Nutrition for diarrhea: top 10 foods to help

In this article we will tell you:

1. What is diarrhea, symptoms and possible causes
2. The danger of diarrhea when a person needs medical attention
3. Basics of proper nutrition for diarrhea
4. Pros and cons of diet for diarrhea
5. Table of permitted and prohibited products
6. Nutrition for diarrhea: pregnant women, children, adults and the elderly
7. Diet for chronic diarrhea
8. Diet for diarrhea with vomiting
9. How to eat during antibiotic therapy
10. TOP 10 anti-diarrhea products

Diarrhea or watery stools can be embarrassing and startling at the worst times, such as during a vacation or special event.

But while diarrhea often goes away on its own within two to three days, certain remedies can help you achieve harder stools faster.

Abdominal pain is so common that everyone experiences it at one time or another. There are dozens of reasons why you might have a stomach ache. Most causes are not serious and symptoms go away quickly. Typically, there is no need to look further than your kitchen for a solution.

What is diarrhea, symptoms and possible causes

Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools or a frequent need to have bowel movements. It usually lasts several days and often goes away without treatment.

Diarrhea can be acute or chronic.

Acute diarrhea

occurs when the condition lasts one to two days. You may have diarrhea as a result of a viral or bacterial infection. In other cases, it could be due to food poisoning.

There is a condition known as traveler's diarrhea, which occurs when you get diarrhea after being exposed to bacteria or parasites while on vacation in a developing country. Acute diarrhea is quite common.

Chronic diarrhea

is diarrhea that lasts at least four weeks. This is usually the result of an intestinal disease or disorder such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease.

What causes diarrhea?

You may experience diarrhea as a result of a number of conditions or circumstances. Possible causes of diarrhea:

• food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance;
• food allergies;
• adverse reaction to medication;
• viral infection;
• bacterial infection;
• intestinal disease;
• parasitic infection;
• surgery on the gallbladder or stomach.

Rotavirus

- A common cause of childhood diarrhea. Bacterial infections such as salmonella or E. coli are also common.

Chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease. Frequent and severe diarrhea may be a sign of an intestinal disease or functional bowel disorder.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

You can experience just one of them or any combination of them. Symptoms depend on the cause. One or more of the following symptoms often occur:

• nausea;
• abdominal pain;
• spasms;
• bloating;
• dehydration;
• fever;
• bloody stool;
• frequent urge to have bowel movements.

How is the cause of diarrhea diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and review your medical history when determining the cause of your diarrhea. The specialist may also order laboratory tests to examine urine and blood samples.

Additional tests your doctor may order to determine the cause of diarrhea and other related conditions may include:

• allergen tests to determine whether the cause is a food intolerance or allergy;
• stool culture to check for bacteria, parasites, or signs of disease;
• colonoscopy to check for signs of bowel disease;
• sigmoidoscopy to check the rectum and lower colon for signs of bowel disease.

A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is especially useful in determining whether you have an intestinal disease if you have severe or chronic diarrhea.

Causes of diarrhea in a child

The acute process is often infectious in nature, especially if it occurs suddenly or is combined with vomiting, blood, fever and anorexia. Maintenance treatment is prescribed based on clinical diagnosis and continues until improvement occurs.

Chronic diarrhea in a child without fever can develop due to the following reasons:

• Allergic gastroenteropathy. Cow's milk protein causes bloody diarrhea and vomiting. The condition is normalized when hydrolyzed protein is included in the diet instead of cow's milk. Most children improve spontaneously.
• Disaccharidase deficiency. It is characterized by the absence of lactase, which breaks down lactose into galactose and glucose. The disorder may be congenital or develop after a gastrointestinal infection, acting as a temporary disorder. An improvement in the condition after eliminating lactose or other carbohydrates from the diet confirms the diagnosis. In this case, the child has light diarrhea and there is severe irritation in the perineal area caused by liquid feces.
• Gluten enteropathy (celiac disease). In celiac disease, the wheat protein fraction damages the intestinal mucosa, which can impair fat absorption. This leads to malabsorption and anorexia, which is accompanied by the passage of copious amounts of stool. Changes in the body occur when consuming products made from wheat flour and dishes containing gluten.
• Cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is characterized by the development of pancreatic insufficiency, which is accompanied by a deficiency of trypsin and lipase. In this case, there is a large loss of fat and protein in the stool, which means that physical development is delayed. The stool is usually smelly. Children with cystic fibrosis often develop respiratory problems.

Inflammatory processes in the intestines and some infections can also cause diarrhea. The most common is gastroenteritis, an infection of the small intestine that is accompanied by vomiting. The main danger of this disease is dehydration and water-electrolyte imbalance. Dehydration develops especially often and quickly against the background of rotavirus infection.

The causes of secretory diarrhea in a child are usually due to infection:

• bacterial (staphylococcus, salmonella, E. coli, shigella);
• parasitic (giardiasis, amoebic dysentery).

Secretory diarrhea can also be caused by inflammatory bowel disease. In children it can occur with excessive consumption of carrots and peas. The reason is increased intestinal motility. This type of diarrhea goes away on its own over time. Diarrhea with blood in a child develops against the background of an acute intestinal infection - campylobacteriosis, necrotizing enterocolitis, intussusception (intestinal obstruction).

