Vomiting and Diarrhea: Causes, Dietary Recommendations, and Management

Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea after eating certain foods. This could be due to food poisoning or infection with bacteria or viruses, leading to discomfort, loss of appetite, and general weakness. People who experience vomiting and diarrhea should pay special attention to their diet. Let's explore what foods are suitable for them and the underlying causes of these symptoms.

Foods for Vomiting and Diarrhea

1. Fruits: While fruits can be helpful as adjunctive treatment for diarrhea, not all fruits are suitable. Apples and pomegranates are good choices. Cut the apple into small pieces with the skin and core, boil in water for 3-5 minutes, and consume when warm. It's important to note that adding sugar to the cooked apples is not advisable as it may worsen diarrhea.

2. Porridge: Drinking plain porridge with a little salt is recommended, avoiding the addition of meat.

3. Noodles: Noodles are a good choice for people with diarrhea due to their nutritional value and ease of digestion.

Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea

1. Bacterial Infection: Consuming food contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Shigella, or drinking contaminated beverages can lead to intestinal inflammation or bacillary dysentery, manifesting as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and other symptoms.

2. Viral Infection: Ingestion of various viruses through food or other routes can cause viral diarrhea, characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and general discomfort.

3. Food Poisoning: Eating contaminated or toxic food can lead to food poisoning, manifesting as vomiting and diarrhea. Spoiled food and contaminated water are the main sources of infection, while unclean hands, utensils, and flies carrying bacteria are the main routes of transmission.

4. Cold Foods: Consuming cold foods and drinking iced beer can disrupt gastrointestinal function, accelerate bowel movements, and lead to diarrhea.

5. Digestive Issues: Irregular eating habits, overeating, consuming difficult-to-digest foods, or gastric motility issues can cause food retention in the stomach, leading to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, heartburn, and belching.

6. Exposure to Cold: Failure to keep warm can lead to abdominal discomfort and diarrhea due to exposure to cold.

Management of Vomiting and Diarrhea

1. During acute diarrhea, temporary fasting may be necessary to allow the intestines to rest completely. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be administered to prevent dehydration due to excessive fluid loss.

2. For patients who do not require fasting during the initial stages, a diet of clear liquids and salty foods is recommended.

3. As symptoms improve, the diet should be adjusted based on the individual's condition. Once the frequency of bowel movements decreases, a diet of low-fat liquids or soft, easily digestible foods with minimal residue can be introduced.

4. After vomiting and diarrhea have mostly resolved, a diet of low-fat, low-residue semi-solid foods or soft meals can be chosen, with small, frequent meals to aid in digestion.