Diarrhoea is a common symptom characterised by frequent loose motions. At times, it can be quite uncomfortable. Our bodies react differently to different infections and severity of diarrhoea may vary depending on what sets it off. Consulting a doctor for right diagnosis and treatment is always the first step towards managing diarrhoea. What we choose to eat plays a big part in this. Wise food choices make a huge difference when handling diarrhoea.
This blog guide will take you through the foods that can make diarrhoea worse. We’ll also talk about the best foods for diarrhea. We’ll look into some healthy alternative options in addition to treatments to better manage symptoms.
Are you wondering, what causes diarrhoea? Diarrhoea can be due to many factors. Pin pointing the cause may helps in finding treatment. Here are some common causes of diarrhoea:
Sometimes, bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause bouts of diarrhoea.
Foodborne bacterial infections can cause diarrhoea. These happen when you consume food tainted with bacteria or handled poorly. Salmonella, Campylobacter, or Escherichia coli (E. coli) often cause such infections.
Rotavirus, Norovirus, and Adenovirus can set off diarrhoea. These viruses spread through tainted food, unclean water and by catching an infection from someone else.
Parasites like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium can cause diarrhoea. You can catch such parasites from polluted water or undercooked food.
Do you ever eat something and your stomach ends up in knots? Well, some people have a hard time with certain food ingredients, which leads to diarrhoea.
Lactose intolerance is one common food sensitivity. It happens when your body can’t break down lactose. Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. People with gluten sensitivity may suffer diarrhoea after eating gluten-loaded food.
Some antibiotics, antacids, and anti-inflammatory drugs can cause diarrhoea as a side effect.
Chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to frequent bouts of diarrhoea.
As a doctor, I highly advise avoiding certain foods that might potentially aggravate symptoms of diarrhoea. One such recommendation is to avoid consuming corn. By refraining from consuming corn during episodes of diarrhoea, you may allow your digestive system to rest and recover more effectively.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Also Read: Are Grits Healthy? A Comprehensive Nutritional Analysis
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So, If you’re contemplating on what things to eat when you have diarrhoea? Here are certain foods that can help you manage this condition and speed up your recovery.
Eat foods low in fibre. They’re easy on the stomach and can firm up your stools.
Simple white bread toast without spread can soothe your stomach. It also gives you energy without making your diarrhoea worse.
Sticking to plain white rice is a good choice. It helps to keep you hydrated and bulk up your stool. Plus, it’s easy on your tummy.
Soluble fibre can assist with diarrhoea. This happens because it absorbs water and slows digestion.
What about oatmeal? It offers an easy-to-digest source of soluble fibre. It adds bulk to your stools without causing more gas.
Ripe bananas, anyone? They pack pectin. Pectin is a type of soluble fibre that soaks up water in your intestines. It results in moister stools that pass easily.
Probiotics are friendly bacteria. These good bugs can help bring balance back to your gut flora after a bout of diarrhoea.
Try to have yoghurt that has live probiotic cultures. They contain good bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that can help keep your gut healthy.
Thinking about using probiotic supplements? Talk to your healthcare provider first. They might help to aid digestion and blend in new good bacteria into your gut.
From a medical perspective, I recommend steering clear of certain foods, including granola and muesli, when dealing with diarrhoea. While these ingredients may provide nutritional value under normal circumstances, they might be problematic during episodes of diarrhoea.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
When dealing with diarrhoea, steer clear of these foods. They can make your symptoms worse or slow down recovery.
Too much sugar can spark diarrhoea. Artificial sweeteners can act as a laxative.
Fatty foods are tough to digest. They can make diarrhoea symptoms get worse.
Spicy foods can be harsh on the digestive system. That means they can make diarrhoea worse.
You find lactose in dairy products. Digesting it can be tough and even more so when you have diarrhea.
High FODMAP foods are hard to digest for some people and may trigger diarrhoea.
Alcohol can be draining and damage the digestive system. It can make diarrhoea worse.
Did you know some foods, when digesting, produce gas? They speed up the movement of food along your intestines, which worsens diarrhoea.
