Having diarrhoea? What food should we avoid and eat

Increase stool frequency or passing watery or loose stool is often an unpleasant experience to all of us.
There are multiple conditions that can cause diarrhoea. Viral infection and irritable bowel syndrome are among the most common or sometimes simply we have eaten something that disagree with us.

There are certain food that we need to avoid in order to speed up recovery. Consuming them can trigger digestive system and prolong the diarrhoea episode. Food to avoid includes:

• oily, greasy and spicy food
• milk and dairy products
• alcohol
• coffee and other caffeinated or carbonated drinks
• processed food
• artificial sweeteners

There are also food that can help our digestive system get back to normal.
Follow the BRAT diet:

• Banana
• Rice
• Apple
• Toast

They are low in fibre and help in firming up stool. Banana is rich in potassium which is good for replenishing potassium lost from diarrhoea. Probiotic can help to restore healthy bacteria back into digestive system and become more resilient to future episode of diarrhoea.
Many cases of viral diarrhoea are self-limiting and respond well to symptomatic treatment. However, if the diarrhoea is severe and prolonged despite diet modification or showing symptoms and signs of dehydration, you may need to be admitted to the hospital for intravenous therapy or treatment for bacterial or parasites infection.

If you are looking for doctors or female doctors in Singapore, we have clinics near you that you can visit:

GP Clinic Orchard

Address: 541 Orchard Road #10-02, Liat Towers Singapore 238881

Contact number: +65 9728 7793
Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm.
Sun/Public holiday: Close

Woodleigh Clinic

Address:105A Bidadari Park Drive #01-09 Singapore 341105

Contact number: +65 8616 6166
Opening Hours:

Monday and Wednesday: 8.30am-4pm
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8.30am-2pm
Saturday: 8.30am-1pm
Sun/Public holiday: Close

Bukit Panjang Clinic

Address: 524A, Greenridge Shopping Centre, #02-01, Jelapang Road, Singapore 671524

Contact number: +65 8799 8936
Opening Hours:

Monday to Thursday:  8am to 4pm, 6pm to 9pm
Friday:  8am to 4pm
Saturday:  8.30am to 1 pm
Sun/Public holiday:  Close