When diarrhea is a problem, the fluids lost must be replaced. Low-acid juices such as apricot, peach or pear nectars are usually good choices. A change in diet may help. Avoid foods that contain roughage or bulk. Discuss long-term diet changes with your physician.
During and after therapy, many people may not be able to tolerate milk or milk products. Milk contains a sugar named lactose. If lactose is not broken down by the digestive system, cramping and diarrhea result. There are commercial enzymes available which break down the lactose in milk before it is used for drinking or in recipes. Buy Lactaid Milk and use in cereal, coffee or cooking. Or you may substitute soybean milk for drinking and cooking.
Anxiety may also cause diarrhea, but it should be of a short-term nature. If your diarrhea persists for more than a few days, see your doctor.
FOOD SUGGESTIONS FOR DIARRHEA
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Suggest: |
Avoid: |
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Milk Group
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Low-lactose milk* and milk products Cheeses *Lactaid is the name of the milk |
Regular milk and milk products. Beans, legumes, nuts |
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Cereal and Bread Groups
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Refined grains, cereals, and pasta: white bread, cream of wheat, spaghetti, white rice, Rice Krispies, or puffed rice. *No sauce on pasta: use a small amount of margarine and/or grated cheese. |
Whole grains and cereals: whole wheat bread, bran, cracked wheat, etc. |
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Fruit and Vegetable Group
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Cooked vegetables, especially carrots, yellow squash, beets, white or sweet potato (no skin), bananas, applesauce, peeled apple. |
Fruits with skin and seeds, no tomatoes, raisins, and dried fruit, raw vegetables, skin of baked potatoes, gas-forming vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, onions, citrus fruits and juices. |
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Meats
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| Lean broiled or baked fish, chicken, turkey (no skin), or veal, lean beef only. Cut away fat and skin before
cooking. |
No greasy, fatty or fired foods. No garlic or onion. Use garlic
and onion powders instead. |
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