Diarrhea

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

• Drink plenty of mild, clear, non-carbonated liquids during the day. Drink liquids at room temperature. This may be easier to take than very hot or cold drinks.
• Eat small, frequent meals and snacks during the day.
• Avoid greasy, fried, spicy, or very sweet foods.
• Limit milk or milk products to 2 cups a day. Yogurt and buttermilk are OK.
• Avoid drinks and foods that cause gas, like carbonated drinks, gas-forming vegetables, and chewing gum. (A list of foods that cause gas is in the section on constipation.) Allow carbonated drinks to become slightly “flat” before drinking by pouring them into a glass and letting them sit at least 10 minutes; pouring them over ice may also help.
• Drink and eat high-sodium (salt) foods like broths, soups, sports drinks, crackers, and pretzels.
• Drink and eat high-potassium foods like fruit juices and nectars, sports drinks, potatoes with the skin, and bananas.
• Increase soluble-fiber foods like applesauce, bananas, canned peaches and pears, oatmeal, and white rice.
• Drink at least 1 cup of liquid after each loose bowel movement. Try water, sports drinks, or bouillon.
• Do not chew sugar-free gum or eat candies and desserts made with sugar alcohol (i.e., sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol).
• Call your doctor if diarrhea continues or increases, or if your stools have an unusual odor or color.

What to eat or not eat when you have diarrhea*

*Adapted from Eldridge B, and Hamilton KK, Editors, Management of Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Cancer and Educational Handouts. Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association; 2004.