25/06/2025
Diarrhea, commonly referred to as “loose stools,” is one of the most frequently encountered symptoms in clinical practice. In daily life, occasional diarrhea due to improper diet is normal. However, chronic or severe diarrhea not only affects our physical health but also disrupts our work and daily life.
Diarrhea is characterized by an increased frequency of bowel movements, larger stool volume, and unformed, loose or watery stools, sometimes containing undigested food, pus, blood, or mucus. It is often accompanied by a sense of urgency, abdominal discomfort, or symptoms such as a**l discomfort and incontinence.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diarrhea originates in the intestines and primarily involves the spleen, though it is also closely related to the liver and kidneys. The causes include external pathogenic factors, dietary irregularities, emotional disturbances, constitutional weakness, and chronic illness leading to a deficiency in the body. The main pathogenesis involves spleen deficiency and excessive dampness, which disrupt intestinal function and lead to diarrhea. If dampness predominates first, causing spleen deficiency, the condition is typically acute diarrhea. If spleen deficiency leads to damp stagnation, it tends to become chronic diarrhea.
What Should You Eat After Diarrhea?
Acute Phase:
If diarrhea begins severely, it is recommended to fast for 1–2 meals to let the gastrointestinal tract rest. During this time, clear broths such as rice water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth can be consumed.
Recovery Phase (Early):
After 1–2 days, as symptoms ease, you can eat white rice porridge with finely chopped meat, eggs, and vegetables in small, frequent meals. You may also add small amounts of apples, bananas, or other fruit purees to help regulate the bowels.
Recovery Phase (Later):
Even though the diarrhea has stopped, avoid fried, grilled, or high-fiber foods such as leafy greens. Continue to nourish the recovering digestive system gradually. Suitable foods include plain rice or porridge, soft meats, eggs, bananas, and apples.
