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Nationwide, cases of cyclospora, a parasite that infects the intestinal track, are surging, as health officials race to investigate the source or sources. So far, shredded iceberg lettuce has been linked to the biggest outbreak across five states, but it’s possible other sources are still driving cases in this region and elsewhere, officials say.
Among the symptoms of cyclosporiasis is “explosive” diarrhea that may last for weeks without treatment. Whether or not you’re among the thousands of confirmed or probably cases now identified in more than 30 states, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little queasy these days.
So, how are you supposed to eat while recovering from a bout of diarrhea — “explosive” or otherwise?
Generally, you want to opt for bland and low-fiber foods, says Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and TODAY nutrition editor. But the best foods for you to eat while your digestive tract recovers may vary from person to person, she adds.
Best Foods to Eat While Recovering From Diarrhea
For starters, take it easy and go slow, Rizzo says.
“I would assume you’re probably still feeling like crap even if the diarrhea is done,” Rizzo says. In the first day or two of recovery, think about food choices almost like you’re recovering from surgery, she says, and start with clear liquids.
Dietitians said previously that category can include things like:
- Water
- Tea
- Fruit juice, like apple juice
- Popsicles
- Gelatin without fruit
- Clear vegetable or chicken broth
Once your system is starting to feel a little better, you can start to include some more of your normal diet, Rizzo says, with an emphasis on bland, soft and low-fiber foods that are easy to digest.
That can include the specific foods in the classic BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), Rizzo says. But experts now typically recommend against limiting yourself to just those four foods, TODAY.com explained previously.
“Everyone is different,” Rizzo says, so what works for your digestive system may not work for others. Keep in mind that there’s no single best food or best food group to eat when you’re dealing with diarrhea, registered dietitian Jen Messer told TODAY.com previously. Your goal should be getting adequate nutrition while treating your sensitive stomach with care.
Foods you could eat in this phase of recovery might include:
- Crackers
- Soup with noodles
- Rice
- Plain pasta
- Boiled potato
- Banana
- Applesauce
- Low-fat dairy, such as plain Greek yogurt
- Plain, low-fat protein, such as egg whites
- Baked chicken with skin removed
- Plain toast, bread or a bagel
Don’t Forget About Hydration
If you’re dealing with diarrhea or vomiting for an extended period of time, staying hydrated should be a top priority.
That means you should be getting enough liquids, like water, tea and broth. But this is also a time “when you actually may need electrolytes,” Rizzo says.
Electrolytes are specific essential minerals, including sodium, that help your body absorb water when dehydrated, TODAY.com explained previously. We don’t typically need to seek out electrolytes unless we’re sweating a lot, working outdoors in hot temperatures, engaging in extended exercise or dealing with diarrhea or vomiting.
You could reach for sports drinks, coconut water or something like Pedialyte, Rizzo says. The salt in saltine crackers or pretzels also fits the bill, she adds.
Once you’ve started to recover, Rizzo says, you could also try adding low-fiber, hydrating fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Low-fiber hydrating foods can include:
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
- Grapes
Keep in mind there could be some trial and error here. For instance, even a cucumber could have too much fiber for someone still recovering, Rizzo says. “Someone may be OK with melon and someone else may not be.”
Foods to Avoid While Recovering From Diarrhea
When we’re not feeling well, a lot of us may turn to simple comfort foods, Rizzo says, which is totally understandable. As long as your stomach can handle it, it’s OK to have a grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
But it’s better to stay away from some other comfort options, especially greasy foods like pizza or potato chips, Rizzo says. Those are harder to digest and are likely to make your stomach upset.
Similarly, when you’re not feeling your best, it’s fine to have fruit juice or sports drinks with sugar — even if you wouldn’t normally have that, Rizzo says, because you’re likely eating so little. But she still recommends staying away from soda and other carbonated beverages.
When to See a Doctor for Diarrhea
Generally, you should get in contact with your doctor if you’ve had diarrhea or vomiting for a few days and you’re not getting better.
If you aren’t able to keep anything down or you’re starting to develop symptoms of severe dehydration, that’s a warning sign that you need medical attention.
And if you think you may have symptoms of cyclosporiasis, you should check with your doctor. Antibiotics are effective at treating at the infection.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
