Diet Tips to Stop Diarrhea
Nobody likes to have an upset tummy since any problem related to our stomach is a cause of great distress. Stomach problems result in complications including dehydration, flu and a loss of appetite. Doctors claim that on an average a person can suffer from diarrhea two to three times a year which usually occurs due to bacteria or a food allergy. Even though diarrhea is not a big issue, it can definitely ruin whatever you had planned for yourself in the weekend.
Diarrhea is quite common in every age group. It is not a serious condition and can be cured within a day or two.
But, do you know what you should eat? A sensitive stomach creates an issue with almost everything you eat. Well, there is a diarrhea diet that’s made essentially to cure the tummy issue. Diarrhea and diet go hand in hand; and when you are suffering from it, a healthy diarrhea diet will get your digestive system back on track, making it easier to function properly again.
All in all, whatever you eat can make or break it for you.
Include lots of fluid
Whenever you have a stomach problem, experts recommend drinking as much fluid as you can. Stomach problems like diarrhea discharge more amount of fluid from your body than usual. So, if you want to protect your body from dehydration, you will have to consume more amounts of fluid, and this is a major part of your diarrhea diet as well. Drink loads of water or suck on ice chips. You can also consume one of the following liquids.
- Any clear broth like chicken broth or beef broth is good. But remember to remove the grease from it.
- Electrolyte-enhanced water solution that you will get at a pharmacy or prepare using powder.
- Plain salt and sugar water.
- Coconut water, the best naturally available remedy for dehydration.
- Pedialyte or any similar solution.
- A lightly brewed tea, possibly decaffeinated tea.
- The BRAT diet.
There is another extremely popular diarrhea diet that has been used by people since ages. This diet is called a BRAT diet that comprises banana, rice, apples, and toast. This diet is quite bland, but the best part is that it doesn’t disturb your digestive system. Moreover, they have a binding quality which helps your stools to pass. You can also include these following food items as part of your diarrhea diet that you should ideally consume until you recover.
- Any cooked cereal, especially cream of wheat or farina
- Soda crackers
- Applesauce, apples and apple juice
Foods to avoid
All right, so you will only get an idea of the things affecting your tummy when you eat them and see a reaction later. That’s why it’s essential for you to know what all is included in a typical diarrhea diet. If you want a speedy recovery from the problem, you will have to take precaution and eat what is good for the tummy. Here, we have listed down a list of things you should avoid eating when you’re suffering from diarrhea.
- Any fried, fatty and greasy food
- Milk is a complete no-no, and so are other dairy products like cheese and butter
- Any milk-based protein drinks
- Spicy foods
- Pork and veal
- Sea-foods like sardines, prawns and squids and any pre-packed fish
- Raw vegetables as they are harder to digest
- Raw or cooked onions heat up the digestive system.
- Corn
- Any citrus fruits like, oranges, lemons, etc.
- Fruits like cherries, pineapples, seeded berries, figs, currants, and grapes
- Alcohol and other alcoholic beverages
- Caffeinated drinks like soda, coffee, and soft drinks
- Any artificial sweeteners like sorbitol
Overall, this is the ideal diarrhea diet that you should follow to recover quickly. However, if your condition doesn’t improve in two days, and if your dehydration problem isn’t solved, you need to visit the doctor. Diarrhea can also give you an idea about which food triggers problems for you. Thus, you will know exactly what to eat, and which food items to avoid.