As unpleasant as this topic may be, it is a common question I get in the office.
First off, what exactly is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is an inflammatory response within the intestine to purge your system of something that has offended it. Tainted food, too much sugar, too much fat, viral and bacterial organisms, etc. are all triggers for this reaction.
Please understand that while it is unpleasant, it is a necessary bodily function to heal you. Therefore, if you do not have to work or go out, try to avoid taking Pepto or Kaeopectate. These medicines stop you up and prevent you from getting rid of the icky thing that is making you react this way. Of course if you do have to work and can’t stay close to home, then use them.
BRAT Diet…
What your stomach needs is for you to not stress it while you are sickly. What I advocate to my patients is called the B.R.A.T. diet.
It’s an acronym that stands for:
B: Bananas
R: Rice (plain white)
A: Applesauce (or finely smashed apples)
T: Toast (dry)
These foods are easy on the tummy and provide nourishment to keep your strength up. This temporary diet can be used for a few days and is appropriate for small children to adults.
Hydration…
Also sipping small amounts of room temperature water constantly, being careful not to fill up your stomach, will help keep you hydrated.
Olde Tyme remedy…
Another remedy is to drink a couple of teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water. This is an old home remedy that can kill organisms and also calm down a sour stomach.
So the next time you or a family member have a run in with the runs… remember to eat like a BRAT and sip apple cider vinegar.
February 28, 2009 at 2:39 pm |
Thank you for the insight. I ate a hotdog at the movies and the girl was asking the manager…”Should we-…” and drifted off he was hesitant and gave it to me anyway.I should not of eaten it.
February 28, 2009 at 5:01 pm |
Oh Dorene,
So sorry about your hot dog misadventure…food service people need to realize how their actions impact others. I’ve contracted food borne illness a few times over the years due to fast food. For those who must eat out, ALWAYS order your food with something missing, such as “no mayo” or “no cheese” or whatever, so they have to make it fresh right then. This will cut down on the possibility of having old, cold food that attracts bacteria. Another thing to do is write a letter to the theater manager and explain the situation and especially the reluctance of the employee. This may spur changes in training (and could get you free movie tickets!) They are lucky they made a nice person like you sick. Others may not be so nice.
Lastly, Doreen, we all have built in senses that tell us when a situation is not right. Learn to listen to them. They are designed for our defense and could prevent things like this in the future.
Thanks for your comments, please come back again!
Warmest regards,
Dr Barry Marks,DC
http://www.drmarks.com
May 5, 2009 at 7:36 pm |
Thanks for the information. Recently, I have gotten a severe case of diarrea and I don’t know what caused it. One of the symptoms of Swine Flu is diarrea. Should I be worried that I am infected with Swine Flu or do I have diarrea because I ate a bad lettuce at the salad bar?
May 5, 2009 at 10:39 pm |
Hi Shana,
Diarrhea is a common symptom of lots of different medical conditions. Yes, Swine flu can cause diarrhea, but Swine flu is an “influenza,” which is primarily a respiratory disease with cough, fever, etc. For more info on Swine Flu check out the lead post on this blog.
Your diarrhea is mostly likely something you ate. Diarrhea that lasts longer than one week and is accompanied by fever should be checked by your medical physician. Some food borne illnesses like e-coli and salmonella can cause you to be very sick and medication may be needed.
Once your diarhhea has subsided, you should re-fortify your stomach’s natural bacteria by taking a “pro-biotic” supplement like acidophilus. This will replenish your natural stomach and intestinal flora and get your system back to normal.
Hope you get back to your regular self soon!
Warmest regards,
Dr Barry L Marks, DC
http://www.drmarks.com
May 6, 2009 at 8:32 pm |
doctor i have diarhhea and i cant stop going to the toilet once i have been not a while later i have to go again but i dont now how to get rid of it so wat do i have to eat and drink to stop this and how long will it last
May 6, 2009 at 10:10 pm |
Hi Omar,
Diarrhea should be managed by eating the B.R.A.T. diet as outlined in the post and lots of water to keep hydration levels up. Moderate to severe diarrhea exceding 5 days and/or accompanied by fever, should be evaluated by your doctor.
Good luck Omar.
Dr Barry Marks, DC
http://www.drmarks.com
May 15, 2009 at 7:23 pm |
Hey Doctor,
I am suffering from diarrhea that I believe was contracted as a result of eating a Macdonald’s Big Mac. During the first day I experienced a mild fever for a short time, but for the past two days I have seemed to be on the upswing with what appeared to be an improvement in the quality of my bowl movements. I feel pretty good today, however, the quality of my bowl movements is pretty poor. I did wondered from the B.R.A.T. diet and consumed some grapes and yogurt. Does this sound typical? Also, is white or brown rice preferred for times of diarrhea?
Thanks alot. luke
May 18, 2009 at 4:03 am |
Glad you’re rebounding Luke!
By the sounds of it you were infected by staph. This is common in food, especially fast food that sits around too long. Your digestive tract will be touchy for a week or two after an infection so take it easy. Grapes and yogurt are pretty easy on the stomach so its okay, but try to stay away from hard to digest foods like meats and cheeses for a while longer. Yogurt would be good to eat. You should take a Pro-biotic supplement (acidophilus) for the next few weeks to replenish your healthy good bacteria. Drinks lots of water to flush your system. Brown rice now, days alter is fine. It is more nutritious and has more fiber which is god at this stage. In the first few days white rice is easier to digest.
If your fever returns or if your loose bowels persist past a week, go see your family physician. It could be a sign you are unable to fight off the infection entirely without the help of an antibiotic.
Last thing, any time you must eat fast food, always order your food “special.” Order it without cheese or without spread. Make some kind of change so that they ar forced to make your food fresh. This will greatly cut down your chances for food borne illness. Also call the restaurant and tell them their food mad you sick and also call your local health department any time you have food related illness because they will send an inspector out to make sure that kitchen is up to hygiene standards. There could be a problem and they might be infecting large numbers of people.
Good luck!
Dr Barry L Marks, DC
http://www.drmarks.com
September 22, 2009 at 4:35 am |
Hi doc
Please help me I can’t take it anymore!
I really don’t know where I contracted diarrhea, but I have been having it now for 5 days and I’m sure it will continue.
I didn’t know about the BRAT diet.
My stomach pains really badly and then I have to go to the toilet. I probably go to the toilet about 8 times a day.
Will the BRAT diet fix this or do I need another form of help?
Thank you
Ryan