Symptomatic diet for diarrhea: food suggestions for prompt recovery
Low down on that toilet seat, 'cause diarrhea's a bitch, but this guide's got ya covered. We'll chat about the grub you should munch on to get your digestive system back in check.
Lemme break it down for ya. The important bit is eatin' foods that are soft, nutritious, and gentle on your tummy. You wanna help your body rest and recover, so avoid those trigger foods and chow down on ones that'll make your stomach feel all cozy again.
Gang, meet the BRAT diet – banana, rice, apple sauce, and toast.Yeah, the letters spell out words that sound like farts, but trust me, they can help out your gut big time. These babies absorb excess water in the colon, makin' your poops firmer. Ripe bananas, full of potassium and electrolytes, are the real MVPs in this lineup, but white rice and unsweetened applesauce ain't nothin' to sneeze at either. As for the toast, stick with plain old white bread. It's easier to digest than whole grain.
The BRAT diet ain't got all the nutrients ya need, but it's a short-term solution to help you get over that diarrhea hump. Knock it back for one or two days until you're feelin' better.
Now, let's add some variety to your "how-the-fuck-did-I-get-here" menu. There are other soft foods you can include, like oatmeal and boiled or baked potatoes, for a bit of diversity. If you're lookin' for more protein, try some lean baked chicken breast.
And don't forget to stay hydrated! Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so don't be that guy sittin' on the can, drinkin' nothin'. Drink electrolyte drinks, clear broths, or even coconut water to replenish the lost fluids in your body. Ain't nobody got time for diarrhea-related kidney failure.
Oh, and if you're takin' your probiotics with that yogurt or kefir, great choice. Probiotics help restore those beneficial bacteria in your intestine, which is fancy talk for "getting your action down in the bathroom back to normal."
Alright, so what not to eat? Got it covered. Steer clear of citrus fruits, lactose and dairy products, greasy or spicy foods, sugary products, caffeine, carbonated beverages, alcohol, and anything with artificial sweeteners. These can do your tummy some real damage when it's already touchy.
Lastly, if your diarrhea persists, you notice blood or pus in your stool, or if you're dealin' with beakin' pain, it's time to reach out to a healthcare pro. Let 'em know what's goin' on and get a better understanding of what's buggin' ya.
So there ya have it, 'cause a happy poop is a healthy poop: stick to bland, easily digestible foods, stay hydrated, and shit will be all better soon enough. Now go, and don't let diarrhea bring down your week!
References
[1] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Diarrhea: Prevent and treat dehydration. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20362126 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2023].
[2] Eamonn M.J. Quigley and Norma A. Quigley. (2017). What to Eat When You Have Diarrhea: Diet Therapy for Acute or Chronic Diarrhea—Part I. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 112, (10), 1277-1285.
[3] Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Another BRAT diet to try: Bland, simple, soft foods diet. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/in-depth/crohns-disease/art-20047228 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2023].
- Maintaining health is crucial during diarrhea, so it's advisable to incorporate therapies and treatments such as probiotics to restore beneficial bacteria in your intestine.
- A balanced diet that focuses on soft, nutritious, and easily digestible food like skin-care (ripe bananas), health-and-wellness (rice and boiled potatoes), and fitness-and-exercise (lean baked chicken breast) can aid in recovering from diarrhea.
- For overall health, it's essential to ensure proper nutrition, which includes staying hydrated by consuming drinks like coconut water and clear broths, which are rich in electrolytes and contain nutrients vital for recovery.
