Coping with diarrhoea

Long-term or severe diarrhoea is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatments that may cause problems such as dehydration, nutrient loss and other health problems. If the diarrhoea is severe or lasts for more than a couple of days contact your doctor.

Here are some ideas for coping with diarrhoea.

Eating hints - Preferred foods - Foods to limit - Important notes

Eating hints

  • Drink plenty of fluids to replenish what you lose with the diarrhoea.
  • Eat small amounts of food throughout the day instead of three large meals.
  • Eat plenty of foods and liquids that contain sodium and potassium, two important minerals that help your body work properly. These minerals are often lost during diarrhoea. Good high-sodium liquid include soups. Foods high in potassium include bananas and boiled or mashed potatoes. Sports drinks and nutritional supplements contain both sodium and potassium and contain carbohydrates that are easily absorbed.

Try the following foods:

  • yogurt, cottage cheese
  • rice, noodles, potatoes or pasta
  • eggs (cooked until the whites are solid; not fried)
  • smooth peanut butter
  • white bread
  • canned, peeled fruits and well-cooked vegetables
  • skinned chicken or turkey, lean beef, or fish

Limit or avoid the following foods:

  • spicy foods
  • greasy, fatty or fried foods if they make your diarrhoea worse
  • raw vegetables and the skins, seeds, and stringy fibres of unpeeled fruits
  • high-fibre vegetables, such as broccoli, corn, dried beans, cabbage, peas, and cauliflower
  • very hot or cold food or beverages. Drink liquids that are at room temperature
  • foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, some fizzy drinks, and chocolate
  • gas-forming foods and beverages such as peas, lentils, beans, onions, carbonated drinks and chewing gum
  • sugar-free sweets or gum containing sorbitol (a sugar replacement that has a mild laxative effect. Check the ingredient lists for sorbitol presence)

Important notes

If you have a sudden, short-term attack of diarrhoea, try having nothing but clear liquids for the next 12 to 14 hours. This lets your bowel rest and replaces the important fluids lost during the diarrhoea. Make sure your doctor or nurse knows about this problem.

Be careful when using milk and milk products. Some patients develop lactose intolerance during treatment. Lactose is the sugar in dairy foods. If lactose intolerance is present then, when lactose is consumed, diarrhoea ensues. Seek advice from your Doctor and Dietitian if you think you have a problem with lactose.

If diarrhoea persists contact your Doctor or nurse who may recommend anti-diarrhoea medication. Discuss any dietary changes with your Doctor, nurse or Dietitian before significantly changing your diet as long term exclusion of certain foods may result in nutritional imbalances.

Source: National Cancer Institute