Diet For Radiation Diarrhea
Tips to help avoid diarrhea are presented.
Diet for radiation diarrhea. If you can add a fiber supplement when you begin radiation therapy. Diarrhea sometimes occurs as a side effect of radiation. Hydration is an important aspect of a healthy radiation diet. I know that a low fat low residue diet is recommended if diarrhea is a problem.
Radiation therapy to the abdominal area mid section of the body can cause diarrhea as can certain chemotherapy medications. Do i eat this diet to prevent diarrhea or just to treat it. Plus pain and nausea medicines can upset digestion and lead to constipation or diarrhea. However a common side effect of radiation treatment and many chemotherapies is diarrhea.
Eating a nutrient dense diet and keeping up your weight is vital to your battle and recovery during and after treatment. It is important to drink lots of water and staying hydrated especially if you experience diarrhea during radiation therapy. Supplement your diet with psyllium guar gum inulin or another soluble fiber product as soon as possible. Foods recommended for radiation patients are similar to those for chemo patients.
Discuss diarrhea medication options with your doctor. If you do not care for the taste of water try sneaking water into soup broths fruit shakes and flavored teas. I had my radiation dress rehearsal today start the real deal tomorrow. 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.
Has anyone started the diet before the diarrhea starts. Diarrhea is one of the many potential side effects of cancer treatment. If tastes and smells bother you cold foods might be more appealing than hot ones. Imodium or other anti diarrheal medications may allow for a less restrictive with diet.
If you struggle with diarrhea there are several things you can do to address the problem and help your body heal. 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. Constipation and diarrhea people who undergo radiation may experience changes in bowel habits. If the target area of the radiation is in the intestines or colon it may cause irregular bowel patterns.
Severe weight loss and dehydration during radiation treatment is common particularly if you are undergoing therapy for cancers of the head and neck. Mar 2010 jun 02 2010 8 20 pm.