How to Eat If You Have Diarrhea
So you’ve decided to try out this fabulous new French restaurant. After a night of eating a delectable spread of foreign dishes, you feel your stomach rumbling and before you know it, you’re running to the restroom every ten minutes. Diarrhea is unpleasant, and many people find themselves too weak to eat anything. To help you get your appetite and health back follow these easy tips.
Diet Changes For Diarrhea
Do not skimp on food. This is a mistake a lot of people commit when they have diarrhea. They are afraid to ingest anything, fearing it will only worsen their condition. Do not avoid eating when you have diarrhea. Ingesting the right foods and drinks is important to keep your body and immune system strong.
Eat small frequent meals. This will make it easier for your digestive system.
Try a liquid diet. Drinking clear liquids keep your bowel from working too hard, and also helps avoid irritation. Try ingesting weak tea, water, apple juice, frozen pops, clear broth or even plain gelatin when you feel like you’re about to have diarrhea.
Every time you have a bout of diarrhea, drink two cups of liquid. This will help you avoid being dehydrated.
Foods You Should Eat
Potassium-rich food and drinks. You lose a lot of potassium when you have diarrhea. Eat potatoes (remove the skin first), and bananas, and drink sports drinks and fruit juices.
Foods with pectin. You need pectin to lessen your diarrhea. This is a water-soluble fiber, found in foods like applesauce and yogurt.
Food with protein. You can get this from chicken, turkey, beef, ****, tofu or eggs. Make sure you bake, steam or poach them; do not eat them fried, because the oil will only worsen your condition.
Bland cookies and crackers. These are easier to digest and will make you feel better. Make sure they don’t contain too much sugar or milk, or your diarrhea will worsen. You can try the saltine crackers recommended for nauseous pregnant women.
Ginger-rich foods. Ginger can help sooth the stomach. Try ginger cookies and ginger ale.
Carbohydrates-rich foods. These help reduce vomiting and upset stomach. Steamed white rice and toast are good examples.
Sodium-rich foods. Try soups, broths, and salted pretzels. Salt is important in retaining water, so you won’t be dehydrated.
Foods To Avoid
Dairy products. When you experience diarrhea, the amount of the lactase enzyme becomes significantly lower. You need lactase for the body to digest lactose. Lactose is the sugar in dairy products, and if you ingest too much of it and it goes undigested, you’ll feel more nauseous, bloated and will have more bouts of diarrhea and gas. Example of foods you should avoid are milk, ice cream, cheese and butter.
Foods rich in fat. Fatty food items might speed contractions in the intestines, causing an already sensitive system to become more sensitive. Don’t eat greasy and fried foods, as well as those rich in cream or covered with gravy.
Sugar-free foods. Foods that are called “sugar-free” can have artificial sweeteners in them. These artificial ingredients might have a laxative effect, contributing to bloating and gas. Avoid food items like sugar-free gum, sugar-free candy and diet soda.
Foods that produce gas. Vegetables are healthy, but they have a well-know reputation of increasing intestinal gas that might contribute to worse diarrhea. For the meantime, avoid beans, onions, peas, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.
Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and beverages with alcohol can irritate the digestive tract. Too hot or cold drinks should also be avoided. Drink them at room temperature instead.
Eating Safe To Avoid Diarrhea
Most gastrointestinal illnesses result from improperly prepared food. Whether you already have diarrhea or not, make sure you only ingest food that is properly prepared and stored to avoid getting this condition
Thoroughly wash your hands before eating or preparing any food.
Wash and clean raw foods and vegetables. Cook them thoroughly.
Clean food surfaces with anti-bacterial soap and water before and after using them.
Freeze or refrigerate leftovers after meals immediately.
Diarrhea is unpleasant, but you musn’t stop eating because of it. Remember these tips, eat the right food, and you’ll have your healthy self back.