| Diarrhea | | | Diarrhea has many causes including chemotherapy, radiation, infections, and food sensitivities. It can be an uncomfortable side effect caused by radiation to the abdomen. The following guidelines my help you control these symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse if your diarrhea persists. 
- Drink fluids to replace what is lost through diarrhea. Drink even if you are not thirsty. Try water, apple juice, apricot and peach nectar, broth, consommé, weak decaffeinated tea, popsicles, Jell-O, Gatorade or Powerade, sherbet, skim or low fat milk and low fat yogurt (avoid whole milk products if irritating to you).
- Eat small amounts of food and drink small amounts of liquid throughout the day rather than three large meals.
- Introduce yogurt with active cultures, 8 ounces daily.
- Follow a Low Fiber diet. Choose foods low in fiber until your symptoms resolve. Then slowly begin adding fiber into your diet. Use soluble fiber foods such as oatmeal, apples, pears.
- Eat foods high in potassium. Potassium is an important mineral that is lost when you have diarrhea. Some foods high in potassium include: bananas, baked potatoes, avocado, apricot, cantaloupe, watermelon, peach nectar, meats and halibut. If you have kidney disease, be sure to consult with your doctor before increasing the potassium in your diet.
- Try Rice Congee: Take 1 cup long-cooking white rice and combine with 6 to 7 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook this according to package directions (typically about 40 minutes). This will be a sticky, soupy mixture. Eat and drink the mixture.
- Consider adding a multivitamin to your daily routine. Talk to your doctor, nurse or dietitian.
- Diarrhea can cause irritation and soreness of the rectal area. It is important to cleanse the rectum carefully after each bowel movement. The use of Tucks or baby wipes will help.
- Water-soluble fiber supplements three times per day may be recommended to help produce a firmer stool.
- Notify your doctor or nurse if you are experiencing loose or watery stools. An over-the-counter anti-diarrheal product such as Imodium-AD may be recommended.
- Avoid foods high in insoluble fiber such as whole grain breads and cereals, barley, brown rice and seeds.
- Avoid foods high in fat as they may also contribute to diarrhea or loose stools.
- Do not use spices with foods (like pepper, oregano, curry or chili).
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid milk and milk products if they are irritating to you. They can lead to diarrhea, gas or cramps due to a temporary lactose intolerance. Try lactose-free dairy products.
- Avoid foods that may cause gas (such as carbonated beverages, beans, cabbage, broccoli, corn, cauliflower and spicy foods) if you are experiencing stomach cramps. You may take anti-gas medications- ask your healthcare provider for recommendations.
*** Remember it is important to monitor the amount and frequency of loose stools and report them to your doctor or nurse.
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