Health Diet - Diarrhea and Foods to Eat

Explaining Diarrhea

This is a condition than is known by the watery stools that are passed frequently by a patient with this problem. Most of the organs in the body secrete a form of liquid (which comes from our regular food and liquid intake), and this can be up to 10 liters per day. The diarrhea is generally due to a problem with absorption (caused by inflammation or infection) in the colon and/or lower intestine. Undigested food generally goes through the intestines in a liquid form and the excess liquid should be absorbed by the intestine or colon to form the stool into a more solid state.

Types

There are basically two types of diarrhea, and they are known as acute (rapid onset with a short duration, lasting a few days or up to a week) or chronic (long-lasting - three weeks or more and can be recurrent). It is very important to get the diagnosis correct with these two problems as the causes differ, thus making the treatment different in each case.

A few examples of causes of acute diarrhea:

1) Food poisoning
2) Viral gastroenteritis
3) Bacterial enterocolitis
4) Parasites
5) Drugs
6) Traveler's Diarrhea

Symptoms include - nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and finally diarrhea

A few examples of causes of chronic diarrhea:

1) IBS - Irritable bowel syndrome
2) IBD - Inflammatory bowel disease
3) Colon cancer
4) Severe chronic constipation (causing a blockage and overflow)
5) Endocrine diseases
6) Laxative abuse

Avoid the following food if you have diarrhea

* greasy, deep-fried and fatty foods
* rich sauces - may worsen diarrhea
* sugary or spicy foods
* sugar-free gums and candies (contain sweeteners that could irritate the problem)
* gas forming foods - beans, onions etc

Ensure you eat the following:

* bananas
* rice
* apples
* toast
* crackers
* pretzels
* apricots
* applesauce
* mashed potatoes (avoid using milk or butter here)
* noodles
* smooth peanut butter
* eggs {boiled, poached or scrambled)
* skinless chicken (not fried)
* white fish (steamed or grilled)
* lean beef

Remember eat smaller amounts but more often, in severe cases make up a electrolyte balance of 1 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons sugar into a liter of water (drink up to 2 liters of this a day).

The consequences of prolonged diarrhea may Include:

* General decline in health - this will be due to the lack of absorption of certain vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients

* dehydration - this is a serious problem and can be fatal (symptoms include dryness of the mouth, intense thirst, reduction in urine output and sunken eyes, to name but a few)

Always consult your doctor in off the shelf medication does not take effect within 2 days.