Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the frequent passage of soft or liquid bowel movements. Your physician may determine that diarrhea is present when six or more bowel movements are passed in a day. Diarrhea is usually easily controlled by medications. Your physician will order medications to control diarrhea. Please take the medications as ordered. If these suggestions do not control diarrhea, please contact your healthcare provider.

What Can I Do To Control Diarrhea?

§          Eat foods which are warm or at room temperature.

§          Frequently eat small meals in a quiet, relaxed setting.

§         Eat foods high in protein and calories to replace the nutrients lost through diarrhea. Foods high in protein and calories include: eggs, asparagus*, fish, tofu, white bread, cheese, peas, banana*, white rice, cream soups, buttermilk, halibut*, noodles, tapioca, baked potato*, custard, poultry, avocado, smooth peanut butter, macaroni, applesauce*, yogurt, carrots*

* foods high in potassium – diarrhea may also cause you to lose potassium

§          To restore energy, rest when you feel tired and after each meal. Drink eight glasses of liquids every day to maintain bowel regularity and prevent dehydration.

§          Liquids to include: Gatorade, pasteurized apple juice, gelatin, weak tea, grape juice, non-carbonated beverages, All Sport, Hydra Fuel, Recharge.

Try to avoid the following:

fatty or fried foods

raw vegetables

fruit seeds, skins, and stringy fibers

vegetables with a lot of fiber such as broccoli, corn, dried beans, cabbage, peas, and cauliflower

beverages containing caffeine, including coffee, tea, soda

Additional Suggestions

§          When first developing diarrhea, remove dairy products from your diet. The lactose in the dairy products may be causing the diarrhea.

§         Do not eat large quantities of whole grain foods or fruits, which may increase the activity of the bowel. Decrease fiber and roughage in your diet.

§          Do not eat spicy, fried or rich foods which are hard to digest.

§          Other approaches which may help you control diarrhea include medications such as Immodium.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment.

Page Created December 5, 2006