Diarrhoea diet

The aim of the diet for Diarrhoea is to rest the bowel and
provide adequate fluid and electrolyte intake to replace
losses.

DESCRIPTION

Diarrhoea is a symptom, not a disease in itself. Always
consult your Doctor for appropriate diagnosis of the underlying
cause. The Diarrhoea Diet is designed as a temporary measure to
relieve symptoms but may not be effective if the underlying cause
is not addressed.

DIET SHOULD BE HIGH IN

• Fluids. Drink regular amounts of clear fluids such as water,
  jelly, diluted fruit juice, herbal tea, clear soup or broth.
• Glucose. Your Pharmacist can recommend a brand of oral
  rehydration therapy. Alternatively a water/glucose solution can be
  made by adding 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon bicarb of soda and 1
  tablespoon of sugar to 1 litre of filtered water.
• Potassium. This mineral regulates the water balance in the body
  and may be rapidly lost during diarrhoea. Food sources include
  fresh bananas, avocados, dried apricots, spinach, potatoes (with
  skins), oily fish and meat. 
• Soluble Fibre. In diarrhoea, soluble fibre is thought to absorb
  water from stools, making them more solid. Psyllium, dried beans
  and oat products are good sources of soluble fibre as are cabbage,
  string beans, carrots and pectin (used in jams).

DIET SHOULD BE LOW IN

• Dairy products. Milk, cheese, ice cream and other dairy
  products should be avoided especially if lactose intolerance is
  suspected.
• Fructose (fruit sugar) found in apples, pears, grapes, dates
  and soft drinks can worsen diarrhoea.
• Caffeine found in tea, coffee, cola and other soft drinks has a
  laxative effect and may contribute to diarrhoea.
• Insoluble Fibre. Found mainly in wheat bran and related
  products, insoluble fibre increases the speed of digestion and has
  a laxative effect.

SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

The following diet has been suggested for this
condition.

BREAKFAST

• Rolled oats porridge or semolina made on water with 1
  tablespoon psyllium OR
• 1-2 slices white toast with jam or honey.
• 1 glass oral rehydration therapy or caffeine-free herbal
  tea.

MORNING TEA

• Rice crispbread with honey or jam.
• 1 glass oral rehydration therapy or caffeine-free herbal
  tea.

LUNCH

• Chicken noodle soup OR
• 1-2 soft boiled eggs on white toast.
• Jelly (no ice-cream).
• 1 glass oral rehydration therapy or caffeine-free herbal
  tea.

AFTERNOON TEA

• Raw carrot sticks with kidney bean and avocado dip OR
• Handful of dried apricots or 1 banana.
• 1 glass oral rehydration therapy or caffeine-free herbal
  tea.

DINNER

• Steamed white rice with 100-150g of lean chicken meat or
  200-300g oily fish (tuna, salmon or mackerel).
• Steamed cabbage, carrots and green beans.
• Low fat and dairy free sauce or gravy.
• 1 glass oral rehydration therapy or caffeine-free herbal
  tea.
• Fruit salad of banana, orange and apricots.