Diarrhea

Diet

A diet of starchy fluids. Eat small doses of thick soups made from a starch base such as potato, rice or diluted instant baby cereal. For older babies and toddlers, begin cereal or starchy fluid as soon as diarrhea starts. Studies have shown that children fed a starch based item such as potato soup recovered from diarrhea significantly faster (sometime 2 to 3 days faster) than those fed a soy based formula.

How it Works

Its mechanism is unclear. Probably an unabsorbed part of the diet (perhaps fiber) returns the stool to a more normal consistency.

Other Recourses

These Work

Drinking clear (transparent - not translucent or opaque) liquids in the first twenty four hours of the attack does a great help. Electrolyte powder mixed in water is also recommended.

After the initial twenty four hours, consuming soft translucent foods that are easily digestible are recommended. Yogurt, is an exception throughout the term. The 'good' bacteria that is lost in the situation is replaced through the consumption of bacteria. This is extremely useful in cases of food poisoning or "travelers' diarrhea."

A spoonful of sugar or glucose helps in containing the liquid within the body. As such, diet varieties of soft drinks do not help at all. (Sodas should be taken 'flat'!) And remember, this is not a time for you to keep track of your calories, fiber, vitamins and similar stuff. Avoid trying to catch up with your diet!

These Don't

Acidic (citric) juices like orange, grapefruit and (especially) tomato juice. Beer and other alcoholic beverages (though logically one can see through them) definitely do not help in the situation. Taking antacids may actually prolong the situation.