Coping with Diarrhoea -Top Dietary Tips for Cancer Patients
Diarrhoea is the passing of loose stools (not formed and watery) frequently (more than three times a day). The food moves through the gut too quickly and does not get a chance to be digested or absorbed.
When you are undergoing cancer treatment, side effects such as vomiting or diarhoea can lead to dehydration. Infections, high fever, bleeding or merely not drinking enough fluids also can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
In the case of acute diarrhoea, which is usually defined as lasting less than two weeks, the symptoms come on suddenly but usually clear up within 5–10 days. Chronic diarrhoea is diarrhoea that lasts for more than four weeks.
Should you suspect that you have chronic diarrhoea, consult your healthcare professional. Medication might be necessary but the dietary advice stays the same.
Other factors that can lead to diarrhoea, for example, food sensitivity, depression, anxiety, infection, too much sugar and lactose intolerance.
Treatment
The main ways in which acute diarrhoea is treated are fluid and electrolyte replacement (rehydration), dietary modifications and, when necessary, drug therapy. View cost-effective, nutritious recipes here…
Rehydration
In most cases of acute diarrhoea, fluid and electrolyte replacement is the most important form of therapy.
If you are not dehydrated, soft drinks, fruit juice, broth, soup and salted crackers should be adequate. If you have excessive fluid loss and dehydration, you may need more aggressive measures such as intravenous fluids or oral rehydration therapy with isotonic electrolyte solutions. Oral rehydration therapy is less expensive, often just as effective and more practical than intravenous fluids.
Home-made Rehydration Solution
An equally effective home-made rehydration solution is ½ teaspoon salt and 8 teaspoons sugar diluted in 1 litre boiled, cooled water. Try to drink 125–250 ml after each loose stool.
Diarrhoea