Drawing upon my extensive knowledge and experience, I highly recommend avoiding apple juice and full-strength fruit juices when dealing with diarrhoea. These beverages may have the potential to loosen stools, which may further aggravate diarrhoea symptoms.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Looking out for better food choices? Here are some healthy food options for when you have diarrhoea:
If dairy makes your diarrhoea worse, consider these alternatives.
Opt for low-fat and baked foods. They’re a better pick than oily or fried foods.
Non-spicy foods can provide relief from diarrhoea.
Be smart about your beverage choices. Stay away from caffeinated drinks when dealing with diarrhoea.
Go for low-FODMAP foods to keep diarrhoea or inflammation at bay.
Also Read: Are French Fries Healthy? A Detailed Nutritional Analysis
The diarrhoea treatments mentioned below may provide much-needed relief from diarrhoea symptoms:
Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes fights off dehydration. It’s a key step when handling diarrhoea.
Drinking enough water takes care of lost fluids. It helps maintain overall hydration.
How about oral rehydration solutions? Prepare them following the directions given in the product label. They replace vital electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea.
If you’re vomiting along with diarrhoea, an antiemetic may be useful. Always discuss this with your healthcare provider first.
Give your body space to heal when dealing with diarrhoea. Rest aids in quick recovery.
It’s crucial to keep an eye on your diarrhoea symptoms. Seek medical help immediately and avoid any self medications. Reach out to the nearest hospital if:
Notice signs like minimal urine output, sunken eyes, dry mouth, or tiredness? Severe dehydration might be at play.
If your diarrhoea doesn’t improve after several days or gets worse, reach out to a healthcare provider for follow-up.
If you notice blood or mucous in your stool, severe belly pain or high fever, seek medical help. It may suggest a more serious problem.
How do you prevent diarrhoea or reduce its frequency? It’s all about managing chronic conditions, good hygiene, and sorting out food sensitivities.
Here’s a summary of diarrhoea prevention measures:
| Outlook and Prevention | Action Steps |
| Managing chronic conditions | Monitor and follow treatment plans for existing gastrointestinal issues |
| Proper hygiene and food safety | Wash hands before meals, handle and store food properly |
| Identifying food sensitivities | Note adverse reactions to foods and address sensitivity concerns with a healthcare provider |
Multiple factors can cause diarrhoea. Certain foods make it even worse. Dodging such foods can help your recovery. Dairy products, high-fat foods, sugar alcohols, caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, and gas-producing foods are best avoided. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives, watch for signs of dehydration, and get medical help when needed. Smart food choices make a huge difference in how soon you recover from diarrhoea.
Dairy products, high-fat foods, sugar alcohols, caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, and gas-producing foods are amongst the worst foods to consume during diarrhoea.
Toast, white rice, oatmeal, curd, buttermilk and bananas are good for easing diarrhoea.
Foods that can help stop diarrhoea include curd, rice, oatmeal, bananas, plain khichdi, baked fish, cooked carrots, bell peppers, herbal tea, coconut water, lactose-free milk, and plant-based milk.
Diarrhoea commonly gets better on its own within two to three days. Duration can vary greatly based on its cause and individual differences.
Yes, foods high in fat, sugar substitutes, or spiciness can trigger diarrhoea even if you’re not intolerant to them.
Over-the-counter medicines like diarrhoea-reducing agents and antiemetics are generally safe for short-term use. Always consult your healthcare provider before using such medications.
To stop diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids, eat bland foods like bananas and rice, and consult a doctor for advice on over-the-counter medications if needed. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention for personalized care.
Consuming spicy food can lead to diarrhea within a few hours, as the capsaicin in spices may irritate the digestive system, speeding up bowel movements. However, individual tolerance varies, and not everyone will experience this effect.
Consuming greasy food can potentially cause diarrhea, as high-fat meals can lead to the overstimulation of the digestive system and result in rapid bowel movements. However, individual responses vary, and not everyone may experience diarrhea from eating greasy foods.
Yes, food poisoning can cause diarrhea. Infections from harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites in contaminated food can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, as the body attempts to expel the harmful agents.
