Prioritizing Hydration: The Foundation of Recovery
Dehydration is the most serious complication of fever and diarrhea, especially for children and older adults. When you have diarrhea, your body loses significant amounts of fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. Fever also increases fluid loss through sweating. Replacing these is the first and most critical step toward recovery.
Recommended Fluids and Electrolytes
- Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): The gold standard for rehydration, ORS contains water, salts, and sugar in specific proportions to aid absorption in the intestines. These are available commercially or can be made at home.
- Broths: Clear chicken, beef, or vegetable broths are an excellent source of fluids and sodium, helping to replenish electrolytes lost during sickness.
- Coconut Water: Naturally high in potassium and other electrolytes, coconut water is a soothing and effective hydrator, though commercially sweetened varieties should be avoided.
- Herbal Teas: Chamomile, ginger, and mint teas can be soothing for the stomach and help with fluid intake. Avoid caffeinated teas.
- Water: While essential, plain water does not replace lost electrolytes alone. It should be consumed alongside electrolyte-rich fluids.
- Frozen Popsicles: For those, especially children, who have trouble drinking, electrolyte-based popsicles can be a gentle way to stay hydrated.
The BRAT Diet and Beyond: What to Eat When Fever and Diarrhea is Present
Once you can tolerate liquids, it's time to introduce solid foods slowly. The BRAT diet—Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast—is a classic recommendation because these foods are bland, low in fiber, and easy to digest. This helps bind the stool and reduces the frequency of bowel movements.
Bland and Easily Digestible Foods
- Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas help replenish this lost electrolyte. The pectin in bananas also helps firm up stool.
- White Rice: A simple, starchy carbohydrate that is easy on the digestive system. Cooked white rice can help absorb excess fluid in the intestines.
- Applesauce: Like bananas, applesauce contains pectin, which can aid in digestion. Make sure it is unsweetened.
- Toast: Opt for plain white toast, which is a low-fiber carbohydrate that provides simple energy. Avoid whole-grain bread during this time.
- Plain Crackers and Pretzels: These provide easy-to-digest carbs and can help replenish sodium.
- Boiled or Baked Potatoes: Skinless boiled or baked potatoes are a good source of potassium. Add a dash of salt for additional electrolyte replacement.
- Scrambled Eggs: Cooked simply with minimal fat, eggs are a source of protein and easily tolerated.
- Lean Protein: Skinless chicken or turkey, baked or boiled, can be introduced in small amounts as you feel better.
- Probiotic-Rich Yogurt: Plain yogurt with live cultures can help restore beneficial gut bacteria, but it's important to ensure it's low in sugar and that you can tolerate dairy.
Foods to Avoid to Prevent Worsening Symptoms
Just as important as knowing what to eat is knowing what to avoid. Certain foods can irritate your digestive tract, increase gas and bloating, or worsen dehydration.
Irritants and Difficult-to-Digest Items
- High-Fat Foods: Fried, greasy, and fatty foods are difficult to digest and can aggravate diarrhea.
- Spicy Foods: Spices can irritate the stomach lining and should be avoided.
- High-Sugar Foods and Drinks: Sweetened juices, soda, and candy can worsen diarrhea due to their high sugar content, which draws water into the intestines.
- High-Fiber Foods: While healthy normally, whole grains, nuts, and high-fiber vegetables can be difficult to digest when your gut is sensitive.
- Dairy (Temporarily): Many people become temporarily lactose intolerant when recovering from a stomach illness. Avoiding most dairy products can help, though plain yogurt may be tolerated.
- Caffeine and Alcohol: Both are diuretics and can worsen dehydration. They should be strictly avoided.
Food Choices for Fever and Diarrhea: A Comparison
| Foods to Eat (Good) | Foods to Avoid (Bad) |
|---|---|
| Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) | Sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice |
| Plain White Rice | Brown rice and whole grains |
| Bananas | Berries and other high-fiber fruits |
| Plain White Toast | Whole-grain bread |
| Unsweetened Applesauce | Sweetened applesauce or jams |
| Clear Broths (chicken, vegetable) | Cream-based soups |
| Boiled Potatoes (no skin) | Fried or oily potato dishes (e.g., french fries) |
| Lean, Plain Chicken/Turkey | Fatty or fried meats (e.g., bacon, burgers) |
| Plain Yogurt (probiotics) | Milk, cheese, and ice cream (high lactose) |
| Herbal Teas (ginger, mint) | Caffeinated beverages (coffee, black tea) |
| Saltine Crackers | Sweet or fatty crackers |
Managing Your Diet for a Quicker Recovery
Start Slow and Listen to Your Body
Instead of eating three large meals, opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This is easier on your digestive system and helps maintain energy levels. Pay close attention to how your body reacts to each food. If a food seems to worsen symptoms, stop eating it. For some, an empty stomach can increase nausea, so nibbling on bland crackers can help.
Gradually Reintroducing Other Foods
As you begin to feel better and your stools start to firm up, you can gradually reintroduce other low-fat, low-fiber foods. This might include cooked carrots, skinless baked fish, or a small amount of low-lactose dairy. It is a slow process, and rushing it can cause a relapse of symptoms.
A Final Word on Recovery
Remember that rest and patience are also key components of recovery. A fever is your body's way of fighting an infection, and rest allows your body to dedicate its energy to healing. Always prioritize rehydration above all else. For more detailed information, consult the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website. If your symptoms are severe, include blood in your stool, or last for more than a couple of days, it's essential to seek professional medical advice.
Conclusion
Navigating what to eat when fever and diarrhea hit requires a simple and cautious approach. Focusing on rehydration with electrolyte-rich fluids and sticking to bland, easily digestible foods like those found in the BRAT diet is your best strategy. By avoiding fatty, sugary, and spicy irritants, you give your digestive system the rest it needs to recover. Listen to your body and reintroduce your normal diet gradually to ensure a smooth and complete recovery. If symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare provider.
