Diarrhea

Foods to eat when you have diarrhea are:
- bananas have pectin which is a soluble fiber and bananas also have increased amount of potassium which replaces an important electrolyte.
- rice, white bread (dry toast), crackers, and mashed plain potatoes because they are low in fiber and digested without difficulty in the upper GI tract.
- drink lots of fluids including clear liquids such as water, apple juice, sports drinks, and teas such as peppermint and chamomile.
- steamed white meat of the chicken.
- cooked apples are a source of pectin, sugar, and nutrients.
- dried blueberries which are a source of soluble fiber and antioxidant, they contain tannins which may decrease loss of fluids.

Foods to avoid when you have diarrhea are:
- avoid dairy and milk products with the exception of yogurt with live cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum
- caffeinated beverages.
- sugar free foods and diet sodas.
- fatty foods.
- gas producing foods, such as beans, broccoli, or cauliflower.
- dairy products such as ice cream and cheese.
- alcohol.

As a consequence of chemotherapy medications and the side effects of the treatment, body fluids are lost. It is extremely important for your health that you replenish these fluids.

The general daily recommended intake of fluids is 9 cups for women and 13 cups for men. As well, in addition to this daily amount, it is recommended you drink 8 ounces of fluid for every time you vomit or experience diarrhea.

A couple of common ways we lose excess fluids may be vomiting and diarrhea. I recommend keeping a daily record estimating how much fluid you are losing from urinating, vomiting and diarrhea relative to a normal day. You should replace the extra fluid you lose in addition to the 9-13 cups needed to fulfill your daily requirement.

Some suggestions for fluids that you may drink are:
- water
- juices and sports drinks
- ice chips, flavored ices, frozen juices, and popsicles

You should avoid dehydrating fluids such as alcohol and caffeinated beverages (sodas, coffee and tea).

Tips to make sure you drink enough are:
- Drink all day especially between meals.
- Take a bottle of water wherever you go

An indicator that you are drinking enough fluids is if you are not thirsty and your urine is pale yellow.

If your physician is worried about dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, medications may be prescribed to treat these side effects.

Too much hot water may damage GI tract soft lining.

Common causes of dehydration are:
- extra and prolonged loss of body fluids
- excessive vomiting
- prolonged diarrhea
-inadequate amount of fluid is ingested
-excess or strenuous exercise
-fever
-overuse of diuretics or laxatives

Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements of watery loose stools.

If diarrhea lasts for more than a couple of days, contact your physician.

One of the primary risks of diarrhea is dehydration due to loss of fluids in bowel movements.

Replacing lost fluids is the first thing that should be treated. Drink water, gatorade, etc.

Over the counter medications for diarrhea include:
- loperamide (Imodium)
- bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)
- lactinex, acidophilus (probiotics)

It is important to only take over the counter medications for 2 days and if the symptoms get worse or diarrhea lasts longer, consult with your physician.

For burning and itching around the anus, over-the-counter treatments include healing creams, ointments, suppositories, and pads to alleviate the anal discomfort. These treatments may contain ingredients such as witch hazel (Tucks pads) or hydrocortisone that relieve pain and itching.

An oral prescription medication that may be prescribed is Lomotil / Diphenoxylate if the diarrhea is out of control.

If a patient is in the hospital for diarrhea, they will likely receive an IV to replace lost fluids.

Some tips and ways to manage diarrhea include:

- drinking 8 to 12 cups of clear liquid a day (including gatorade)
- eat low fiber foods such as soft fruit (i.e. bananas), vegetables (i.e. cooked carrots), white rice, broth, white toast, yogurt, etc.
- although advised for children, nutrient enriched liquids such as Pedialyte or Ceralyte
- ask your physician about eating foods that are high in sodium and potassium, which include potatoes and bananas

Avoid the following:
- milk and milk products (i.e. ice cream or cheese)
- high-fat or greasy foods (i.e. fried foods)
- foods that have a lot of fiber, (i.e. citrus fruits)
- very sweet foods (i.e. cakes and cookies)

Potential symptoms of diarrhea are:

- stomach cramps and gas pain
- abdominal swelling
- urgent or uncontrollable bowel movements
- loose bowels
- chills and fever