To Help Prevent
Constipation
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose,
watery stools. Diarrhea can occur as
a side effect of surgery, radiation, or
chemotherapy. Other things that can
cause diarrhea include:
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Some medications
• Protein drinks such as Ensure ® or
Boost ®
• Sensitivity to certain foods, such as
milk products
• Infections
• Drink at least 8 to 10 cups of fl uid
each day. Try water, prune juice,
warm juices, and hot tea. Your body
needs the fl uids to keep your stools
soft.
• Eat high-fi ber foods. Bran cereal,
whole grain breads, and raw
vegetables such as celery, beans, peas,
and broccoli are good sources of fi ber.
Fresh or dried fruits also can give you
more fi ber. Nuts and popcorn are
other good sources of fi ber.
• Eat at regular times each day to help
form good bowel habits.
• Do light exercise, such as short walks,
which can help your bowels move
more easily.
Always check with your doctor before
taking any over-the-counter laxatives or
enemas.
To Help Prevent and
Manage Diarrhea
• Eat small, frequent meals and snacks
throughout the day.
• Eat low-fi ber foods such as white
bread, plain bagels, crackers, white
rice, cooked vegetables, Cream of
Wheat, applesauce, canned fruit, or
low-fat cottage cheese.
• Avoid gas-producing foods such as
broccoli, caulifl ower, beans, and
cabbage.
• Avoid spicy, fatty, fried, or very sweet
foods.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine products
such as coffee, tea, or chocolate,
which can irritate your bowels and
worsen diarrhea.
• Drink plenty of clear liquids such as
water, broth, sports drinks, tea that
has no caffeine, or carbonated drinks
served fl at (leave open for at least 10
minutes before drinking). Liquids at
room temperature may be better than
cold or hot drinks.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you:
• Have severe pain in your stomach or
abdomen
• Are sick to your stomach
• See blood in your stool
• Are unable to pass gas
• Haven’t had a bowel movement in
3 days
• Have a change in color or consistency
of stools
Be sure to talk with your doctor, nurse,
or dietitian if you have other questions.
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