Black diarrhea

After taking activated carbon and some vitamin and mineral preparations, stool may turn black. This may also be due to internal bleeding - from the stomach, esophagus or intestines, which occurs against the background of serious pathologies (ulcers, cancer, polyps, etc.). Associated symptoms of internal bleeding may include pale complexion, dizziness and anemia.

If you have black diarrhea, you should consult a doctor immediately. For diagnosis, a specialist will prescribe fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy (examination of the esophagus, stomach cavity and duodenum using a gastroscope, which is inserted into the stomach through the mouth and esophagus) or colonoscopy (probing of the colon).

Chronic diarrhea

Frequent diarrhea in a child can manifest itself as a mild illness or more serious disorders. At the same time, the intestinal walls become susceptible to various allergens and toxins, and the protective functions of the liver are reduced. The body absorbs vitamins and minerals worse, metabolic processes worsen, and liver and pancreas diseases occur.

The following factors can trigger the development of chronic diarrhea:

• long-term use of medications, especially antibacterial ones;
• long-term treatment with hormonal drugs and NSAIDs;
• unbalanced diet;
• immunodeficiency states;
• stress, emotional overstrain.

Chronic diarrhea causes nausea, loss of appetite, bad taste in the mouth, belching, pain and bloating, weakness and trouble sleeping. To make a diagnosis, a microbiological examination of the stool is performed, as well as an assessment of the digestive system. Therapy is aimed at eliminating the causes and restoring the general condition.

Diarrhea with mucus

Mucous diarrhea in a child develops against the background of a violation of the intestinal microflora, polyps and hemorrhoids. Mucus binds and removes pathogenic microorganisms. Clinical signs of hemorrhoids include itching and bleeding from the anus. Intestinal diverticulitis also causes mucus to be secreted in the feces. Associated symptoms are abdominal pain arising on the left side and flatulence.

Diarrhea with mucus in children occurs as a result of insufficient bowel function. As a rule, this is associated with poor nutrition. This condition is accompanied by malaise, nausea and rumbling in the stomach. Liquid feces with mucus also occur with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). To identify the disease and the purpose of therapy, you need to contact a specialist and conduct a diagnosis.

Diarrhea and fever

Diarrhea, vomiting and fever are the main signs of an intestinal infection, which can be caused by bacteria or viruses. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after examination.

In the first hours after the onset of alarming symptoms, frequent small drinks are necessary. Dark colored urine may indicate a lack of fluid in the body. Normalizing the water-salt balance during intestinal infections is extremely important. Refusal of food and heavy drinks in case of diarrhea, vomiting and fever is a necessary condition. Drug treatment of intestinal infections is carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Severe diarrhea

If the small intestine is affected, severe diarrhea may occur. This can happen during food poisoning and intestinal infections. Often such stools are watery, may contain food debris and do not cause abdominal pain. Bile acids and peptide molecules can promote the release of water and ions. The severe condition can occur when the absorption of bile and fatty acids is impaired, such as in Crohn's disease.

The danger of diarrhea when a person needs medical attention

Although in many cases diarrhea can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies, rest, and a temporarily restricted diet, if it lasts long enough, you should consult your doctor. Contact a specialist if

:

1. your diarrhea lasts more than two days without improvement;
2. you become dehydrated.

Dehydration and diarrhea

Diarrhea can cause you to lose fluid quickly and put you at risk of dehydration. If you don't get treatment for diarrhea, it can have very serious consequences.

Symptoms of dehydration include

:

• fatigue;
• dry mucous membranes;
• increased heart rate;
• headache;
• frivolity;
• increased thirst;
• decreased urination;
• dry mouth.

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If you are dehydrated or have other symptoms, you may need to go to the emergency room to receive immediate treatment.

Other symptoms to look out for include black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or fever (39°C) or higher.

Diarrhea

- a serious disease for young children. This can cause severe dehydration in an infant in just one day.

Get treatment right away if any of the following conditions apply to your child:

1. Diarrhea for 24 hours or more.
2. Temperature 39°C or higher.
3. Bloody stool.
4. Stool containing pus.
5. The stool is black and tarry.

These are all symptoms that indicate an emergency.

Basics of proper nutrition for diarrhea

Whether your diarrhea is episodic and caused by allergies/food poisoning or a chronic condition such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease, diet and diarrhea go hand in hand.

Even if you have chronic diseases that affect your digestive system, the diet you eat can greatly affect your digestive system.

When you experience a bout of diarrhea, there are certain foods you can eat to help your digestive system return to normal.

Foods to eat if you have diarrhea

When you have diarrhea, the foods you eat and the foods you avoid can make all the difference in helping you recover faster. This is where BRAT products come in handy.

BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples, Toast. These products are gentle, so they do not aggravate the digestive system, while strengthening it.

The BRAT diet consists of bland, low-fiber foods and is often recommended for treating stomach problems, digestive illnesses, and diarrhea.

Study

: Bland Diet

Pediatricians have historically prescribed the BRAT diet to infants suffering from diarrhea.

