bananas. Choose bland foods over spicy counterparts. Avoid fatty or high-fiber foods, such as whole-wheat bread, until you are feeling better. Do not drink alcohol.
