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Diarrhea is the passing of watery or mushy faeces more than three times a day. The most common causes of diarrhea are viral or bacterial infections, or toxins produced by bacteria. During diarrhea, there may be general weakness of the body, fever, chills and even dehydration.
The causes of diarrhea
The most common causes of diarrhea are bacterial, viral, or bacterial toxins. Diarrhea can also be the result of taking certain medications, heavy metal poisoning, food poisoning, and stress. It also appears in the course of certain diseases, e.g. in inflammatory bowel diseases, hyperthyroidism, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, food allergy or pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Breakdown of diarrhea
Depending on the duration, diarrhea can be divided into:
- acute (they last up to 10 days, and are most often caused by viral or bacterial infections);
- chronic (lasting more than 10 days).
To improve the functioning of the digestive system, it is worth reaching for the Intestine Formula – Panaseus dietary supplement. In the case of diarrhea, try the Probiotic + prebiotic Oxeo GG available on Medonet Market at a promotional price.
Diarrhea and a visit to the doctor
Persistent diarrhea causes a loss of water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chlorine, bicarbonate), which in turn causes dehydration. Therefore, if the diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days, is very severe, or when blood appears in the stools, it is necessary to see a doctor. A medical consultation also requires the use of anti-diarrheal drugs (even those available at a pharmacy without a prescription) and rehydration fluids. You can make an appointment with your family doctor via the halodoctor.pl portal.
Not all diets are healthy and safe for our body. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting any diet, even if you do not have any health concerns.
When choosing a diet, never follow the current fashion. Remember that some diets, incl. low in particular nutrients or strongly limiting calories, and mono-diets can be debilitating for the body, carry a risk of eating disorders, and can also increase appetite, contributing to a quick return to the former weight.
Diet for diarrhea
One of the basic nutritional recommendations for diarrhea is adequate fluid intake.
In the diet during diarrhea, it is recommended to drink at least two liters of fluid per day between meals (most preferably – about one hour before or one hour after a meal). Boiled water is best, but you can also drink weak, bitter tea or herbal teas such as mint. You can also drink an infusion of Rose Petals. You should give up drinking:
- coffee,
- strong tea,
- carbonated drinks,
- fruit and vegetable juices,
- alcohol.
However, it is worth reaching for a herbal infusion prepared on the basis of For diarrhea – a herbal mixture of Klimuszko’s father, which you can order in an economical package and at a favorable price at Medonet Market.
When our condition improves, we can slowly introduce vegetable and fruit juices into the diet. Small meals should be taken every 2-3 hours.
- Also try Ayurvedic tea for diarrhea and nausea.
At the beginning of diarrhea it is necessary exclusion from the diet of high-fiber foods (especially the one that does not dissolve):
- wholemeal bread,
- coarse-grained groats,
- raw fruit and vegetables,
- oatmeal,
- offal cold meats,
- fatty milk and dairy products (with lactose intolerance),
- fatty meats and cold cuts,
- hot spices,
- fatty sauces,
- soups containing a lot of vegetables and cream,
- nuts,
- chocolate,
- stone fruit jam,
- products containing sorbitol, e.g. a sweetener instead of sugar,
- fructose, i.e. fruit and honey.
However, it is worth consuming during diarrhea:
- white rice or rice glue (at the beginning of diarrhea),
- biscuits,
- wheat bread,
- cooked: carrots, apple / applesauce and bananas – containing pectin, which soothes the symptoms of diarrhea,
- fine pastas,
- bananas are also a source of potassium which is lost in significant amounts during diarrhea.
Adequate hydration is very important during diarrhea. To do this, use OxeoORS electrolytes to replenish water and electrolytes.
When the health condition improves, the diet can include: low-fat dairy products (of course if the patient is lactose tolerant), lean meats, cold cuts and fish (cod, pike perch), cucumbers, tomatoes (without peel and seeds), potatoes, lettuce , citrus fruits, puree stone fruits, desserts – fruit jellies, jellies, puddings and soups – such as broths and broths.
In the diet, during diarrhea, it is worth preparing steamed dishes, baked in a foil / sleeve or stewed. You should also remember to provide the body with beneficial bacteria that will help fight diarrhea and replenish the intestinal microflora. Buy Lactobacillus Max SOLHERBS at Medonet Market or LACTIBIANE Imedia for acute gastric disorders and diarrhea, which contains 4 specific probiotic strains.
Often recurring diarrhea may also be an indication for a visit to a dietitian. You may find that diarrhea may require permanent dietary changes. You can order an appointment with a dietitian in private Arkmedic facilities.
Text: mgr inż. Anna Taraszewska – dietician
Food and Nutrition Institute in Warsaw