Study

: Diarrhea

Sticking to them after you get rid of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea will help you feel better faster.

You also need to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and replace lost fluids. Drink plenty of water and suck on ice cubes. Other liquids you can try include

:

• clear broths, such as chicken or beef, with the fat removed;
• water with increased electrolytes or coconut water with vitamins or electrolytes (try to avoid those with high sugar content);
• weak tea without caffeine.

How to Follow the BRAT Diet

There are limited evidence-based recommendations on how to exactly follow the BRAT diet, but recommendations for a three-day plan do exist.

During the first 6 hours

After illness, you may refuse to eat at all.

1. Give your stomach a rest and wait until the vomiting and diarrhea stop completely.
2. While you wait to eat, try sucking on ice cubes and drinking water. This will help replenish water and electrolytes lost due to illness.
3. Try reintroducing clear liquids, such as water, apple juice, vegetable broth, or chicken broth, into your diet within the first 24 hours of illness.

If symptoms return, stop drinking clear liquids and wait a couple of hours before trying again.

On the second day

start following the BRAT diet. This diet is limited and not very nutritious, so you won't want to stay on it any longer than necessary.

On the third day

After illness, you can begin to gradually reintroduce normal foods into your diet if you feel so.

Start with foods such as eggs, cooked fruits and vegetables, and white meats such as chicken or turkey.

It is important to monitor your body's signals. If you eat too much variety too quickly, your symptoms may return.

Foods to avoid if you have diarrhea

When you experience or are recovering from diarrhea, you should avoid eating large amounts of foods. These foods can trigger your digestive system and worsen or prolong diarrhea:

• milk and dairy products (including milk-based protein drinks);
• fried, fatty foods;
• spicy food;
• processed foods, especially those with additives;
• pork and veal;
• sardines;
• raw vegetables;
• rhubarb;
• onion;
• corn;
• all citrus fruits;
• other fruits such as pineapples, cherries, berries with seeds, figs, currants and grapes;
• alcohol;
• coffee, soda and other caffeinated or carbonated drinks;
• artificial sweeteners, including sorbitol.

Pros and cons of diet for diarrhea

Although there are no clinical trials of the BRAT diet, some research exists on how foods included in the BRAT diet affect diarrhea.

Bananas, for example, contain a certain starch called pectin, which is beneficial for the digestive tract.

Study

: Health Benefits of Green Banana Consumption: A Systematic Review

Bananas also contain potassium, which helps in the absorption of water and electrolytes.

A 2021 systematic review found that green banana pulp may help reduce both diarrhea and constipation in children.

Study

: Health Benefits of Green Banana Consumption: A Systematic Review

A 2021 study found that rice soup is very effective in treating acute diarrhea in children.

Study

: The Effect of G-ORS Along With Rice Soup in the Treatment of Acute Diarrhea in Children: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

While these results are promising, they cannot determine whether a diet consisting only of soft foods is effective and safe in treating stomach problems.

The restrictions of the BRAT diet may do more harm than good.

In one outdated study, researchers found that 2 weeks of the BRAT diet could lead to severe malnutrition along with other medical problems in children.

Admittedly, this case was extreme and the study is not current.

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But no follow-up studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of the BRAT diet.

Today recommends feeding children a balanced diet as soon as they recover, and breastfeeding infants or giving them complete formula.

For adults and children, the BRAT diet is probably better than no foods at all.

More modern research is needed to determine whether the BRAT diet is a beneficial solution for people with stomach problems.

The goal is to return to a normal diet as soon as possible, even if diarrhea persists, to avoid malnutrition.

Table of permitted and prohibited products

What to feed a child after poisoning?

Dishes are warm, pureed or served in crushed form - rubbed through a sieve or processed in a blender.

What can you eat after poisoning? Ready-made baby products are perfect for this: meat and fish soufflés, vegetable purees, porridge or home-cooked boiled or steamed dishes. On the contrary, you should exclude: cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, wheat, pearl barley porridge.

What can you eat after a period of intoxication? During the recovery period, the menu consists of: boiled chicken meat, buckwheat porridge, natural yogurt, low-fat fish, kefir.

Diet period - 2-3 weeks from the moment of poisoning in children.

Treatment at home with the help of dietary nutrition will help to avoid chronic diseases of the digestive system and other complications.

Now let's talk about what to do while you are waiting for the doctor. So…

Nutrition for diarrhea

Pregnant

Diarrhea often occurs during pregnancy. However, just because you have diarrhea does not necessarily mean it is directly related to your pregnancy.

Causes other than pregnancy include

:

• virus;
• bacteria;
• stomach flu;
• intestinal parasites;
• food poisoning;
• medications.

Causes of diarrhea associated with pregnancy include

:

1. Diet changes

   . Many women radically change their diet when they find out they are pregnant. This sudden shift in food intake can upset your stomach and potentially cause diarrhea.

2. New food sensitivities

   . Food sensitivities may be one of the many changes you experience during pregnancy. Foods that never bothered you before pregnancy can now cause gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

3. Prenatal vitamins

   . Taking prenatal vitamins is good for both your health and the health of your growing baby. However, these vitamins can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

4. Hormonal changes

   . Hormones can slow down the digestive system, so constipation may occur. Hormones can also speed up your digestive system, which can cause diarrhea.

