Diarrhea is defined as loose and watery stools that occur more often than you normally have a bowel movement. It is a common medical problem that everyone experiences from time to time, but it is uncomfortable. In most cases, diarrhea passes within a few days, but there are home treatments that can help ease your symptoms and may make you feel better. Hot cereals are bland enough that they may help settle your stomach without causing more diarrhea.
Symptoms
Loose and watery stools are the hallmark symptom of diarrhea, but you may also experience other symptoms as well. You may suffer from abdominal pain and cramping, especially right before you need to use the restroom. A fever may also be present. In more serious cases of diarrhea, you may notice blood in your stool or stomach bloating. If this is the case, call your doctor right away.
Causes
There are several reasons why you may experience diarrhea, which occurs when your food and drinks pass through your colon too quickly. Viral infections are a common reason why you would have diarrhea. Bacterial or parasitic infections can also cause a case of diarrhea. Certain medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect. MayoClinic.com notes that antibiotics are the most common medication that can cause diarrhea. A food intolerance, such as sensitivity to lactose, fructose or artificial sugars, is another cause. Chronic digestive problems, such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome, are other reasons why you may have diarrhea.
Hot Cereal
Hot cereal is often well-tolerated if you have diarrhea because it is bland and it will not cause further stomach upset. Most hot cereals are also thick enough that they may move through your digestive system more slowly, making it less likely that you will continue to experience diarrhea. Oatmeal, farina, or creamy wheat and rice cereals are all healthy choices that can help to replenish nutrients lost through diarrhea. Don't eat granola or other hot cereals that are not prepared in a smooth form because they can cause additional irritation to your stomach and bowels.
Tips
Keep your bowl of hot cereal as bland as possible. Pass on spices, such as cinnamon, because it may irritate your stomach and bowels. Stephen J. Rosenberg and Karla Dougherty note in their book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to First Aid Basics," that your stomach lining will be sensitive following a bout of diarrhea, so bland foods are a must for at least 24 hours. Do not add sugar or sugary ingredients because they may also irritate your stomach. Use water to prepare your hot cereal until you are sure that a lactose intolerance is not causing your diarrhea.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Diarrhea; June 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; What I Need to Know About Diarrhea
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to First Aid Basics"; Stephen J. Rosenberg and Karla Dougherty; 1996
