Nutrition and Diarrhea

Generality

Diarrhea is a widespread intestinal disorder.

It is considered more often a symptom than an illness, even if in itself it can cause significant health consequences.

Diarrhea is the loss of stool consistency, which becomes soft and watery. It is often accompanied by incontinence, meteorism, flatulence, cramps and abdominal tension.

It can cause inflammation of the hemorrhoids and anorectal fissures.

There are different types of diarrhea (osmotic, secretory, malabsorption etc.), which are triggered by quite different causes (irritable bowel, infections, chronic diseases, diet, emotions etc.).

Depending on the frequency, diarrhea can be classified as recurrent, acute and chronic.

Diet always has a very important role regarding the prevention, onset and therapy of this illness.

In this article the foods and nutrients that can promote the prevention and remission of the disorder will be treated in general.

Recommended Foods

Water and rehydration

In the presence of diarrhea, it is very important to prevent or correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance through adequate nutrition.

For the first 12-24 hours, in mild forms, a liquid diet is sufficient, which ensures the body the right amount of water, for a total of 1.5-2.5 liters, provided essentially by water at room temperature (avoid alcohol, coffee and sugary drinks, including fruit juices, while tea is allowed, as long as it is diluted or even better declined.

In pediatric patients it is recommended to use specific preparations for oral rehydration therapy, enriched with mineral salts (chlorine, sodium and potassium) and available in common pharmacies.

Although it might seem like a good idea, the adult should avoid resorting to saline sports drinks marketed at the supermarket.

These, in fact, are generally hyperosmolar and particularly rich in sugar, so they tend to worsen diarrhea.

Dried Foods and Easy Digestion

After the first day, the diet can be enriched with easily digestible foods that are poor in waste (fibers), as long as they are extraneous to the categories seen in the previous article.

At first it is necessary to consume small and well distributed meals during the day; the various foods will be eaten slowly and chewed with care.

Preference will be given to dry foods, such as cookies and crackers, rice, pasta and toasted bread; these foods can be accompanied by apple, carrot or banana puree; protein sources, initially limited in quantity, must be low in fat and easily digestible (for example bresaola or steamed lean fish).

Yogurt and Probiotics

Although yogurt is often not recommended due to the non-negligible content of lactose, commercial varieties without sugar and with live lactic ferments are particularly useful for restoring intestinal microbial flora disturbed by diarrhea.

The possible integration with probiotics, such as enterogermine, must be previously discussed with your doctor.

Soluble Fibers and Bratty Diet

Although the diet for diarrhea must be low in fiber (no whole grains, fruit and vegetables), apples and carrots are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that thanks to its absorbent properties manages to increase the consistency of the stool.

Bananas, on the other hand, are rich in resistant starch which, similar to pectin, is fermented by intestinal bacterial flora and produces short-chain fatty acids that are extremely important for the health of the intestinal mucosa.

Some of the foods listed in this article are part of a diet for diarrhea called " BRAT or BRATTY diet " which stands for bananas (bananas), rice (rice), applesauce (apple puree), toast, tea and yogurt.

Although there is scientific evidence on the antidiarrheal properties of some foods or their components, the usefulness of this particular type of diet remains debated.

Recipe Against Diarrhea

Risotto with potatoes, lemon and parmesan against diarrhea

Take advantage of the beneficial properties of food to prepare tasty recipes that are at the same time balanced and functional.

In the video, our personal cooker Alice, shows in detail how to prepare a delicious dish - risotto with lemon and parmesan potatoes - which can be particularly useful for combating occasional diarrhea.