Diarrhea is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. Unusually loose and watery stools followed by stomach ache are the common diarrhea symptoms. The condition often leads to dehydration and other health problems as well. While consuming food that is cooked properly in a hygienic environment helps keep diarrhea away, hand hygiene plays an important role as well. Doctors recommend washing hands using Dettol hand wash to keep harmful bacteria at bay. Precautionary steps go a long way in keeping one protected against diarrhea.
We are always told what to eat, how to cook, and about measures that will help keep diarrhea away, but what not to eat when diarrhea symptoms are in full force is something unsaid. However, that is important to know. The last thing one would want is to worsen the condition by eating food items that can aggravate the stomach and lead to increased intestinal spasms. To keep the misery in control, avoid eating the following food items.
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Fatty Foods
When suffering from diarrhea, keeping the tongue under control will help minimize the condition. Foods that have a high-fat content can cause a reaction to the already sensitized symptoms and can also speed up intestinal contractions. So, avoid creamy foods, fast food, fatty cuts, meat and foods covered in gravy.
Dairy
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After suffering from a bout of diarrhea, it is better to stay away from dairy products for at least a week. Diarrhea makes the body lose an enzyme known as lactase. This enzyme helps the body to digest lactose. If lactose goes undigested, it can further worsen by leading to conditions like nausea, gas, bloating and worsened diarrhea. Cheese, ice cream, sour cream, milk and cream are the common lactose-containing foods to stay away from.
Yoghurt can be taken as an exception, as the probiotics can help the stomach heal. Skip those with added sugar and stick to the plain ones.
Gas-Producing Foods
Broccoli, beans, cabbage, onions and cauliflower are known for their gas producing properties. Thus, when suffering from diarrhea, it is better to avoid the consumption of these foods. Until the stomach is back to normal and settled down, stick to non-gassy foods for a faster recovery. Doctors suggest leafy greens like zucchini, spinach and green beans to diarrhea patients.
Dried fruits, plums, peaches and pears are some to the gassiest fruits to avoid. Bank on strawberries, pineapple, blueberries and cantaloupe melon.
Carbonated Beverages/Caffeine/Alcohol
Your day might not start without a cup of coffee, but when diarrhea symptoms are on the peak, it is better to avoid caffeine. Not just coffee, but alcohol and carbonated beverages are potential GI irritants that are best to avoid until the stomach is healthy again.
Oral rehydration solutions and plain water are great to bring back the fluid lost from the body. So, drink as much water as possible.
High-FODMAP Foods
If you are suffering from IBS-D also known as diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, avoiding foods that are high in FODMAPs is advisable. FODMAPs are shown to trigger diarrhea symptoms in those suffering from IBS-D. Bringing down the consumption of these carbohydrates may also help manage the symptoms.
Don’t Let Diarrhea Lead to More Misery
Steer clear of the foods mentioned above as soon as the diarrhea symptoms show up. Take special care of what you eat, how it is cooked and especially where it is cooked. After every trip to the washroom, wash your hands thoroughly with Dettol hand wash for about 30 seconds. If the condition has made you weak and making a trip to the washroom to wash hands is difficult, clean hands using Dettol hand sanitizer after every meal. Take the best of the precautions to go back to the healthy self in a matter of days