• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
G-Free Foodie logo
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Baked Goods
    • Beverages
    • Dairy Free
    • Desserts
    • Kid Zone
    • Main Dishes
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Quick & Easy
    • Recipes & Techniques by Cooks We Love
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Vegan
  • Articles
    • Dining Tips
    • G-Free Foodie Guides
    • G-Free Foodie Mommies
    • G-Free Foodie Product Reviews
    • Gluten Free Advice + Experts
    • KC's Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • Articles
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home / Articles / Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    Ask the Dietician: Rehydrating After Diarrhea

    Posted On Sep 1, 2011 · Updated On Sep 1, 2011

    Ask the Dietician: Rehydrating After Diarrhea
    Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    Share

    Question:

    What's the best way to rehydrate after a bout of diarrhea? Nutritional supplements, sports drinks, water, or something else?

    Answer:

    This is a great question as diarrhea is one of the biggest contributors to dehydration and malabsorption of nutrients.  The degree of dehydration will determine the best treatment for rehydration.

    It is important to respond quickly at the first signs of mild dehydration (i.e., dry mouth and thirst) by treating with consistent water intake and electrolyte replacement.  In very mild cases, when there are no symptoms other than dry mouth and thirst, it is adequate to drink lots of water, non-caffeinated teas, 100% fruit juices and other beverages that don’t contain added sugars, alcohol or caffeine until symptoms disappear.  Beverages containing alcohol, caffeine and added sugars should be avoided, as they contribute to dehydration rather than improve it.  Electrolytes can be consumed by eating potassium, magnesium and sodium-rich foods that are tolerated.

    When more severe dehydration sets in, with symptoms such as thirst, lack of urination, dry skin, fatigue, light-headedness or inability to sweat, it is important to see a doctor immediately to seek their advice.

    If diarrhea persists for more than 3 days, with or without the above-stated symptoms, it is still a good idea to see a doctor, as dehydration can set in very quickly.

    While waiting for medical attention, it is best to drink as much as possible of water, sports drinks, fruit drinks and broth, as well as to salt food and beverages.  If getting liquids down is hard to do, try sucking on ice cubes or fruit popsicles.

    When treating a dehydrated child, doctors often recommend over-the-counter replacement formulas, which have the ideal balance of water, sugar and salt for younger bodies.  Please make sure to check the labels to ensure these products are gluten-free.

    In the most severe cases of dehydration, when an individual is experiencing low blood pressure, fainting, muscle contractions, rapid and/or deep breathing or a fast, weak pulse, take them to the emergency room immediately.

    Lastly, read all labels to be sure that what is being consumed is gluten-free.  Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms experienced by those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Consuming a gluten-containing item will exacerbate the diarrhea in the short term as well as trigger the autoimmune response that damages the intestines.

    Be well,

    Rachel Begun, MS, RD

    This article was originally posted by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness here.

    You May Also Like

    • The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
      The Most Common Cooking Mistakes!
    • What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
      What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
    • Nutrition for Mental Health and Emotional Wellness
      Nutrition for Mental Health and Emotional Wellness
    • Tomato Water | The Fresh Tomato Recipe You Didn't Know You Needed
      Tomato Water | The Fresh Tomato Recipe You Didn't Know You…
    « Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Yeast (Candida)
    Featured Trailblazers - Dr. Stephen Wangen »

    Share

    Reader Interactions

    Let Us Know What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sign up for our Newsletter & live deliciously G-Free

    K.C. the G-Free Foodie

    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

    Featured Recipes

    how to cook duck breast: perfectly cooked duck breast on salad

    How To Cook Duck Breast: Tea Brined Duck Breast

    Gluten-Free Colomba Pasquale

    Gluten-Free Colomba Pasquale | Easter Dove Bread

    White Chocolate Rocky Road colorful

    White Chocolate Rocky Road | Gorgeous + Easy Treat!

    Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce recipe

    How to Cook Lamb Chops in The Oven: Lamb Chops with Spicy Apricot Sauce

    SHOP GLUTEN FREE FAVES

    Popular Categories

    • Appetizers + Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Dining Tips
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick + Easy
    • Salads + Dressings
    • Soups
    • Tips + Tricks

    Footer

    People

    • About Us
    • K.C. Cornwell
    • G-Free Foodie Gluten Free Advocates + Experts

    Business

    • Partnerships
    • Contact
    • Gluten Free Consulting Services
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Links & Cool Stuff

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    G-Free Foodie © 2023 · All Rights Reserved