Medical

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the frequent passage of soft or liquid bowel movements. Your physician may determine that diarrhea is present when six or more bowel movements are passed in a day. Diarrhea is usually easily controlled by medications. Your physician will order medications to control diarrhea. Please take the medications as ordered. If these suggestions do not control diarrhea, please contact your healthcare provider.

What Can I Do To Control Diarrhea?

Eat foods which are warm or at room temperature.
Frequently eat small meals in a quiet, relaxed setting.
Eat foods high in protein and calories to replace the nutrients lost through diarrhea. Foods high in protein and calories include: eggs, asparagus*, fish, tofu, white bread, cheese, peas, banana*, white rice, cream soups, buttermilk, halibut*, noodles, tapioca, baked potato*, custard, poultry, avocado, smooth peanut butter, macaroni, applesauce*, yogurt, carrots*
* foods high in potassium – diarrhea may also cause you to lose potassium

To restore energy, rest when you feel tired and after each meal. Drink eight glasses of liquids every day to maintain bowel regularity and prevent dehydration. Liquids to include: Gatorade, pasteurized apple juice, gelatin, weak tea, grape juice, non-carbonated beverages, All Sport, Hydra Fuel, Recharge.

Additional Suggestions

When first developing diarrhea, remove dairy products from your diet. The lactose in the dairy products may be causing the diarrhea.
Do not eat large quantities of whole grain foods or fruits, which may increase the activity of the bowel. Decrease fiber and roughage in your diet.
Do not eat spicy, fried or rich foods which are hard to digest.
Other approaches which may help you control diarrhea include medications such as Imodium, BUT check with your treatment team FIRST!