Diarrhea
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"I was afraid to go places without a bathroom close by. My nurse told me about what foods to eat to feel better. She also told me about medicine that
I now take when I need to." |
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1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER). |
Do you have bowel movements more often than normal? Are they soft, loose or watery? Then you may have diarrhea.
- You feel dizzy
- You have a fever of 100.5° F
(38° C) or higher
- You have diarrhea and cramps for more than a day
- Your rectal area is sore or bleeds
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- Eat 5 or 6 small meals each day, instead of 3 big meals.
- Foods such as bananas, applesauce, white rice, and white toast are easy to digest.
- Keep in mind that drinking more won't stop the diarrhea, but it will help replace fluids you are losing.
- Most people who have diarrhea need to drink 8 to 12 cups of liquid every day.
- Clear broth, gelatin, and Pedialyte® are good choices for most people.
Some foods can make diarrhea worse.
- Don't have dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and sour cream.
- Don't eat spicy, greasy, or fried foods.
- Don't have foods that cause gas, such as broccoli and cabbage.
- Don't eat foods that are high in fiber, such as whole-wheat breads, granola, and bran cereals.
- Don't eat raw fruits or vegetables. Most canned fruits and vegetables are okay.
Check with your doctor or
nurse before taking medicine
for diarrhea.
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Soups (clear liquids) |
Drinks (clear liquids) |
Meals and snacks |
- Clear broth, such as chicken, vegetable,
or beef
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- Clear soda, such as ginger ale
- Cranberry or grape juice
- Oral rehydration drinks, such as Pedialyte®
- Tea (without caffeine)
- Water
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- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Cottage cheese
- Crackers
- Cream of Wheat® or
Cream of Rice® cereal
- Eggs
- Gelatin (Jell-O®)
- Meats, such as chicken, fish, or turkey - broiled or baked, without
the skin
- Noodles
- Oatmeal
- Peanut butter that is creamy or smooth
- Potatoes--boiled, without the skin
- White rice
- White toast
- Yogurt (plain or vanilla)
Most canned or cooked fruits and vegetables without seeds or skins are easy on your stomach.
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Some drinks can make diarrhea worse.
- Don't have beer, wine, and other drinks with alcohol in them.
- Don't have caffeine drinks like cola, coffee,
and black tea.
- What problems should I call you about?
- What medicine is okay for me to take?
- How much liquid should I drink each day?
What are oral rehydration drinks?
- Can you give me the name of a nutritionist, so I can learn more about what foods to eat?
- What is a sitz bath? Should I take these?
Clean your rectal area with warm water
and a baby-wipe. Keep the area dry.
Ask about creams that can help. |
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National Cancer Institute
Cancer Information Service
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