Nutrition and diarrhea

| Do you want to know what diet you should follow in case of diarrhea? We show you an example of a daily menu to curb diarrhea and other recommendations to follow an astringent diet correctly.

The diet indicated for diarrhea is astringent or antidiarrheal which is based on the introduction of food gradually, being progressive according to individual tolerance. Its purpose is to ensure that the digestive tract is initially at rest and, little by little, it gets used to a motility or intestinal movement.

Example of a diet for diarrhea

Breakfast

• A low-fat (dairy) yogurt
• Toasted bread (farinaceous)
• Some cold cuts of chicken or turkey with or without oil (proteins)

Midmorning

• A low-fat (dairy) yogurt
• A grated apple or mashed banana (fruit)

Meal

• Vegetable consommé
• Some pasta, rice or crushed potato (farinaceous)
• Boiled skinless chicken or turkey, white fish, or egg (protein)
• Olive oil (fats)
• Fruit or low-fat yogurt

Mid afternoon

• Quince

Dinner

• Vegetable consommé
• Some pasta, rice or crushed potato (farinaceous)
• Boiled skinless chicken or turkey, white fish, or egg (protein)
• Olive oil (fats)
• A low-fat (dairy) yogurt

Recommendations to stop diarrhea

Below are a number of dietary recommendations for treating diarrhea together with a table of foods that specifies which foods are recommended to be consumed along with those that are discouraged:

• It is recommended divide the daily intake into meals Frequent and low volume, between 5 to 6 servings a day according to individual tolerance, to reduce as much as possible the stimulus on the intestinal movement (peristalsis).
• Modify the food texture. It is recommended to consume soft or crushed foods as they are easier to digest.
• The temperature of the dish should be room or temperate, avoiding extreme temperatures that stimulate peristalsis.
• Prefer culinary techniques that contribute Low fat to food such as: boiled, steamed or poached, sautéed with little oil, griddle, oven and papillote. Avoid greasy techniques such as: batter, breaded, stew and fried, since the fat irritates the digestive mucosa.
• Replenish fluids tTaking preferably: mild infusions (chamomile, lemon verbena, lemon balm), lemon water, rice and carrot water, non-concentrated defatted soups etc ...
• Avoid foods rich in fiber: vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, dried fruits and whole grain products (muesli, whole wheat bread, rice, ...).
• The fruit can be consumed if it is cooked or baked without skin, in syrup without the juice or in the form of strained juices and without sugar. It is recommended to increase the amount of foods with pectin since they contain a soluble fiber with astringent effect (grated and darkened apple (slightly oxidized), cooked pear, boiled potato "crushed" or in the form of puree, quince, ripe banana, apricot)
• Avoid milk and test tolerance to yogurt (It is better digested when partially digested by bacteria or dairy ferments). Cheeses and milk are digested for a long time due to their lactose content. Among the cheeses, the one of choice is the burgos or fresh cheese type.
• Limit because they are fatty foods: oils, butter, margarines, lard, cream, milk cream, mayonnaise-type sauces, béchamel, stir-fries, pastries and pastries, etc. Avocado, olives and fruits should also be limited dry.
• Consume meat and poultry without skin or visible fat. Prefer the leanest cuts and choose preferably white fish over blue, as they contain less fat.
• Restrict irritative seasonings of the intestinal mucosa such as: vinegar, coffee, chocolate, pepper, paprika and chilli
• Avoid consuming alcohol.
• Moderate the use of salt and sugar.

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Deborah Blasco Nutritional Nurse Specialist