Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea often affects the ability to eat. It is important to replace fluid and electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea. Choosing the right type of food depends on the cause for diarrhoea.

Diarrhoea is a condition in which bowel motions are loose and watery. Diarrhoea may be caused by a number of factors and should be investigated by a medical professional if it persists for more than a few days.

Common causes of diarrhoea include:

• viruses
• bacterial infection
• food poisoning
• food intolerance

Diarrhoea may also occur as a symptom of some diseases.

Diarrhoea often results in dehydration. Try to drink more fluid, particularly water. It may also be necessary to replace lost electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, a pharmacist will be able to provide advice regarding the best way to do this.

When starting to eat again after having diarrhoea, try to have small amounts of plain bread or biscuits at first, slowly re-introducing other foods until a wide variety of foods are tolerated.

Deciding which foods are appropriate during a bout of diarrhoea depends on the cause. An Accredited Practising Dietitian can consider the cause of diarrhoea and provide professional advice regarding the best type of diet.