With the holidays quickly approaching, it might be challenging to spend time with family and friends if you are suffering from diarrhea, as a side effect of your cancer treatment. Diarrhea can be troublesome with a house full of family, which is why we've compiled a list of tips to help you better manage your diarrhea so you can spend quality time with the people you care about.
- Small Meals and Snacks: Eating too much food during a meal can irritate an already sensitive GI system. Try eating five to six smaller meals or “snacks” instead of two to three larger meals.
- Bland is Best: Rich, heavy foods or those that are greasy or fatty can be hard on your GI system. Consider baked or steamed foods, or blander options such as crackers, bread, and leaner.
- Soluble Fiber is Beneficial: Select foods that are high in soluble fiber, including rice, oats, boiled potatoes, and bananas, as they can help absorb the water in your digestive system and potentially decrease your diarrhea symptoms.
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration is an important factor for anyone undergoing cancer treatment. Proper hydration keeps cells healthy and promotes proper blood flow. Dehydration can increase weakness and fatigue, damage vital organs, and decrease your overall well-being. You should aim to drink at least ten 8-ounce glasses of fluid every day. Don’t count on being thirsty as a reminder, cancer treatment can reduce your appetite as well as your thirst. Always have a drink nearby that you can sip throughout the day.
- Avoid Sugar: Research has shown that glucose (sugar) can decrease electrolyte and fluid intake and contribute to side effects such as diarrhea and dehydration. If you’re already suffering from diarrhea, eating sugary sweets, or drinking alcohol during the holidays may worsen these symptoms.
Unlike sugar, scientists have found that amino acids can provide better electrolyte transportation and absorption. The select amino acids and sugar-free ingredients in enterade® provide better electrolyte transportation and absorption compared to glucose. Consider incorporating enterade into your routine as it clinically shown to manage side effects like diarrhea, nausea, dehydration, fatigue, and unwanted weight loss. In a recent study, 74% of patients reported an improvement in their diarrhea symptoms. enterade can help you feel better so you can fight harder and enjoy the holidays!
Happy Holidays,
team enterade
Stating Hydrated During Cancer Treatment - CONQUER: the patient voice (conquer-magazine.com)
Foods to Eat for Diarrhea During Cancer Treatment (verywellhealth.com)
