Lack of energy, tiredness
Light-headedness
Dark urine
Very young infants also pose special problems
because their risk of dehydration is much higher.
They should be given a bottle frequently. A pediatri-
cian may recommend solutions such as Pedialyte as
these fluids also contain the necessary salts lost with
diarrhea. Salt tablets should never be used as they may
worsen diarrhea.
Diarrhea is often caused by foodborne or water-
borne pathogens. The Mayo Clinic offers the follow-
ing advice to prevent food contamination at home:
Washing hands, utensils and food surfaces often to
prevent cross-contamination, i.e. the transfer of
harmful bacteria from one surface to another.
Keeping raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods,
also to prevent cross-contamination.
Cooking foods to kill harmful organisms (to temper-
atures between 140F (60C) and 180F (82C).
Refrigerating or freezing perishable foods to avoid
rapid growth of harmful bacteria.
Throwing food out when in doubt.
Drinking water only from a trusted source.
RisksThere are no risks associated with a bland diet or
with drinking liquids that replenish fluid levels as long
as electrolytes are also provided.
Research and general acceptanceThere is broad consensus among health practi-
tioners that a bland diet combined with replenishing
lost fluids and electrolytes is beneficial to treat most
cases of diarrhea.
The Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports basic and
clinical research into gastrointestinal conditions,
including diarrhea. Among other areas, NIDDK
researchers are studying how the processes of absorp-
tion and secretion in the digestive tract affect the con-
tent and consistency of stool, the relationship between
diarrhea and pathogenic bacteria, motility in chronic
diarrhea, and chemical compounds that may be useful
in treating diarrhea.
Resources
BOOKS
Dalessandro, T. M.What to Eat with IBD: A Comprehensive
Nutrition and Recipe Guide for Crohn’s Disease and
Ulcerative Colitis.New York, NY: iUniverse (Barnes
and Noble), 2006.
Wood, G. K.The Complete Guide to Digestive Health: Plain
Answers About IBS, Constipation, Diarrhea, Heartburn,
Ulcers, and More.Peachtree City, GA: FC&A Publish-
ing, 2006.
McDevitt, B. L.Diarrhea.Frederick, MD: PublishAmerica
Inc., 2005.
Ericsson, C. D., Dupont, H. L., Steffen, R.Traveller’s
Diarrhea.Hamilton, ON: B.C. Decker, 2003.
Berkson, D. L., Droby, S.Healthy Digestion the Natural
Way: Preventing and Healing Heartburn, Constipation,
Gas, Diarrhea, Inflammatory Bowel and Gallbladder
Diseases, Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and More.
New York, NY: John Wiley ’sons, 2000.
Wilson, C. L., Droby, S.Microbial Food Contamination.
Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2000.
Scala, J.The New Eating Right for a Bad Gut : The Complete
Nutritional Guide to Ileitis, Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and
Inflammatory Bowel Disease.London, UK: Plume
Books (Penguin Group), 2000.
ORGANIZATIONS
Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition. 5100 Paint Branch Parkway,
College Park, MD 20740-3835. 1-888-SAFEFOOD
(1-888-723-3663).<vm.cfsan.fda.gov>.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspec-
tion Service. Meat and Poultry Hotline: 1-888-
MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).<www.fsis.usda.gov>.QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR
DOCTOR What is causing my diarrhea?
How long will it last?
How is diarrhea treated?
Are there tests that should be done?
Can Traveller’s diarrhea be prevented?
Is drinking water enough to prevent dehydration?
What is causing my baby’s diarrhea?
How do I know if my baby is dehydrated?
Are there foods that should be avoided?
Are there foods that are recommended?
Would seeing a dietician for an eating plan help?
If my antibiotics cause diarrhea, should I stop
taking them?Diarrhea diet