Yes, food allergies can cause diarrhea as part of the body’s immune response to allergens. Ingesting allergenic foods triggers an immune reaction that can lead to various symptoms, including diarrhea, as the body attempts to eliminate the perceived threat.
Diarrhea does not necessarily mean food is not digested. It often results from the accelerated movement of food through the digestive tract, leading to decreased absorption of water and nutrients, causing loose and watery stools.
Consuming improperly stored or reheated leftover food can potentially cause diarrhea, as bacteria may multiply, producing toxins that can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Ensuring proper food storage and reheating practices can help prevent the risk of diarrhea from leftover food.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Is your child complaining of stomach cramps and frequently visiting the bathroom? Well, it could be a case of acute diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is a condition in which your child’s stools are loose and watery. It can be a very uncomfortable condition, which means that your child may have to avoid school and stay at home.
Giving your child the right food for diarrhoea can help with treating loose movements. When your child is recovering from diarrhoea, it is necessary to keep an eye on the type of food to be taken or avoided.
Our intestines are lined with around 100 billion bacteria, which create a thriving ecosystem that performs important functions such as supporting the immune system, generating energy from food and disposing of foreign substances and toxins. This is why we have to make sure that our gut stays healthy.
In the case of diarrhoea, our intestinal flora loses balance and the bad bacteria start to reign. It is important to maintain and rebuild this balance so that it can continue to perform its beneficial functions. Then probiotics have to intervene against diarrhoea and become a hero!
Probiotics are known to have the following known advantages:
While the root causes of diarrhoea can be a range of things, the main effect it has is dehydration. Dehydration is the lack of enough water in your body to perform normal bodily functions from the cellular level to visible processes like sweating. Dehydration itself can lead to even more severe conditions like drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, fainting and more. Apart from these, diarrhoea can also be accompanied by anal pain, stomach cramps, vomiting and blood in the stool.
Enterogermina is the world’s leading probiotic brand and is sold in over 70 countries. It is the most commonly prescribed brand by pediatricians.
Enterogermina 2 billion is a probiotic that maintains the right flora balance and offers your child gentle intestinal care. Its friendly bacteria help restore the natural balance of intestinal bacteria and help with diarrhoea and other digestive problems. It does not contain lactose, sugar and gluten.
Known as the number one probiotic in the world, Enterogermina 2 billion contains Bacillus Clausii spores which help to overcome the stomach acid barrier and reach the intestinal tract in good condition. They are then transformed into metabolically active cells which multiply and continue to restore the correct intestinal flora. Enterogermina 2 billion is indicated for administration to children and infants.
Diarrhoea is not a challenge if your gut is healthy. Therefore, make sure your child consumes Enterogermina 2 billion a day to keep the gut happy and healthy. BUY NOW
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
The world is still in the grip of the COVID-19 health crisis. A pandemic that had countries imposing emergency self-isolation or rigorous lockdown is not going to go away very soon.
Countries like New Zealand and Singapore that have always invested a large percentage of GDP in healthcare responded immediately with massive border restrictions, wide-scale testing, and contact tracing can today report a flattened curve with high recovery rates. But the picture looks grim for other countries.
The lockdown in India had to be lifted and travel restrictions eased to bolster a slumping economy. This has once again escalated transmission rates. At this moment, it is crucial for us to be familiar with all the symptoms of this disease so that we can take prompt action to protect ourselves.
Like with all diseases, only when you know the symptoms of an illness, will you be able to take the right action at the right time. COVID-19 virus has an incubation period of 12-14 days. This means, within 2 weeks of exposure, you might experience-
Skin changes like flat rash covered with small bumps, discolored areas on the fingers and toes. Severe confusion (delirium) might be the main or only symptom of COVID-19 in older people.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
There is no clear evidence that the virus has mutated to become more dangerous and produce newer symptoms in humans. That usually happens when a virus or bacteria needs to immunize itself against a vaccine or medicine. For coronavirus, there is no mutation so far.
