Fasting Diarrhea: Causes, Prevention Tips, and Managing Dehydration

How Fasting Can Lead to Diarrhea

When done properly, fasting can have many health benefits. However, fasting can also cause some unintended and unpleasant side effects like diarrhea. Understanding why fasting causes diarrhea and how to manage it can help you take advantage of fasting while minimizing disruptive bathroom breaks.

Reasons Fasting May Cause Diarrhea

There are a few reasons why fasting leads to diarrhea in some people:

• Dietary changes - When you fast, you are making sudden major dietary changes. This can shock your digestive system and lead to diarrhea.
• Low fiber - Fasting usually involves eating little to no plant foods or fiber. With less fiber to add bulk, waste may pass rapidly causing diarrhea.
• Caffeine/medication - Consuming these on an empty stomach during a fast can overstimulate the gut.
• Bad bacteria - Short fasts may fail to kill off bad gut bacteria which can cause diarrhea when rapidly fed or exposed to new foods after the fast.

Tips to Prevent Fasting-Related Diarrhea

If you want to fast but dont want to deal with frequent diarrhea, there are some things you can do:

• Gradually start/end fast - Ease in and out of your fast over a day or two by slowly changing your eating pattern.
• Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of fluids, broths, herbal teas, or diluted juices to stay hydrated.
• Include soluble fiber - Try small amounts of oatmeal, white rice, applesauce, or bananas.
• Avoid irritants - Dont consume coffee, strong spices, fats, or detox teas while fasting.

What to Do If You Get Diarrhea While Fasting

If you do develop diarrhea during your fast try these remedies:

• Stop the fast - Ending your fast and resuming normal eating usually resolves diarrhea quickly.
• Medications - Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can provide relief.
• Probiotics - Taking probiotic supplements can help repopulate gut bacteria.
• Apple cider vinegar - Some diluted apple cider vinegar may help with motility.

How Diarrhea Causes Dehydration While Fasting

One of the biggest risks of diarrhea during fasting is dehydration. Diarrhea results in significant fluid losses from the body which can be magnified during fasting when fluid intake is already lower.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

Pay attention for these signs that may indicate youre becoming dehydrated during a fast:

• Thirst and dry mouth
• Dark yellow urine
• Fatigue, weakness, dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion

Tips to Stay Hydrated During Fasts with Diarrhea

To avoid dehydration when dealing with diarrhea during fasting, be sure to:

• Sip fluids constantly
• Drink Oral Rehydration Solutions
• Choose gentle fluids like water, broth, or diluted juice
• Include fluids with electrolytes
• Discontinue prolonged fasting if diarrhea persists
• Monitor hydration status closely

When to Seek Medical Care

In most cases diarrhea during short fasts can be managed with home treatment. But seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or bloody diarrhea
• Fever over 101 F (38 C)
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Diarrhea lasting over 3 days
• New or worsening pain or cramping

Monitoring hydration status, supplementing electrolytes, and discontinuing fasting at the first signs of diarrhea can help you avoid a medical issue.

The Best Foods to Eat to Recover from Diarrhea After Fasting

After battling diarrhea during a fast, eating the right foods during your post-fast meal can help you recover. Some of the best foods to eat include:

1. Bananas

Bananas are easily digested and supply key electrolytes and potassium lost during diarrhea.

2. Rice

Plain rice is gentle on your stomach and provides easily absorbed carbs for energy.

3. Apple sauce

Applesauce contains pectin and nutrients that can help soothe your upset digestive tract.

4. Toast

Dry toast made from white or sourdough bread is simple to digest and tolerance after diarrhea episodes.

5. Chicken soup

Warm brothy chicken soup can supply fluids and minerals in an easy-to-digest form your body needs most after illness.

6. Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics to help restore good bacteria to rebalance your gut microbiome after diarrhea.

7. Chamomile tea

Chamomiles anti-inflammatory effects make it a great beverage to sip to allow your GI tract to heal post-diarrhea.

Focus on eating smaller portions of easy-to-digest foods and plenty of fluids in the 24 hours after diarrhea from fasting. Then slowly work probiotic foods back into your diet to get your gut back on track.

When to Break a Fast Because of Diarrhea

Most short-term fasting diets lasting 1-3 days are generally safe for healthy people. However, fasting should be stopped if you experience adverse effects like diarrhea.

Break Your Fast If:

• Diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours
• You feel weak, dizzy or generally unwell
• You have severe cramping or abdominal pain
• You have a fever over 101 F (38 C)
• There are signs of dehydration
• There is blood in your stool

Resuming normal eating and hydration is key. Seek prompt medical attention if diarrhea is severe as IV fluids or hospital care may be needed.

While inconvenient, diarrhea is your bodys way of signalling that something is not right with your fast. Ending the fast early is advised to allow your body to rebalance and recover.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.