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What Causes Chronic Diarrhea?
Question: I have had diarrhea for over six months. I have gone to several specilists to see about a cure for this problem. None found a cure and the last one gave me some stool harding medicine and told me there was no point in coming back. At this point I went to an accpunturist who gave me some herbs and now four treatments. It has seemed to help, but I think diet is probably more important for the long run. Can you recommend a good diet for someone with cronic diarrhea?
Brief Answer:
Probiotics, whole grains, low fat
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
One of the things that is often helpful in patients with chronic diarrhea is adding a probiotic. There are many brands that are commercially available. It is good that you have seen doctors and that they have found no serious problems. Besides adding a probiotic to your daily diet there are some foods that you should avoid because they can worsen the diarrhea. Sodas and any food with high fructose corn syrup should definitely be avoided. Also foods with artificial sweeteners like maltitol can make diarrhea worse. Dairy products like milk and cheese should also be avoided. Caffeine in coffee or tea should be avoided in excess, though one to two cups daily should be okay. Eating a diet that has whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetable and a lean source of protein like meat or soy would be good for you. One last suggestion is that you drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily because having loose stools can make you somewhat dehydrated.
I hope some of these suggestions are helpful. Thank you for using HCM.
Probiotics, whole grains, low fat
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
One of the things that is often helpful in patients with chronic diarrhea is adding a probiotic. There are many brands that are commercially available. It is good that you have seen doctors and that they have found no serious problems. Besides adding a probiotic to your daily diet there are some foods that you should avoid because they can worsen the diarrhea. Sodas and any food with high fructose corn syrup should definitely be avoided. Also foods with artificial sweeteners like maltitol can make diarrhea worse. Dairy products like milk and cheese should also be avoided. Caffeine in coffee or tea should be avoided in excess, though one to two cups daily should be okay. Eating a diet that has whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetable and a lean source of protein like meat or soy would be good for you. One last suggestion is that you drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily because having loose stools can make you somewhat dehydrated.
I hope some of these suggestions are helpful. Thank you for using HCM.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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