Nutritional Guidelines for Adults with Diarrhea

This sheet provides general information for people experiencing diarrhea as a result of a gastro-intestinal infection or food poisoning.

A return to normal bowel function takes time. If no improvement is seen after following these guidelines for a week or two, contact your healthcare provider.

General Tips

Start with clear fluids such as ginger ale, broth, jello, and diluted clear juices. Water alone helps to replace fluid loss but cannot replace the electrolytes (body salts) lost through diarrhea. Sports drinks such as Gatorade can be included. Try to sip on fluids frequently and work up to about the equivalent of 8- 8 ounce servings per 24 hour period. Limit caffeinated beverages such as tea / coffee to 2 servings per day as these cause fluid loss form increased urine output.

As you become able to tolerate more solid food, start with soft, bland, simply prepared foods in small quantities. Small, frequent meals work best. Trial and error may be necessary to determine which foods/fluids make your diarrhea worse and which seem to help.

Some people find that dairy products will aggravate diarrhea while others will not.

Do not restrict protein, i.e. meat or meat alternatives (e.g. peanut butter, mild cheeses, eggs, tuna), as you tolerate more solid foods. Your body needs protein to gain strength and promote healing.

For more information call the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 1-800-263-3456 or 519-376-9420.

Reference:  Manual of Clinical Dietetics, 6^th Edition, 2000.

American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada.