countries of the world are especially at risk, hence the
name.Ulcerative colitis. Inflammation of the inner lining of
the colon, characterized by open sores that appear in
its mucous membrane.
Viral gastroenteritis. Inflammation of the digestive tract,
primarily of the stomach, small and large intestines. It is
a mild viral infection that usually goes away on its own
within a few days. It is often called ‘‘stomach flu’’.
Excessive exercise.
Description
In most diarrhea cases, treatment first seeks to
prevent the body from losing too much fluid (dehy-
dration) and the salts andmineralsrequired by the
body (electrolytes). A diarrhea diet accordingly
includes drinking plenty ofwater. However, broths
and soups that containsodium, and fruit juices, min-
eral water, soft fruits, or vegetables that contain potas-
sium, are also extremely important to restore the
electrolyte levels and correct nutritional deficiencies.
Until the diarrhea stops, it is also recommended to
avoidcaffeine, milk products, and foods that are high
infiber, or very high in simple sugars, as they tend to
aggravate diarrhea. For example, soft drinks, undi-
luted fruit juices, and presweetened cereals should be
avoided. Also, fried or fatty foods should be avoided
because of their tendency to delay stomach emptying.
Carbonated drinks can also affect intestinal contrac-
tions and make diarrhea worse. A heath care practi-
tioner may also recommend the BRAT diet that
includes bananas, plain rice, applesauce, and toast.
Some specific diarrheas have their own dietary
requirements. For instance, avoiding dairy products in
cases of lactose intolerance, or gluten in cases of mal-
absorption. Diarrhea caused by antibiotics can also be
reduced by taking probiotic yogurt with live active
cultures.
As the diarrhea improves, soft, bland foods can
usually be added to the diet, supplementing bananas,
plain rice, and toast with boiled potatoes, crackers,
cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin
or fat. Other recommended foods include cereals (rice,
wheat, and oat cereals), and yogurt. Once the diarrhea
has stopped, a person can usually return to a normal
and balanced diet. The Schiffert Health Center offers
the following dietary tips for the first several days after
experiencing diarrhea:
Begin eating bland, easy-to-digest foods after the
first 24 hours of diarrhea.
Slowly progress to other foods as you can tolerate
them.
Avoid food and drink that cause discomfort, cramp-
ing or gas for the first few days. Examples of food to
avoid may include: spicy foods (black pepper, chili
powder), caffeine, chocolate, carbonated drinks and
cola drinks, alcohol, fried foods and greasy foods,
acidic fruit juices (orange, grapefruit), gaseous vege-
tables (broccoli, cabbage, corn, cauliflower, onions).
Initially, eat smaller meals evenly spaced throughout
the day to reduce stomach acidity.
Eat slowly and chew food well.
A progressive bland diet may propose the follow-
ing eating plan:
Day 1: Drinking clear liquids at room temperature
such as sports drinks (Powerade/Gatorade), weak
tea (decaffeinated), non-caffeinated sodas;
Day 2: Slowly adding bland foods in small amounts as
can be tolerated during the day. Examples are: oat-
meal or cream of wheat made with water, dry cereal
(without milk), plain rice or pasta (no butter, oil, or
sauces), crackers or pretzels, gingersnaps, plain toast
(no butter or jelly), mashed potatoes (no skins), ripe
bananas (ripe), applesauce, chicken noodle soup.
Day 3: Gradually adding more variety of foods in
small, more frequent meals evenly spaced throughout
the day. Examples are: soft boiled eggs or scrambled
eggs, plain baked potato, fish or chicken (no skin)
well-cooked, baked or grilled (not fried), plain yogurt,
cottage cheese, cooked carrots or green beans, milk
(skim or low-fat after diarrhea has stopped).Function
The primary function of a diarrhea diet is to assist
the treatment seeking to correct the cause. This almost
always includes preventing dehydration and replenish-
ing lost electrolytes, especially serious in babies and
young children. In serious cases, a physician may also
recommend electrolyte solutions, available at drug-
stores. Medicines that stop diarrhea may be helpful,
but they are not recommended for people whose diar-
rhea is caused by a bacterial infection or a parasite,
because the diarrhea helps to purge the pathogen.
Viral infections are either treated with medication or
left to run their course, depending on the severity and
type of virus.Benefits
Certain foods are considered beneficial such as
bananas because they contain potassium, required to
control the body’s fluid balance, while boiled rice and
toast provide low-fibercarbohydratesthat do not irri-
tate the bowel. Applesauce has a low GI and low fiberDiarrhea diet