Rice Congee for Diarrhea

Effective treatment of diarrhea does not require medication. Diarrhea is a common condition that causes three or more loose stools a day and may include stomach pain. Diarrhea is the second highest cause of infant death, according to the World Health Organization. However, it rarely occurs in the United States. Some foods help manage diarrhea. Rice congee is recommended by nutritionist and author Phyllis Balch as an effective source to treat diarrhea in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing. 3"

Rice Congee Effects

Rice congee is bland and low in fiber, so it does not disrupt the digestive system. The water in the rice congee helps replenish your body's electrolytes, which are lost in loose stools.

Rice Congee Recipe

The Lifelong AIDS Alliance, a nonprofit organization that serves people living with HIV/AIDS, recommends using 1 cup of arborio rice, eight to 10 cups water and 1 tsp. of salt. Simmer the ingredients with the rice for about an hour until it becomes a thick porridge. Add ingredients such as maple syrup, bananas, cinnamon or fruit spread to sweeten the congee. If your diarrhea is persistent, eat the rice congee three times a day for a few days at most.

Diarrhea Causes & Treatment

Common causes of diarrhea include an allergy reaction, food poisoning, viral infection and adverse reactions to medication. Frequent stools are the body's attempt to get rid of the bacteria or virus causing the diarrhea. Diarrhea should not last more than a couple of days, so consult a doctor if diarrhea persists after three days. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water, soda or sport drinks daily. Drink 1 to 3 cups of liquid after loose stools. Eat four to six small low-fiber meals during the day, instead of three large meals. Incorporate bananas, toast and applesauce to your meals. If vomiting occurs, stick to clear soups, gelatin and toast.

Considerations

National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus recommends avoiding anti-diarrheal medication unless instructed by a medical professional 1. Certain infections or the form of diarrhea can worsen due to medication. Chronic diarrhea is when you have loose stools for more than four weeks. Consult a doctor if this occurs, and eat food such as whole-wheat grain and bran to thicken stool. Medication containing psyllium will help solidify stools.