Diarrhea is more common in the third trimester.

As your due date approaches, you may find that diarrhea becomes more common.

Some women won't even experience frequent diarrhea in the third trimester, although others will. Each person's experience will be different.

In fact, in most cases, diarrhea goes away without treatment.

Contact your doctor if diarrhea does not go away after two to three days. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and may draw blood to determine the cause of your diarrhea.

Certain food groups can make diarrhea worse. Avoid fatty foods, fried foods, spicy foods, milk and dairy products, and high fiber foods.

Do not take over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications without consulting your doctor. These medications may make certain conditions worse. Plus, they are not safe for anyone.

Children

If your baby eats solids, giving him pieces of food can help relieve diarrhea. These include:

• crackers;
• porridge;
• pasta;
• bananas.

Avoid the following foods that may make diarrhea worse:

:

• cow's milk, except dairy products in their mixture (in any case, you should avoid cow's milk until your baby is 1 year old);
• apple juice and other fruit juices (should be avoided anyway until your child is 2 years old);
• fried food;
• spicy food.

Adults and elderly

When creating a diet for diarrhea, it is important to formulate the diet so that the foods consumed

:

1. They included a sufficient amount of useful substances and did not create a load on the inflamed organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Contained a lot of potassium, calcium and iron.

In this case, the total calorie content of the menu should not exceed 1800-2000 kcal.

The diet should be aimed at eliminating fermentation processes. This will speed up the restoration of intestinal function and stabilization of stool. You should not eat foods that stimulate gas formation.

It is important to consume plenty of water and herbal infusions. This will help remove toxins and normalize the condition.

And also adhere to a gentle regime, excluding foods high in acids.

When preparing food, you should avoid using hot spices, salt and other substances that irritate the intestinal walls.

Elderly people suffering from diarrhea are recommended to eat porridge cooked in water without adding butter. Rice and buckwheat are especially useful.

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Heat-treated vegetables must be present in the diet.

Important sources of fiber are carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, and potatoes.

It is recommended to consume lean meats, including: veal; rabbit meat; turkeys; Chicken. When preparing dishes, the meat is cleaned of skin, cartilage and tendons.

In addition, you can heat-treated non-acidic berries and fruits in the form of sauces, mousses, jelly and purees.

Diet and nutrition for diarrhea in children of different ages

The organization of meals directly depends on how old the baby is.

Infants. The baby's main food is mother's milk/formula; the diet cannot be changed.

1-2 years. The number of meals is doubled, the volume is reduced by the same amount.

3 years. The basis of the diet should be water-based porridge made from crushed flakes (not whole grains).

4 years. Egg whites are useful (the yolk is not recommended, as it has a choleretic effect), as well as mashed potatoes without adding milk.

5 years. Meat broth in the “second water” will help restore strength - the first is drained as soon as it boils.

7 years. A diet for diarrhea in a child involves eating cottage cheese, biscuits, and mild crackers made from homemade black bread.

8 years. The diet is varied with low-fat fish. Banana puree is healthy; it contains many microelements.

9 years. On the second or third day of illness, in addition to soups and cereals, a steamed omelet is suitable.

10 years. You can pamper your child with a baked apple - it will help restore the reserves of potassium, calcium and magnesium, and after heat treatment it will not stimulate the intestines.

11 years. Steamed hedgehogs with rice or chicken meatballs will come in handy.

12 years old. We recommend creamy potato soup, rice noodles, and baked rabbit.

Diet for chronic diarrhea

The main symptom of chronic diarrhea is loose or watery stools that persist for several weeks. This stool may or may not be accompanied by a feeling of urge. You may also have other symptoms:

• abdominal cramps;
• bloating;
• nausea.

Keep a food diary to determine if diet is a major factor in chronic diarrhea. Write down all your meals and snacks and note any worsening symptoms.

After a few weeks, you will be able to identify possible irritating foods. If so, eliminate these foods from your diet to see if your symptoms improve.

For example, diarrhea may stop or improve significantly after stopping gluten, artificial sweeteners, or dairy products. Or your condition may improve after you eliminate certain vegetables, fruits and beans from your diet.

Lifestyle changes that can help relieve chronic diarrhea include

:

• avoidance of caffeine and alcoholic beverages;
• low fiber foods;
• drink clear liquids to prevent dehydration;
• control food portions to avoid overeating.

Chronic diarrhea caused by an underlying disease cannot always be prevented.

But you can prevent chronic diarrhea due to infection by taking steps to keep your food and water clean:

1. Drink from clean water or filter your water.
2. Cook the meat thoroughly.
3. Wash your hands after preparing food and before eating.
4. Clean kitchen surfaces to prevent contamination.
5. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
6. Wash your hands after using the toilet, changing a diaper, or helping someone who is sick.

Diet for diarrhea with vomiting

Diarrhea and vomiting

are common symptoms that affect people of all ages, from babies and toddlers to adults.

In most cases, these two symptoms are the result of a stomach bug or food poisoning and will subside within a few days.

