Managing Radiation Therapy Side Effects What To Do When You Have Loose Stools (Diarrhea) “Diarrhea kept me from going out and doing things. My nurse told me how important it was to drink more liquids. Drinking more water and avoiding certain foods helped me feel a lot better.” Take these steps to feel better: Drink more liquids each day. ■ Eat small meals that are easy on your stomach. ■ Don’t have things that can make your diarrhea worse. ■ Drink lots of clear liquids each day to replace the fluid you are losing. Try to drink 1 cup of liquid after each loose stool. Drink clear liquids, such as water, ginger ale, and clear soup. Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of 3 large meals. Eat a meal or snack every 2 to 3 hours. Your doctor or nurse may suggest the BRAT foods. BRAT stands for: ■ ■ Don’t eat raw fruits and vegetables, whole wheat breads and cereals, spicy foods, or greasy fried foods. Don’t drink milk or milk products, drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or prune juice. ■ ■ ■ Bananas Rice Applesauce Toast U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Tell your doctor or nurse if you are dizzy or have diarrhea or stomach pain for more than a day. Ask about medicine that can help. turn page over Managing Radiation Therapy Side Effects: What To Do When You Have Loose Stools (Diarrhea) These foods and drinks may be easy on your stomach until you feel better: Soups (clear liquids) Clear broth, such as chicken, vegetable, or beef Drinks (clear liquids) Clear soda such as ginger ale Cranberry or grape juice Oral rehydration solution drinks, such as Pedialyte® Tea Water Meals and snacks Chicken—broiled or baked, without the skin Crackers Cream of wheat or rice cereal Noodles Oatmeal Potatoes—boiled, without the skin Pretzels White rice White toast Fruits and sweets Angel food cake Applesauce Bananas Canned peaches or apricots Gelatin (Jell-O®) Yogurt How to take care of your bottom (rectal area): ■ Free Services To Learn More National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service Phone: 1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER) TTY: 1-800-332-8615 Online: www.cancer.gov Chat Online: www.cancer.gov/help Use a baby wipe that is alcohol free and unscented. Questions to ask your doctor or nurse: 1. What problems should I call you about? 2. How much liquid should I drink each day? 3. What medicine can I take to stop the diarrhea? What are the side effects of this medicine? 4. What are oral rehydration solution drinks? Where can I find them? 5. What is a sitz bath? Should I take these? 6. What creams can help my bottom feel better? NIH Publication No. 07-6102 Printed April 2007