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intestine infection foods to avoid
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Digestive Health
Question #13299
45 days ago
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intestine infection foods to avoid - #13299

Reyansh

I am really worried about this strange gut issue I've been having. A few weeks ago, I started feeling this sharp pain in my stomach, and then it got even worse after I ate dinner. Went to the doc, and they said I might have an intestine infection. They didn’t give me a lot of info on what to do, but I'm trying to figure out what it means for my diet. I read something like intestine infection foods to avoid are really important, but it’s all kinda confusing. Like, should I be cutting out dairy? I had cheese with pasta and then the pain was like double the last time. Or is it sweets? I love sugar! What about spicy stuff? One site said to avoid fried food too, which honestly is a total bummer because I just really love fries. It feels like I can’t have anything that tastes good anymore. Does anyone have suggestions on intestine infection foods to avoid that are, well, a bit more palatable? Or am I overthinking it? When should I see the doc again? I’m just feeling really lost here and trying to figure out this whole intestine infection battle. Any advice would mean the world!

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Doctors’ responses

For an intestinal infection, your dietary choices can significantly impact how quickly you recover and how comfortable you feel during the process. The key is to consume easily digestible foods that won’t further irritate your gut. You mentioned dairy, and yes, for many people, lactose can exacerbate symptoms during an intestinal infection. It could be beneficial to limit or avoid dairy products like cheese, milk, and ice cream, as these can sometimes increase inflammation or discomfort. If you notice a strong reaction after consuming these, consider switching to lactose-free options or plant-based alternatives, like almond or oat milk.

Regarding sweets, high sugar intake can also disrupt your gut bacteria balance, potentially worsening your symptoms. While a small amount might not be a big issue, keeping sugary foods to a minimum might help reduce symptoms. Spicy foods can further irritate an already sensitive digestive tract, so it’s generally a good idea to avoid those until you start feeling better. Greasy and fried foods, like fries, can be tough on your digestive system too, often making symptoms worse. While it may be disappointing to cut these out, remember it’s likely temporary until your symptoms improve.

Instead, focus on bland, low-fiber foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet), as well as lean proteins such as chicken or fish. These can be gentler on an upset digestive system. Remember to stay hydrated; clear broths and teas can be soothing and help prevent dehydration, especially if you’re experiencing diarrhea.

Consulting your doctor again is a good idea if your symptoms are persisting or worsening, or if you notice signs like blood in stools, severe abdominal pain, or fever—these could indicate a more serious condition. They may recommend specific tests or treatments, such as antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. Always try to communicate any new or continuing symptoms to your healthcare provider to ensure a proper recovery.

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