In general, resting and drinking plenty of fluids is enough to avoid dehydration.

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Here are some ways to treat vomiting and diarrhea at home to stay hydrated.

:

1. Drink plenty of clear liquids such as water, broth
2. Follow the BRAT diet
3. Avoid fatty, spicy or fatty and sugary foods.
4. Avoid dairy products.
5. Avoid caffeine.
6. Wash your hands often with soap and water.

Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting may require treatment.

Take your child to the doctor if

:

• less than 12 months and showing signs of dehydration;
• diarrhea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days;
• under 3 months at a temperature of 38 ° C;
• 3 to 6 months at 39°C.

Take your child to the emergency room if

:

• there are signs of dehydration after taking oral rehydration solution;
• there is blood in the urine or stool;
• green or yellow vomit.

For adults. Contact your doctor if

:

1. Still dehydrated after rehydrating with fluids and an oral hydration solution.
2. You have bloody diarrhea or rectal bleeding.
3. Your vomit is yellow or green.
4. You have diarrhea that lasts more than seven days, or you have been vomiting for more than two days.

How to treat poisoning in a child?

Therapy consists of main areas:

1. Prevent the absorption of poison into the blood;
2. Application of an antidote (antidote);
3. Removing toxic compounds from the body;
4. Treatment of symptoms of poisoning.

Difficulties in treating children under one year of age are associated with insufficient function of the kidneys and liver, the organs responsible for neutralizing toxins and removing them from the body.

It is important to know

Regardless of the type of plant poison, it is necessary to begin treating poisoning in children with gastric lavage.

The volume of water required for rinsing: 3 years - 6 years: take 16 ml of water per kilogram of child’s weight, 7 years and older - 14 ml per kilogram of weight. After emptying the stomach of food debris, give the child Enterosgel sorbent.

Poisoning in children should be treated as quickly as possible. Before the doctor arrives, it is necessary to compensate for the fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea - to give the baby a drink. This will also quickly remove toxins from the body. Drinks are given a few teaspoons every 5-10 minutes.

Pharmaceutical solutions (rehydron and others), boiled water, carrot-rice or raisin infusions are used.

Fever in case of poisoning in a child is eliminated by taking antipyretic drugs.

If the baby is breastfed, in addition to milk, you should give him boiled water. And after some time after food poisoning, you can return to your normal feeding regimen.

Food poisoning in a child with mushrooms, poisonous plants, and chemicals is treated in a hospital setting.

How to eat during antibiotic therapy

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is quite common. It is estimated that between 5 and 25 percent of adults will experience diarrhea while taking antibiotics.

This occurs when antibiotics upset the natural balance of bacteria in the intestines. This can irritate your digestive system and increase your risk of illness from certain types of harmful bacteria, such as C. diff.

All types of antibiotics can cause diarrhea. However, certain types of antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins, may cause it more frequently.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools three or more times a day while taking antibiotics.

This may begin about a week after starting antibiotics. In addition, diarrhea may develop a few weeks after finishing treatment.

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If you have a C. diff infection, you may experience additional symptoms, such as:

• stomach pain or cramps;
• low-grade fever;
• decreased appetite;
• nausea.

If you are experiencing diarrhea due to taking antibiotics, changing your diet may help relieve symptoms. Some common suggestions include

:

1. Eating low fiber foods. Although high-fiber foods are recommended when you are healthy, eating them when you have diarrhea may make your condition worse.
2. Potassium replacement. This nutrient can be lost due to diarrhea, but eating foods containing potassium can help replenish it.
3. Replenishment of lost fluids and salts. Diarrhea can cause fluid and electrolytes to be lost more quickly, so it is important to replenish them.

Based on these tips, try the following foods and drinks for diarrhea:

:

• liquids, including water, broths, or decaffeinated tea;
• fruits such as bananas, applesauce, or small amounts of canned fruit without syrup;
• grains such as white rice, white bread and noodles;
• peeled potatoes (good source of potassium), boiled or baked;
• protein sources such as poultry, lean meats and fish.

Some foods may worsen your symptoms or interfere with antibiotic treatment. These include

:

• alcoholic drinks;
• caffeinated drinks such as coffee, soda and tea;
• dairy products can cause digestive problems when taking antibiotics and may affect the absorption of antibiotics;
• fatty foods such as fatty meats, baked goods, potato chips, french fries and other fried foods;
• foods or drinks high in added sugar, such as carbonated drinks, fruit juices, cakes and cookies;
• High-fiber foods such as whole grains, legumes and most fruits and vegetables;
• spicy foods, which can further irritate the digestive tract.

Also, try not to eat grapefruit or take calcium supplements. They can affect how well antibiotics are absorbed by your body and may make the medicine less effective.

Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

1. Try probiotics

   . Probiotics can help return beneficial bacteria to your digestive system.

2. Maintain good hygiene

   . Washing your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom, can help prevent the spread of C. diff bacteria.

3. Follow the instructions

   . Some antibiotics may be recommended to be taken with food.

Take antibiotics only when necessary.

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Although antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, they are not effective against viral infections such as colds and flu. Overuse of antibiotics can negatively impact your digestive health and cause other problems.

