Diarrhea and stomach pain can be disruptive, affecting daily life. Managing these symptoms involves careful dietary choices. This article guides on foods that help or worsen symptoms, along with advice on maintaining hydration and recognizing when medical attention is needed.
Foods That Help
When experiencing diarrhea, focusing on bland, easily digestible foods can help soothe the digestive system. The BRAT diet, an acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, is a traditional approach. These foods are generally low in fiber and fat, making them gentle on an irritated stomach.
Bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber that aids in absorbing excess water in the intestines, contributing to firmer stools. They also provide potassium, an electrolyte often lost during diarrhea. Plain white rice, low in fiber, adds bulk to stools and is easy to digest. Unsweetened applesauce offers pectin and a source of energy without irritating the gut. Plain white toast is similarly low in fiber and can help absorb fluids in the digestive tract.
Beyond the BRAT diet, other suitable options include plain crackers, boiled potatoes without toppings, and clear broths. These provide energy and electrolytes while being gentle on the stomach. Lean proteins, such as boiled chicken or scrambled eggs cooked without butter or oil, can also be introduced as they are easy to digest and offer nutrients.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid certain foods that can aggravate diarrhea and stomach pain. High-fat foods, including fried, greasy, or heavily sauced dishes, are difficult for a sensitive digestive system to process and may worsen symptoms. Fats can increase gut motility, leading to more frequent bowel movements.
Foods high in insoluble fiber, such as raw vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, can accelerate food passage. Gas-producing vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower may cause discomfort. Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream, contain lactose, which can be difficult to digest when the gut is compromised, even without typical lactose intolerance.
Spicy foods can irritate the digestive lining and stimulate bowel movements, intensifying symptoms. Sugary foods and drinks, especially those high in fructose or artificial sweeteners, can draw water into the intestines, leading to looser stools. Caffeinated beverages like coffee and certain teas can stimulate intestinal contractions. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, potentially worsening dehydration. Avoid acidic citrus fruits and highly processed foods.
Prioritizing Hydration
Maintaining adequate hydration is a top concern during diarrhea, as significant fluid and electrolyte losses occur. Dehydration can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations. Consuming clear fluids is crucial to replace lost water and minerals like sodium and potassium.
Water is a primary choice for rehydration, but oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are effective. These solutions contain a precise balance of water, salts, and sugar, facilitating fluid and electrolyte absorption in the small intestine, even during active diarrhea. Clear broths, diluted fruit juices without pulp, and electrolyte-enhanced waters are also suitable.
Sugary drinks, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol should be avoided, as they can exacerbate fluid loss or irritate the digestive system. Sip small amounts of fluid regularly, rather than consuming large quantities at once. This helps the body absorb liquids more effectively and prevents further stomach upset.
Knowing When to Get Medical Help
While many instances of diarrhea resolve on their own, certain signs warrant medical attention. If diarrhea persists for over two days in adults or 24 hours in children, seek medical advice. Prompt evaluation is especially important for infants and young children, whose symptoms can progress rapidly.
Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, and dizziness, indicate a need for medical intervention. Severe abdominal or rectal pain, a high fever (above 102°F or 39°C), or bloody, black, or pus-filled stools are serious indicators requiring immediate medical consultation. These symptoms suggest a more serious underlying condition that may require specific treatment.