Diet Plan for Diarrhea

Diet Plan for Diarrhea: A good healthy diet is essential in case of diarrhea. A proper diet and fluid replenishment will reduce the severity and suffering in case of diarrhea. Diet and fluid replenishment plan will also reduce the hospitalization rate as well as the cost of treatment. During diarrhea, food should be taken in small quantities but more frequently.

Fluid replenishment in diarrhea:

This is the most important aspect of diarrhea management and the ideal way of replenishing lost fluid in case of diarrhea is with WHO-ORS (world health organization- oral re-hydration salt/solution). This is available in all medical stores and should be taken orally after every stool or as required or it can be taken as much as you can drink (there is no problem of overhydration with oral fluids as seen in intravenous fluids).

Early morning breakfast:

Breakfast should consist of boiled egg, bread, and butter.

Mid-morning:

The mid-morning food should be fresh fruit juice like orange juice.

Lunch:

The lunch during diarrhea should be with well-cooked staple food (depending on the region and habit, it will vary). Lunch should consist of less fats and a moderate amount of protein.

Evening snacks/tea:

It should be with lemon juice, bread, etc. and coffee/tea.

Dinner:

Dinner should be with well-cooked staple food, soup (tomato soup, chicken soup, etc. as per the liking), boiled or grilled potato, bread, etc.

Bedtime:

It should be with lemon juice or orange juice.

Important points to remember during diarrhea:

Diet during diarrhea should be bland, soft (well cooked), less fats and low in fiber.

During diarrhea, frequent food in small quantities and lots of oral fluid should be taken to replace fluid loss.