If you have previously had diarrhea while taking antibiotics, tell your doctor. He can choose an antibiotic that is less likely to cause this problem.

What to feed a child with diarrhea

Table of contents

Causes of diarrhea in children Symptoms Viral infection What to feed a child with diarrhea? Functional diarrhea Diarrhea caused by food allergies Diarrhea from antibiotics Nutrition for diarrhea in children Drinking regime Diet after diarrhea Prevention

Photo source: shutterstock.com

All mothers sooner or later encounter the phenomenon of childhood diarrhea, or simply diarrhea. The cause may be either banal poisoning, which passes quickly and does not have serious consequences, or various infections. They can lead to exhaustion, dehydration and vitamin deficiency in the child’s body.

Therefore, parents should be vigilant and closely monitor the child’s condition.

Causes of diarrhea in children

First of all, let's figure out what condition of the stool is considered a deviation from the norm. With diarrhea, the discharge is liquid and may contain remnants of undigested food and mucus. The number of bowel movements increases and sometimes reaches 10-12 times a day.

The most common causes of diarrhea in children:

1. Too fast passage of food through the intestines as a result of impaired peristalsis.
2. Inflammatory processes in the intestines.
3. Excessive secretion of inflammatory secretion.
4. Impaired absorption of water by the intestinal walls.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of diarrhea are loose stools and a sharp increase in the frequency of bowel movements. In addition, you may notice bloating and rumbling in your baby. If a baby complains of pain and pain in the intestinal area, his temperature rises sharply - this may be a sign that an infection has appeared in the body.

Viral infection

Its most common pathogens are:

• rotavirus;
• enterovirus;
• astrovirus.

They enter the child's body through dirty fruits and vegetables, unwashed hands, and foods that have not undergone the necessary heat treatment.

The incubation period is 7-10 days, in some cases it can last up to 2-3 weeks.

Photo source: shutterstock.com

The main symptoms of a viral infection:

• diarrhea;
• stomach ache;
• elevated temperature;
• vomit.

If you suspect your child has such an infection, you should not self-medicate. Be sure to consult with your pediatrician, who will make an accurate diagnosis and then prescribe treatment.

What to feed a child with diarrhea?

Diet for viral infection includes:

Drink plenty of fluids.

You can use either regular warm water or still mineral water. They will save the baby from dehydration and help the body get rid of toxins.

Moderate nutrition for diarrhea in children.

Let's talk about what a child can eat with diarrhea.

It’s good if the baby abstains from food altogether on the first day of illness. If this is difficult to do, then carefully ensure that the diet for diarrhea in a child is followed.

Avoid fried and fatty foods, as well as fruits and dairy products. Experts recommend feeding your baby small portions. These can be dietary meat broths, porridges, kefir and other fermented milk products.

Functional diarrhea

May appear if:

• you introduced new foods to your child’s diet;
• he ate something stale or not meant to be eaten (grass on the street, chalk, etc.).

At the same time, the child’s bowel movements become more frequent, bloating and mild abdominal pain may appear. But the process is not accompanied by high fever or vomiting.

Treatment includes taking adsorbent drugs and supplements that restore intestinal microflora.

We talked a little higher about what a child can eat with diarrhea.

Diarrhea caused by food allergies

This is a common occurrence when transitioning from breastfeeding/artificial feeding to complementary feeding.

The most common pathogen is cow's milk. Other foods that can cause diarrhea include eggs, nuts, chicken and fish.

When a child has a food allergy, he or she develops diarrhea, bloating, and severe pain in the intestinal area. In some cases, vomiting, swelling and urticaria may occur.

If you observe such symptoms, contact your pediatrician. He will conduct an examination and also schedule additional consultations with an allergist and gastroenterologist, if he deems it necessary.

Diarrhea from antibiotics

If a child takes antibiotics and has diarrhea, his intestinal microflora most likely suffers.

In this case, you should not stop taking the medication yourself. It is best to change your diet to include fermented milk products, dietary broths and jelly. And also consult with your doctor.

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Nutrition for diarrhea in children

During diarrhea, you should exclude fried, spicy and salty foods from the children's menu.

Remove sausages and other smoked meats, mushrooms, heavy meat and fish from your diet. Give preference to turkey and rabbit.

Avoid giving your baby fresh fruits and vegetables as they can cause bloating.

Temporarily exclude fresh bread and other baked goods, milk and dairy products, and eggs.

Canned food, sweets, fast food, soda, and freshly squeezed juices are also prohibited.

Do not give your child sour fruit teas, rosehip infusions, herbal mixtures, strong tea or coffee. They can increase intestinal motility and cause unnecessary complications.

Drinking regime

Regardless of the type of diarrhea, a child loses a lot of water during bowel movements, the balance of which must be replenished.

You can drink lightly salted or mineral water. You can use "Regidron".

If a child has diarrhea, it is worth excluding sweet drinks, soda, strong tea, juices, and cow's milk from the menu.

If the child is small, he is given 50-70 ml of liquid after each trip to the toilet “in a big way”. Children over 1 year of age usually already know how to drink on their own. Let them drink as much liquid as they want.

