Diet For Diarrhea From Radiation
However a common side effect of radiation treatment and many chemotherapies is diarrhea.
Diet for diarrhea from radiation. If you can add a fiber supplement when you begin radiation therapy. Remember that understanding the language of your body being prepared taking nutrient dense foods fixing your personal mealtimes and taking lots of water and fluids. Diarrhea sometimes occurs as a side effect of radiation. While nausea and diarrhea are symptoms of radiation therapy spicy foods can lead to cramping and an upset stomach.
Do i eat this diet to prevent diarrhea or just to treat it. Severe weight loss and dehydration during radiation treatment is common particularly if you are undergoing therapy for cancers of the head and neck. I asked my rad onc rn today and she was a little vague about it. Eating a nutrient dense diet and keeping up your weight is vital to your battle and recovery during and after treatment.
If you experience treatment related diarrhea you should follow a low fiber diet and limit your intake of dietary fiber to about 10 grams a day. Whether your diarrhea is only occasional and caused by allergies or food poisoning or due to a chronic condition like irritable bowel syndrome or crohn s disease diet and. Plus pain and nausea medicines can upset digestion and lead to constipation or diarrhea. If you are receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer refrain from consuming foods that may get stuck when swallowing or are high in acid tomato based foods etc.
I had my radiation dress rehearsal today start the real deal tomorrow. It is even more important if you get diarrhea when undergoing radiation treatment. Imodium or other anti diarrheal medications may allow for a less restrictive with diet. Radiation therapy to the abdominal area mid section of the body can cause diarrhea as can certain chemotherapy medications.
I know that a low fat low residue diet is recommended if diarrhea is a problem. And keep drinking the water. Has anyone started the diet before the diarrhea starts. If the target area of the radiation is in the intestines or colon it may cause irregular bowel patterns.
Tips to help avoid diarrhea are presented. Persistent diarrhea causes the body to lose large amounts of water and nutrients and in some instances may cause dehydration. Discuss diarrhea medication options with your doctor. Make sure that you have a bottle full of water wherever you go.
Supplement your diet with psyllium guar gum inulin or another soluble fiber product as soon as possible.