Diarrhea Dos and Don’ts: 10 Tips for Crohn’s

You don’t want to spend each and every day worrying about diarrhea, so prevention is necessary for a good quality of life, Dr. Cassara says. “Develop a good partnership with your gastroenterologist — it’s essential.” From over-the-counter anti-diarrheals to prescription drugs, there are many possible treatments to manage diarrhea. Work with your gastroenterologist to find the right combination to helpprevent diarrheaand to manage a flare when it strikes.

Although every person’s body responds differently to food, there are certain foods known to be common diarrhea triggers. “In general, avoiding dairy can be helpful during a Crohn’s flare,” Cassara says. The Crohn’s andColitisFoundation also suggests staying away from greasy and fried foods, which can cause diarrhea, and warns that some people find high-fiber foods to cause problems.

Keep track of any unique food sensitivities by logging what you eat and how you feel in a food diary, and then connect the dots to see if any foods tend to trigger diarrhea for you. “Keep in mind that it varies from person to person,” Cassara adds. “Have a conversation with your gastroenterologist to find out what’s best for you.”

At the same time, work with your gastroenterologist or a registered dietitian to make sureyour dietisn’t too restrictive. It’s important to get the nutrients you need and to prevent malnutrition during a bout of diarrhea.

Listen to the cues your body gives you. "Trust your gut,” Weinstein says. “I find myself planning my day and events around the temperament of my guts.” If something doesn’t feel right, she says she knows tomake adjustmentsand make sure to be near a bathroom. “I've learned that if I feel a warning pang, I'm better off listening to it," she says. "Could it end up being a false alarm? Sure, but usually it's not."

When leaving your home or other safe havens, it’s a good idea to search for the location of toilets in advance — that way, you'll know where to go if you feel diarrhea about to strike. “Come up with a strategy at work,” Cassara advises. “If you’re taking a flight, go before you get on the plane.” It’s also a good idea to adjust your diet to minimize risk when you're on the go — avoid those large, greasy meals, high-fiber foods, and caffeine. Medications to calm your intestinal tract can also help, so talk with your physician abouttreatmentsfor episodes of diarrhea and carry the medication with you in your carry-on.

Weinstein always keeps a spare change of clothes in her trunk just in case. She typically keeps a roll of toilet paper in there, too, “because you just never know.” Other essentials to stock up on in your car, tote, or desk drawer include wipes, gloves, hand sanitizer, baby powder, and air freshener, the Foundation says.

The Foundation offers a “Restroom Request Card,” a discreet way for you to communicate that youurgently need a restroom. You might also consider getting a note from your doctor explaining that you may have an emergency and need to get to a bathroom immediately. “It’s helpful in situations where you might be getting up and leaving the room a lot — college classes, mandatory work meetings — and may need a discreet explanation,” Weinstein says.

Keep a bottle of water handy to rehydrate if you have a bout of diarrhea, which can lead todehydration. “When severe, diarrhea can cause you to lose large amounts of fluids quickly,” Cassara says. “It’s important to replenish what you’ve lost.” According to the Foundation, you can help prevent dehydration bydrinking at least 64 ounces of waterper day. Duringchronic diarrhea, your doctor may recommend drinking certain sports drinks that contain both water and electrolytes, and in serious cases, treatment with intravenous fluids may be necessary.

If the worst happens while you’re out in public, try not to panic. “Will there beaccidents? Probably,” Weinstein says. “It happens to the best of us.” When faced with a mishap, try your best to clean up, move on, and not dwell on it. “I've yet to meet an adult with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who hasn't had the misfortune of experiencing at least one accident post diaper-wearing years,” she says.

Stress may worsen Crohn’s symptoms, according to theMayo Clinic. To de-stress, exercise regularly and consider practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and biofeedback. According to a January 2019 study in theJournal of Psychosomatic Research, mindfulness and yoga were effective at reducingdepression and anxietyand improving the quality of life of people with IBD.

Weinsteinmakes accommodationsfor her Crohn’s disease, and that means there are days when it’s just easier to stay home than risk being too far from a bathroom. But she doesn't let Crohn's completely stop her from doing what she loves — kayaking, taking road trips, and going to the beach. Although she can’t always be spontaneous, she prepares for a day of activities with fluids, scopes out a spot closest to the bathroom, and enjoys her day without worry.