Diarrhea is unpleasant, but it can be dangerous, too, if you're not getting the fluids you need. Although you may not feel like eating or drinking, your diet can help reduce symptoms of diarrhea and give you the nutrients your body needs during this time. If diarrhea persists, see your health care professional to find out the underlying cause and obtain treatment, if necessary.
Stay Hydrated
Diarrhea can dehydrate you, which can be dangerous. It is important to stay hydrated when you have diarrhea, even if you are not thirsty. While water is one way to keep you hydrated, it does not contain sodium, potassium or other electrolytes. Levels of these salts and electrolytes in your body may be disturbed because of the fluid you have lost through diarrhea. Adequate electrolyte levels are essential to maintaining the electrical currents that keep your heart beating regularly. Drink fruit juices, which contain potassium, or sip soup broth for sodium. Some sports drinks also contain electrolytes. MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding apple and pear juices, as these can make diarrhea worse.
Foods to Avoid
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse suggests avoiding caffeine, greasy foods, high-fiber foods and very sweet foods. These may aggravate symptoms. Foods or drinks containing lactose can also make symptoms worse, so avoiding most milk products is a good idea. Yogurt has a lower lactose content, however, and the live bacterial cultures in the product may help with recovery, says the NDDIC.
Foods to Eat
The BRAT diet is often suggested for adults and children with diarrhea. This is a diet of bland foods that are less likely to irritate or upset the stomach. BRAT is an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. This diet can help provide you with the potassium your body needs and low-fiber, binding foods that help firm up stool. You can slowly add more foods to your diet, such as crackers, boiled potatoes or soups. According to the AAFP, a more regular diet can usually be resumed within 24 to 48 hours after an episode of diarrhea.
Considerations
Adults who have had diarrhea for more than two days, and children who have had diarrhea for more than 24 hours should see a health care provider, says the NDDIC. Anyone with signs of dehydration, a fever of 102 degrees or more, stools with blood or pus, or black, tarry stools, should also seek professional care immediately. Some patients may have a bacterial infection and need antibiotics, or intravenous rehydration may be necessary.
