What should i eat if i have diarrhea from antibiotics

What is antibiotic-associated diarrhea?

Many antibiotics cause diarrhea. This is not an allergic reaction. Antibiotics can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Too many of the wrong kind of bacteria in the digestive system can cause diarrhea.

The diarrhea is usually mild and will not cause a child to become dehydrated or lose weight. The stools return to normal 1 or 2 days after the child finishes the antibiotic treatment.

How can I take care of my child?

Your child does not need to stop taking the antibiotic. Anti-diarrheal medicines are not necessary. Follow a regular diet with a few simple changes:

• Eat more foods containing starch. Starchy foods are easily digested during diarrhea. Examples are cereal, breads, crackers, rice, mashed potatoes, and noodles.
• Drink more water. Avoid all fruit juices and carbonated drinks.
• Milk and milk products are fine.
• Avoid beans or any other foods that cause loose stools.

Probiotics

• Probiotics contain healthy bacteria (lactobacilli) that can replace unhealthy bacteria in the GI tract.
• Yogurt is the easiest source of probiotics. If your child is over 12 months old, give 2 to 6 ounces (60 to 180 ml) of yogurt twice daily. Today almost all yogurts are “active culture”, which means that they contain live and active bacteria.
• Probiotic supplements in granules, tablets, or capsules are also available in health food stores.

Sometimes the diarrhea causes a rash around the anus. Wash the irritated area with water and then protect the skin with a thick layer of petroleum jelly or other ointment.

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Call IMMEDIATELY if:

• Blood appears in the diarrhea.
• Your child shows any signs of dehydration.

Call during office hours if:

• You want to stop the antibiotic.
• You have other concerns or questions.

Written by Barton D. Schmitt, MD, author of “My Child Is Sick,” American Academy of Pediatrics Books.

Pediatric Advisor 2015.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2009-06-18
Last reviewed: 2014-06-10

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Copyright ©1986-2015 Barton D. Schmitt, MD. All rights reserved.

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01/6What are antibiotics

Antibiotics prevent the body from succumbing to the effects of bacterial infections. Although they are the go-to remedy to protect our organs from damage, they may have certain side effects like diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or nausea. Consuming them comes with requisites, like eating certain foods before, during, and after the dosage that help in minimizing these side effects. Today we will look at the best foods to eat to increase the effectiveness of and reduce the side effects of antibiotics.

02/6Probiotics

Unlike prebiotics, which promote the growth of healthy bacteria, probiotics are live healthy bacteria that are consumed to reduce the risk of antibiotic related side effects. Lactobacilli and saccharomyces are known to be the most effective probiotics. However, since probiotics are bacteria themselves, they become susceptible to being killed themselves by antibiotics. Thus, it is important to take probiotics a few hours after antibiotics.

03/6Prebiotic food

Many times while trying to get rid of harmful bacteria from the body, antibiotics end up damaging beneficial gut bacteria. Prebiotic foods feed the good bacteria. High fiber foods like lentils and beans are digested and fermented by healthy gut bacteria, allowing them to grow. Even foods that are not high in fiber can perform the role of a prebiotic, such as cocoa. Cocoa contains antioxidant polyphenols that have positive prebiotic effects on the gut microbiota. Therefore prebiotics promote the growth of good bacteria, and should be eaten after the dosage.

04/6Fermented foods

Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and kimchi are made using many healthy bacterial species which restore damaged gut bacteria to a healthy state after taking antibiotics. Studies have shown that people who consume more fermented foods have higher amounts of healthy bacteria like lactobacilli in their intestines and lesser harmful bacteria enterobacteria.

05/6Foods to avoid

Foods that must be avoided while on antibiotic treatment include grapefruit, foods rich in calcium, and alcohol. Grapefruit contains compounds known as furanocoumarins, which interfere with how the liver and intestines break down the medicine and filter out toxins. Your body cannot metabolize and absorb the antibiotics, not only making the medication futile, but also causing harm to your body. High doses of calcium is also a strict no-no when taking antibiotics. It prevents antibiotics from being absorbed, by binding to it and lessening their effects. Alcohol triggers the side effects of certain antibiotics, and it can also make you dehydrated and affect your sleep, making it harder for your body to aid the antibiotics in fighting off infections.

06/6Bottomline

Antibiotics are an effective way to ward off bacterial infections, though they come with some side effects. Certain foods help in minimizing those side effects, while some foods play a role in increasing those side effects. Although this list will give you a brief gist of foods that support or negate the effects of antibiotics, always consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet.

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