However, there are some less common symptoms of coronavirus that not many people know of. Unless they do, they might not seek medical help. The symptoms are –
Preventive measures are still our best chances of halting the progress of the disease. We have to consciously adopt a few measures to keep our families and ourselves safe-
Masks are indispensable. Wear one whenever you go out, for shopping or work. Wash it when you come home. Make sure you always wear your own mask and it has to be dry.
Wash your grocery and food packets under running water. Sanitize your phone. When you enter your home, wash your bag, shoes, clothes and give yourself a shower.
If you are going back to your office, sanitize your desk and equipment. Use alcohol-based sanitizer after touching elevator buttons, toilet flush, washroom door, office phone or photocopy machine, etc. Don’t go to work if you show signs of COVID-19.
While the initial symptoms remains same between the variants of covid an important study revealed that after effects of covid are linked to some variants ie. neurological symptoms like brain fog, persistent headaches and fatigue were linked with patients infected during the alpha and delta variants.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Do not eat at your office cafeteria. Bring your own lunch and have it at your desk.
No matter whom you meet, an old friend or a close family member, do not hug them. Do not shake hands.
If you are travelling by bus, airline or train, undergo thermal screening. If you are visiting malls or doctors’ clinics, allow the personnel to disinfect you.
COVID-19 is here to stay for the time being. However, with the active cooperation of every citizen, we can slow it down until there is light at the end of the tunnel in the form of a vaccine. Till then, follow precautions strictly to stay safe!
Is your child complaining of stomach cramps and frequently visiting the loo? It could be a case of acute diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is a condition where your child’s stool becomes loose and watery. It can be a very uncomfortable condition, which means your child may have to avoid school and stay at home.
Giving your child the right food for diarrhoea can help with loose motion treatment. When your child is recovering from diarrhoea, it is necessary to keep an eye on the type of food to be taken or avoided.
The use of probiotics has been recommended to improve immunity and general health. It is now understood that the commensal human gut microbes may contribute to the onset of metabolic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Our gut is lined with about 100 billion bacteria that create a thriving ecosystem that performs important functions like aiding the immune system, producing the feel-good chemical serotonin, making energy from the food we eat and disposing of foreign substances and toxins. This is the reason that we need to ensure our gut always stays healthy.
What happens during diarrhoea? During diarrhoea, our gut flora loses its balance and the bad bacteria starts to rule. It is important to preserve and rebuild this balance so that it can continue to carry on its beneficial functions. This is when probiotics for diarrhoea must intervene and become the hero!
A good point to note is the difference between pro- and pre-biotics. Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the “good” bacteria (normal microflora) in the body e.g., Yogurt. Prebiotics are foods (typically high-fiber foods) that act as food for human microflora e.g. fruits, vegetables, etc.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Also Read: Benefits of Kombucha: A Detailed Examination Based on Research
Enterogermina is the World’s No. 1 probiotic brand, sold in over 70 countries. It is the most recommended brand by paediatricians.
Enterogermina 2 billion is the ideal probiotic that maintains the right kind of flora balance, strengthens your child’s immunity and provides gentle gut care for your child. Its friendly bacteria helps in restoring the natural balance of gut bacteria and addresses the root cause of diarrhoea and other digestive troubles. It also contributes to correct dysvitaminosis – which is the imbalance of production and assimilation of vitamins. It’s lactose-free, sugar-free and gluten-free.
Probiotics are helpful in managing diarrhoea in children but people should not self medicate. Always consult a pediatrician in case of frequent loose motions in children. Do not start antibiotics without prescription.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Known as the world’s number one probiotic, Enterogermina 2 billion contains the spores of Bacillus clausii that helps in overcoming the barrier of gastric acid and reaches the intestinal tract undamaged. They are then transformed into metabolically active cells that multiply and go on to restore the correct intestinal flora. The formulation of Enterogermina 2 billion is also indicated for administration to children and infants.
Also Read: Worst Foods For Diarrhoea: A Comprehensive Guide To Consume Wisely
Diarrhoea is not a challenge if your gut is healthy. Therefore, ensure your child consumes Enterogermina 2 billion daily to keep the gut happy and healthy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
