Cancer treatments and medicines can cause your bowels to move much more often and become very loose (diarrhea). Uncontrolled diarrhea can lead to fluid loss (dehydration), weight loss, poor appetite, and weakness.
Avoid high-fiber foods, which might make diarrhea worse. These include nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes (beans and peas), dried fruits, and raw fruits and vegetables. You should avoid high-fat foods, like fried and greasy foods, too, because they can also make diarrhea worse. After stomach or bowel surgery, some people may be sensitive to very sweet or high-carbohydrate foods as well. Stay away from gassy foods and carbonated drinks, too. Be sure to sip fluids during the day to prevent dehydration. Once the diarrhea has stopped, slowly start eating foods with fiber.
What to do
What to eat or not eat when you have diarrhea*
Eat |
Foods that may cause problems | |
High protein |
Baked or broiled beef, pork, chicken, turkey, veal, fish Eggs, buttermilk, cheese, yogurt |
Fried meats, high-fat cuts of meats, meats with gristle Dairy products other than buttermilk or yogurt |
Breads, cereals, rice, and pasta |
Bread and rolls made from refined, white flour; pasta; converted or instant rice Refined cereals like farina, Cream of Wheat, Cream of Rice, oatmeal, cornflakes Pancakes, waffles, cornbread, muffins, graham crackers |
Whole-grain breads and cereals like whole wheat, oat, and rye; bran Shredded wheat Granola Wild rice |
Fruits and vegetables |
Soups made with vegetables listed here: cooked asparagus tips, beets, carrots, peeled zucchini, mushrooms, celery Tomato paste, tomato puree, tomato sauce Baked potato without skin Canned, frozen, or fresh fruit |
Fresh, unpeeled fruit; pears; melon All other vegetables |
Drinks, desserts, and other foods |
Butter, margarine Mayonnaise, salad dressing, vegetable oil Cake, cookies, flavored gelatin desserts, sherbet Decaffeinated beverages Salt, pepper, spices, and gravy as tolerated |
Desserts with nuts Coconut, dried fruit Chocolate, licorice Pickles Popcorn Foods with a lot of pepper, chili seasoning, or taco seasoning; hot sauces |
*Adapted from Eldridge B, and Hamilton KK, Editors, Management of Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Cancer and Educational Handouts. Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association; 2004.
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