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When chemo affects the cells lining the intestine, it can
cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is most often defined as 2 or more loose
stools in a 4-hour time period. If you have diarrhea that lasts for
more than 24 hours, or if you have pain and cramping along with it,
call your doctor. In severe cases, the doctor may have you take an
anti-diarrheal medicine, but don't take any over-the-counter
anti-diarrheal medicines without asking your doctor first.
Things that may help you control diarrhea:
- Eat smaller amounts of food, but eat more often.
- Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, and sweets.
- Avoid high-fiber foods, which can lead to diarrhea and
cramping. High-fiber foods include whole grain breads and cereals, raw
vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, popcorn, and fresh and dried fruit. Eat
low-fiber foods instead, such as white bread, white rice or noodles,
creamed cereals, ripe bananas, canned or cooked fruit without skins,
cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, mashed or baked potatoes without the
skin, pureed vegetables, chicken or turkey without the skin, and fish.
- Stay away from fried, greasy, or spicy foods.
- Avoid milk and milk products if they make your diarrhea
worse.
- Eat more potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, oranges,
potatoes, and peach and apricot nectars, unless your doctor has told
you otherwise.
- Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you have lost
through diarrhea. Mild, clear liquids, such as apple juice, water, weak
tea, clear broth, or ginger ale are best. Make sure they are at room
temperature and drink them slowly. Let carbonated drinks lose their
fizz before you drink them.
If your diarrhea is severe (meaning that you have had 7 or 8
loose movements in 24 hours), tell your doctor right away. Ask if you
should try a clear liquid diet to give your bowels time to rest.
As you feel better, slowly add the low-fiber foods. A clear
liquid diet doesn't have all the nutrients you need, so don't follow it
for more than 3 or 4 days. If your diarrhea doesn't get
better, you may need to get IV fluids to replace the water and
nutrients you have lost.
Last
Medical Review: 08/28/2008
Last Revised: 09/11/2008
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