Yes. The following suggestions may help control diarrhea caused by chemotherapy (chemo):[1]
• Drink plenty of fluids, particularly fruit juices, water, Gatorade, All Sport, or electrolyte replacement fluids (such as Pedialyte). To maintain a proper balance of electrolytes in your body, some of the fluids should contain salt and sugar. Approximately a total of 3 to 4 liters of fluid daily may be needed.
• Avoid carbonated beverages.
• Eat clear broths (i.e., clear soups).
• Avoid dairy products, because diarrhea can cause a reduction in the enzyme, lactase, which is involved in the breakdown of lactose, the sugar present in dairy products.
• Avoid high-fiber containing foods (such as beans, nuts, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower), which are relatively difficult to digest, until the diarrhea subsides.
• Avoid drinking coffee and avoid eating fatty, fried, and/or spicy foods, all of which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
• When diarrhea slows, add foods low in fiber (such as rice, bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, crackers, and toast) that are easy to digest.
• Take an anti-diarrhea medicine, such as Imodium A-D (loperamide) or Lomotil (diphenoxylate/atropine) as directed by your doctor. Loperamide works in managing mild to moderate diarrhea by slowing the movement in the gastrointestinal tract and decreasing the level of fluid excreted in bowel movements.
• After the diarrhea has stopped completely, you can begin to eat other easily digested foods (such as pasta without sauce, scrambled eggs, and the skinless white meat of chicken).
Consult your oncologist and oncology nurse for guidance on managing diarrhea from chemotherapy.
REFERENCE
1. Managing diarrhea. Accessed at www.chemotherapy.com.
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