Diet after diarrhea

After the signs of diarrhea have passed, it is worth returning the child to their usual diet, but gradually. It is important to help the body fully recover.

Let meals be frequent and portions small. Do not introduce fried or salty foods into your diet yet. The best option would be steamed and boiled dishes.

Food should be light and healthy.

Temporarily eliminate soda, mushrooms, artificial sweets, smoked foods, fast food and heavy meals.

• The menu can include light soups, lean meats and fish. They are rich in fiber and nutrients, but do not overload the intestines.
• Rice and oatmeal have an excellent restorative effect: they coat the intestinal walls and restore digestion.
• Do not give your baby fresh bread and rolls; stock up on crackers or yesterday’s pastries.
• Skip the scrambled eggs and instead prepare a diet steamed omelet for your child.
• Boiled/stewed potatoes, pumpkin, carrots and zucchini are allowed. Baked apples perfectly normalize stool. Bananas are good for you.
• Jelly and fermented milk products will help in restoring the body.

Prevention

The main and most common cause of diarrhea is poor hygiene. Therefore it is important:

• Teach your child to wash their hands thoroughly. The process should take about 15-20 seconds. Show him by example what to do and how to do it. Use soap on the entire surface of your hands, including the surface between the fingers and their tips.
• Teach your child to wash their hands immediately after going outside, before each meal and after using the toilet.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. You can use special tools for this. Soak greens in water before using them in salads and other dishes.
• Subject products to thorough heat treatment.
• Make sure that your child does not put everything in his mouth while walking and playing at home.
• Boost your baby's immunity by giving him vitamins and minerals. Let his nutrition be complete and balanced.

Top 10 anti-diarrhea foods

1. Chamomile

   Historically, chamomile has been used for a variety of intestinal disorders, including gas, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

   An animal study found that chamomile extracts relieved diarrhea in mice by reducing intestinal spasms and reducing the amount of water passed into stool, but more research is needed to see if this applies to humans.

   Study

   : Antidiarrhoeal, antisecretory and antispasmodic activities of Matricaria chamomilla are mediated predominantly through K(+)-channels activation

2. Peppermint

   For some people, indigestion is caused by irritable bowel syndrome (a chronic bowel disease that can cause stomach pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea).

   Although IBS can be difficult to manage, research shows that peppermint may help reduce these unpleasant symptoms.

   Taking Peppermint Oil Capsules daily for at least two weeks can significantly reduce stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea in adults with IBS.

   Study

   : Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

   Peppermint is safe for most people, but caution is advised for those with severe reflux, hiatal hernia, kidney stones, or liver and gallbladder disease, as it may worsen these conditions.

3. Green bananas

   In fact, one study found that adding boiled green bananas was nearly four times more effective at relieving diarrhea than a rice-based diet.

   The strong anti-diarrheal effect of green bananas is due to the fact that they contain a special type of fiber known as resistant starch.

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   Resistant starch cannot be digested by humans, so it passes through the digestive tract all the way to the colon, the last part of the intestines.

   Once in the colon, it is slowly fermented by intestinal bacteria to form short-chain fatty acids, which stimulate the intestines to absorb more water and strengthen the stool.

4. Pectin

   Pectin

   is a type of plant fiber found in large quantities in apples and citrus fruits. It is often isolated from these fruits and sold as its own food product or supplement.

   Pectin is not digested by humans, so it remains in the intestinal tract, where it is very effective at strengthening stool and preventing diarrhea.

   In fact, one study found that 82% of sick children taking daily pectin supplements recovered from diarrhea within 4 days, compared to only 23% of children who did not take pectin supplements.

   Study

   : Clinical studies in persistent diarrhea: dietary management with green banana or pectin in Bangladeshi children

   Pectin also relieves indigestion by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

5. Low FODMAP Foods

   FODMAP

   is an abbreviation for the concept “fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols”, which means “fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols”. In other words, these are carbohydrates that are poorly digested and cause fermentation processes in the intestines.

   When undigested FODMAPs enter the colon, they are quickly fermented by gut bacteria, creating excessive gas and bloating. They also attract water, which causes diarrhea.

   A review of 10 randomized controlled trials found that a low FODMAP diet improved these symptoms in 50–80% of people with IBS.

   Study

   : The low FODMAP diet: recent advances in understanding its mechanisms and efficacy in IBS

   While not all people with digestive issues have trouble digesting FODMAPs, working with a specialist can help you determine if any of them are causing problems.

6. Foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics

   Feeding your gut good bacteria with probiotics can help you feel better quickly.

   For diarrhea, Lactobacillus GG and Saccharomycesboulardii strains are recommended. A 2015 study found that both strains could help shorten the duration of illness by 1 day.

   Study

   : Probiotics for Prevention and Treatment of Diarrhea

   You can buy probiotics in capsule or liquid forms.

   Probiotics are also found in fermented foods such as yogurt and kombucha.

   In addition to fermented milk products, which are not suitable for everyone: miso, natto, tempeh, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha.

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   But more research is needed to determine how they affect gut health.

7. Light carbohydrates such as rice, oatmeal

   Although this recommendation is general, there is little evidence that they actually help relieve symptoms.

