Anyone had this before?

[beccathebaker]

After all of the gallbladder surgery, infection stuff I was on antibiotics for a long time. I now have had the most severe diarrhea for about 2 weeks and my doctor suspects that it might be C. Diff which results from the good bactria being killed off in the intestines. Has anyone ever had this before? I am having such a hard time with my nutrition because as much as I eat (and I am very hungry) it goes right through me.

I will be getting the test results in a few days (I guess the culture takes 3-5 days) But until then-other than the BRAT diet for diarrhea, what are some of your support foods that you eat when you have diarrhea? I would love some suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Becca

[SusanT]

If you drink milk, there are some types fortified with the acidophalus (sp?) (around here it's sold as Nutrish milk) bacteria which is supposed to replenish the naturally occuring bacteria. I've also heard that yogurt is good as well.

How about some milkshakes made with frozen yogurt and Nutrish milk?

Hope you feel better soon.

[KValley]

Hi becca,

I'm not certain what the BRAT diet is, so I hope I'm not repeating what you already know.

Diarrhea was a common problem for DH and me when we lived in Africa and suffered from amoebas and giardia. We drank Gatorade to replace nutrients lost and ate a lot of rice and bananas, which were easy on the stomach. I also agree with SusanT about the bacteria in yogurt- it will settle your stomach, as well.

It's so important to stay hydrated!

I so hope you are feeling better soon!



[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 06-27-2001).]

[SusieO]

I generally follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apple juice, toast) when this happens to me, so I can't offer any other advice. I agree with the above posts that yogurt is a good idea to replenish good bacteria. (I always make sure I have yogurt when I have to take antibiotics; it also wards off yeast infections.)

I would also say eat anything that appeals to you, even if it doesn't seem particularly nutritious. Do whatever you have to in order to get calories in.

And feel better soon! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[adb]

Just two more cents - not all yogurts are the same. Stonyfield Farm is the best, as far as I know, with 6 live active cultures. Hope you are feeling better soon.

[BosunsWife]

Not to get off topic, but I read someplace (parenting type magazine) that doctor's aren't recommending the BRAT diet anymore for diarrea (sp).

Unfortunately, yes you are experiencing a common side affect of antibiotics.

[m4star]

Becca,

I am so sorry to hear about your troubles. This May I was diagnosed with colitis after being sick with diarrhea and pain for weeks. The BRAT diet and I became good friends. As boring as it is, it does soothe the tummy. I also re-discovered jello, which was really wonderful when you are so dehydrated and worn down. And of course there is always my favorite oatmeal which you could top with yogurt.

Please keep us updated!
Melinda

[SusieO]

Originally posted by BosunsWife:
Not to get off topic, but I read someplace (parenting type magazine) that doctor's aren't recommending the BRAT diet anymore for diarrea (sp).

Unfortunately, yes you are experiencing a common side affect of antibiotics.

I don't think that's off-topic at all. I wonder why.

[goldilocks]

Becca - I too followed the BRAT diet (when necessary), but my mom explained it to me as bananas, rice, apples, and tea, instead of the juice and toast. I was suffering from this for a week after my tax busy season, for an unknown reason. I followed BRAT and it really helped me. I drank plain, old lipton for the tea and it really helped me. I hope you feel better soon!

[Grace]

You can also by acidophilus in pill form. One pill is like 20 cartons of yogurt. I never travel without them, and ALWAYS take them when I have to take antibiotics. They are also the only thing that helped me when I had salmonella once (sick for 2-1/2 months!). The acidophilus was like a miracle. Any health food store should have them. And don't travel without them. Even in developed countries, just the change in the mineral content of the water they have (even though it's perfectly safe) can be enough to throw your body out of whack. Those pills can mean the difference between being miserable or not.

Hope you're feeling better soon. My husband has this problem all the time, and I know he suffers a lot. I wish you all the best.

[JulieM]

There is a wonderful product sold in the health food markets, (I purchased it at Wild Oats), that looks like small yogurt containers but it's actually very potent acidophilus and other live cultures. I took a regimen of it once while being treated for an infection and was very happy with the results. I'm sorry I can't remember the name of it. It was kept in a refrigerated case, and I'm sure if you asked about it you'd find it.

[funnybone]

I have never heard of the BRAT diet, but I have always heard to stay away from apples, bananas and dairy products with diarrhea. Gatorade is good as mentioned to help prevent dehyration. I'd stick to crackers, toast and even potato chips (I have heard the salt is good). Not too appetizing, but hopefully it won't be for too much longer. It's really a matter of finding what works best for you.

Good Luck with your test results. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[GayeC]

Becca -- Hope you are doing better. I second the recommendations for yogurt with active cultures. I became VERY ILL with diarrhea (like, the sickest I have ever been) as soon as I started taking a strong antibiotoc about a month ago. I had to switch antibiotics, but the pharmacist also recommended yogurt because my digestion was so messed up. From now on I will start the yogurt as soon as I start the antibiotic.
Best wishes. Gaye

[LGBurns]

Just wanted to add that frozen yogurt does not have live cultures and therefore does not work to replace beneficial bacteria. I second the recommendation for Stonyfield Farms yogurt--it has the most variety of live cultures of any yogurt, plus it is organic.

[SandyM]

Re: Stonyfield Farms yogurt - I definitely agree it's the best yogurt out there. Be careful though - not all Stonyfield Farms yogurt is organic. My store carries both organic and unorganic. (Is that a word?) Be sure to check the label.

Good luck to you Becca - you've been through more than enough already.

[Lynn B]

This is interesting!

My kids' pediatrician called it the BRATT diet (bananas, rice, apples, tea AND toast)!!!

As far as I know it is still being recommended here. Maybe Ralph will read this post and give us his professional opinion!

RAAAALPH - are you there?!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Lynn

[Ralph]

Well, I can't get ALL the boards to load, and it took me a while to get here, so hopefully this will post.

Yes, the BRAT diet is still recommended! I would hope by now, you've gotten the results of the culture, Becca, and if positive (which I suspect, IMHO), you'll be given another antibiotic. Yes, I know that sounds weird, but it will clear the C. Diff without any further harm. Unfortunately, dietary measures aren't the most successful for C. Diff.

As for the other diet suggestions, I have no qualms with any of them!