What Foods Can Adults Consume When Experiencing Diarrhea?

Update Date: 2024-05-17 Source: Network

Diarrhea is a particularly common condition that can occur at any age, including in adults. It is often caused by poor gastrointestinal health or consuming unhygienic food. Besides timely medical treatment, dietary adjustment is also crucial for managing diarrhea. Diarrhea weakens the digestive capabilities of the gastrointestinal tract. Failing to adjust the diet during this period can not only slow down recovery but also worsen the condition.

Here are some dietary recommendations for adults with diarrhea:

1. Bland Staple Foods: Various types of porridge are excellent choices for patients with diarrhea, especially millet porridge and yam porridge, which can nourish the spleen and stomach without causing any irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. They also help replenish various nutrients in the body. Other staple foods that can be considered include bread, steamed buns, soft noodles, and egg drop soup. It is important to ensure that these foods are heated before consumption, especially if they have been refrigerated, to avoid causing irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, coarse grains such as sweet potatoes, corn, sorghum, and buckwheat, which contain fiber, are not suitable for consumption during diarrhea.

2. Meat: It is generally not recommended for patients with diarrhea to consume overly greasy meat. However, patients with mild symptoms or those in the recovery stage can moderately consume lean meat, chicken, fish, and shrimp. It is advisable to cook these foods soft and tender and to consume them in small portions to avoid overburdening the digestive system.

3. Vegetables: Most vegetables contain fiber and are therefore not suitable for patients with diarrhea. However, there are some vegetables that do not contain fiber or have a low fiber content and can nourish the spleen and stomach, making them suitable for consumption during diarrhea. These vegetables include peeled carrots, potatoes, pumpkins, eggplants, and loofah. It is crucial to cook these vegetables thoroughly before eating.

Vegetables that should be avoided during this period include bamboo shoots, celery, cabbage, spinach, konjac, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, and other foods high in fiber, as they can have a laxative effect and are not beneficial for managing diarrhea.

4. Fruits: Patients with diarrhea can also consume certain fruits, mainly apples, pomegranates, mangoes, and durians. The components in these fruits not only do not irritate the gastrointestinal tract but can also help treat diarrhea.

5. Snacks: Snacks such as biscuits and lotus root powder are suitable for adults with diarrhea. During this period, it is advisable to avoid overly sweet snacks, as they can promote the growth of bacteria in the stomach and slow down the recovery process.