   However, many people report that it is easier to consume these foods when you are not feeling well.

8. Liquids with electrolytes

   When an upset stomach is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, it is easy to become dehydrated.

   Water, fruit juice, coconut water, and broths are great ways to restore fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances associated with mild dehydration.

   If dehydration is severe, a rehydration drink containing the ideal ratio of water, sugar and electrolytes may be required.

9. Chicken bouillon

   Everyone knows about the ability of broth to restore strength during illness and large loss of fluid - with fever and indigestion. It is quickly absorbed and removes toxins.

10. Prebiotic-rich fiber

    may also be beneficial as prebiotics help feed gut bacteria

    These fibers can be found in:

    chicory root
11. legumes
12. berries
13. bananas
14. oats

Herbs and spices such as ginger, chamomile, mint and licorice have natural calming properties, while fruits such as green bananas improve digestion.

Avoiding foods high in FODMAPs helps some people relieve gas, bloating and diarrhea, while foods with probiotics can help regulate bowel movements.

When an upset stomach is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, be sure to hydrate and replace electrolytes.

The diet must contain the required amount of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and other substances.

The menu is designed so that the food does not irritate the intestines, but envelops it.

Menu for diarrhea

Below is a menu recommended for people suffering from diarrhea, designed for 3 days.

First day

Breakfast

: slimy rice porridge with raisins - 150 g, steamed protein omelet from 2 eggs, compote - 1 tbsp.

Lunch

: crackers - 50 g, herbal tea

Dinner

: chicken broth soup with meatballs - 150 ml, buckwheat porridge - 100 g, steamed turkey cutlet - 1 pc., jelly - 1 tbsp.

Afternoon snack

: dried fruit compote - 1 tbsp, cheesecakes - 2-3 pcs.

Dinner

: rice porridge - 100 g, steamed fish - 50 g, vegetable stew - 100 g, herbal tea - 1 tbsp.

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Second day

Breakfast

: pumpkin porridge with rice - 150 g, chicken cutlets - 2 pcs., compote - 1 tbsp.

Lunch

: oatmeal with pieces of fruit and raisins - 150 ml, tea - 1 tbsp. Lunch: lean fish soup - 150 ml, mashed potatoes - 100 g, baked chicken breast - 50 g, jelly - 1 tbsp.

Afternoon snack

: baked apples - 2 pcs., crackers - 50 g, rice water - 1 tbsp.

Dinner

: buckwheat porridge - 150 g, baked fish - 50 g, vegetable stew - 50 g, compote - 1 tbsp.

The third day

Breakfast

: meatballs from minced chicken and rice - 2-3 pcs., dried bread - 2 slices, jelly - 1 tbsp.

Lunch

: muesli - 150 g, herbal tea - 1 tbsp.

Dinner

: vegetable soup with noodles - 150 ml, carrot puree - 50 g, boiled rabbit meat - 50 g, compote - 1 tbsp.

Afternoon snack

: boiled pear puree - 150 g, tea - 1 tbsp.

Dinner

: pasta - 100 g, boiled fish - 50 g, baked zucchini - 50 g, jelly - 1 tbsp.

Although stomach upset may occur from time to time, eating these foods and following a diet can help you feel better and get on the road to recovery.

Diet for poisoning in a child

You need to start diet therapy with fasting. A child under 1 year of age who is breastfed misses several feedings. For older children, food is offered after the vomiting disappears.

What to feed a child if he is poisoned?

Food should be gentle on the stomach and intestines - this is a mandatory requirement for dietary dishes.

Pediatricians know what to feed a child in case of poisoning in order to provide the body with nutrients and enable it to recover from intoxication. Children who previously received complementary foods are given rice or buckwheat porridge prepared with milk and water in equal proportions. The porridge is pureed and diluted with hot milk. After a few days, you can give pureed vegetables. After 3-4 days - baby cottage cheese. Gradually, fish and meat are introduced into the diet in the form of a soufflé.

Children over one year old can be given biokefir or bioyogurt: they will ensure the restoration of the microflora of the large intestine after intoxication. The diet is expanding faster. Soups, purees, meat, fish, cereals are rubbed through a sieve.

What can a child eat if he is poisoned while vomiting?

To maintain water-salt balance, the baby should be given tea, rosehip decoction, salted or mineral water, and dried fruit compote. Feed only after vomiting has stopped.

Pediatrician Komarovsky believes that you should not force feed a child. Dishes on the children's menu should contain vitamins and be easy to digest, and drinks should be rich.

What can you eat if you are poisoned during diarrhea?

The menu should not include products that have a laxative effect and increase gas formation. During this period you cannot: baked goods, whole milk, brown bread.

Depending on the diagnosis, main symptoms, and diet treatment may vary significantly. In some cases, therapeutic fasting is recommended. After it, homemade crackers, oatmeal and rice porridge are gradually introduced. The first day the baby is fed often in small portions.

• What is allowed to eat? You can have mashed potatoes, rice porridge, white crackers, tea.
• What is strictly prohibited: fresh baked goods, pasta, chocolate, ice cream, chips.

The diet should be followed for about two weeks, then the child gradually returns to the regular menu.