Strategies for Diarrhea - HOW we eat can help

Carrie · Post by **Carrie** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 10:46 am

There are two good articles in the Summer 2006 issue of "Digestive Health Matters." And while most of the information isn't new to us, there are a few suggestions on HOW we eat that had not occurred to me before.

From "Nutrition Strategies for Managing Diarrhea:"
Consume fluids between, not with, meals
Drink beverages at room temperature, not hot or cold
Eat smaller, more frequent meals through the day instead of large meals
Rest after meals - sit for 20 to 30 minutes after a meal

And from "...Recommendations for Patients with Dumping Syndrome (Rapid Gastric Emptying):"
Eat 5 or 6 small meals a day instead of 3 big ones
Eat slowly, chew food thoroughly and sit upright while eating
Drink liquids 30--60 minutes before or after means instead of with meals
(link to full article http://www.aboutgimotility.org/dumping.htm )

The Digest started primarily as a publication to help people with IBS but recent issues have included articles of interest to others with bowel disorders. I subscribe to the hard copy edition since not all articles are available online. For further information, go to the IFFGD (International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders) website at www.iffgd.org .

Love,
Carole

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Fri Aug 04, 2006 11:52 am

Hi Carole,

Well I definitely eat as explained in #1 and after all this time, I still have D but more now in the early a.m. and late at night. The balance of the day is fairly good.

Maggie

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Sat Aug 05, 2006 6:01 am

Hi Carole!

This is excellent information! Often what we MCers do when we are in the throes of diarrhea is to stop eating. And this is the worst thing we could do. It is actually possible to get diarrhea or make it worse by "starving" the body. Plus nutrients are needed to help the healing process.

Would you mind cutting and pasting your above post into the "Information on Diet" Fourm so that we can keep these recommendations close at hand? Or I can do it if you wish. Just say the word! Thanks for sharing this.

Love,

Polly

Carrie · Post by **Carrie** » Sat Aug 05, 2006 7:52 am

Hi Polly. I just cut and pasted the information at the "Information on Diet" page under the heading "Controlling diarrhea - not just WHAT we eat but HOW we eat."

Another suggestion in one of the articles was to lie down for 30 minutes after a meal. While that idea was primarily for people with low blood pressure, maybe it would help with diarrhea? When I was so ill that my doctor was about to send me to the Mayo Clinic, I tried just going to bed for a week - complete bed rest. Now I'm sure that didn't "cure" me but guress what? I did start to get better. And perhaps it did help. Anyway, for those still suffering from constant diarrhea, I think it's worth a try - first for 30 minutes after meals, and if really bad try total bed rest.

Love,
Carole

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sat Aug 05, 2006 8:23 am

Hi Carole------

Well I always drank after meals---and always outta the frig. drinks--like em room temp.---and still eat small reg. meals with in-between snacks(recommended to me also)

The only time I was ever REALLY confined to bed -was back in 2001 when I was back and forth--day and night--to the *throne*
This was my Xperience with total *running-rapids* which left me so damn weak that I had to practically crawl back and forth--AND we were in AZ. @ this time----
I went to the AMC for help but they didnt know my history and gave me all this stuff which did *zip* and then we got in the car and DROVE home--stopping constantly---and when I saw that BIG sign with the letter *H* I was so close to having Lou get me to the ER but I didnt--

I will never--ever--forget that--

Thanks for posting that Carole---cus its an issue where peoples dont eat/drink and then bigger issues start!!!

Phewwwwwwww--I did go off~~~~ didnt I?

Luve to U and Dave
Barbara

Carrie · Post by **Carrie** » Sat Aug 05, 2006 8:41 am

Thanks for sharing, Barb. It must have been just awful driing across country and wondering if you'd make it to the next stop. And I know what you mean about being so weak - I was, too, as well as unable to eat anything other than chocolate milk and continually losing more weight. It was pretty scary...so thankful that you, and I, are much better if not perfect. I"ll settle for how things are now. How about U?

Love,
Carole

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sat Aug 05, 2006 8:57 am

DITTO----I am *controlled*----
If I have a bout I know its that good old stress thats lurking around ready to attack my inners--

Either that or else I ate something I should not have but did anyway and paid the piper for it---

Heck, if it was something dee-lic-ee-ous who cared!!!! I then knew I would wait a couple of months beforte I would try it again!!

GLUTTON for PUNISHMENT

luve Barb

PS. and here I thought U guys would be sitting by the lake---when we had that horrible weather--

Carrie · Post by **Carrie** » Sat Aug 05, 2006 9:42 am

No Barb - nope we're not at the lake in this heat! As it happened, we had the best weather of the summer in June when Peggy was here. And even then it wasn't nearly as nice as usual. Normally June and July are best months. This whole year, though, hasn't been very good out there. Here's hoping for a nice autumn - it's fun when the leaves are falling and acorns going ker-plunk on the porch roof and the squirrels scurrying to pick them up!

Love,
Carole

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sat Aug 05, 2006 10:22 am

Yes------Peg brought the best weather with her visit here!!!! THANK U PIPPI!!!!! :bigbighug:

--

I cant wait for the fall ---I luve that time of year--leaves falling and the acrons hitting U on the head

and the turtleneck sweaters--my favorite!!!

Then off again to a nicer time of year to AZ----and catching up with Marsha and an old timer Pam---who was a friend here-----

My goodness the year has flow by already :flyingdoveleft:

too fast--too fast!!!

Barb