Diet for blood in stool: Which foods to eat, which to avoid and an India diet plan

Blood in stool is also known as red diarrhea, which simply indicates that there is an injury and bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract (from mouth to anus).

Bright red blood in the stool indicates bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, the colon or rectum, or from piles. If you see tarry or black poop, it shows that the bleeding is coming from the upper digestive region (such as the esophagus or stomach), which is also medically called melena.

This symptom is common in some diseases such as piles, anal fissures, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal bleeding, etc. While some dietary changes can help ease this symptom, others can worsen the condition. In this article, we will discuss these foods in detail and share an Indian diet plan for a fast recovery.

What to eat when you see blood in stool
Anti-inflammatory foods to reduce inflammation
Which foods to avoid when there is blood in stool
Diet plan for recovery from blood in stool

Doctors for Diet for blood in stool

What to eat when you see blood in stool

Following are some dietary changes that can help control this condition:

Soft diet

A soft diet can provide immediate relief from this condition and helps your digestive system relax and recover from certain types of diseases. A soft diet doesn't have foods that are hard to chew or swallow. It also does not include spicy, fried or greasy foods. A soft diet means you don't eat foods that are hard to chew or swallow. So when you are planning your meals, add foods like rice porridge, suji kheer, tapioca pearl kheer and mashed potato to stop the bleeding and control the condition.

Allen A10 Dysentry Drop

₹175 ₹195 10% OFF

BUY NOW

Oligoantigenic diet

Research studies say that an oligoantigenic diet can be helpful for gastrointestinal bleeding. The main idea of the oligoantigenic diet is that it eliminates all foods that could provoke an allergic response. Such foods include those that you might not think of usually, including chocolate, cow's milk, cheese, wheat, citrus fruits, nuts and eggs. This diet can be extremely limiting; that is why starting and following the oligoantigenic diet takes a lot of commitment and patience. If you want to start this diet to know your allergens, discuss with your nutritionist and doctor first.

(Read more: Allergy)

Probiotics - Probiotics help with blood in stool in Hindi

A diet rich in probiotics can help relieve gut issues like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, etc. These foods, like idli, curd, dhokla, kefir, pickles and fermented foods, support the health of the gut microbiome. They also help properly digest and absorb the nutrients in food and keep your gut in good condition. These characteristics make it good for healing your body if you notice blood in your stool.

Fiber

Many different conditions can cause there to be blood in the stool. In all those conditions, fiber is an essential nutrient. It provides bulk to the stool and keep it soft enough to be passed easily. You can get enough fiber by including fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grain and millets in your diet. If you are considering taking a fiber supplement, start slowly to give your body time to adjust and make sure you are drinking plenty of water. If you have chronic constipation, a sudden change in your dietary habits can give you discomfort during bowel movements or abdominal pain. So before going on any fibre supplement, consult your doctor. In the meantime, try to have fiber only from natural sources.

Plenty of water

Drinking enough water can nourish and detox the body and help ease chronic constipation, which is a major cause of blood in the stool. Try to drink 2-3 litres or 10-12 glasses of water every day. If you are not able to drink plain water, have liquids like buttermilk, lemon water or detox water.

Anti-inflammatory foods to reduce inflammation

Inflammation is commonly seen in some digestive issues such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, etc. If this inflammation is not treated, it can worsen your condition. If you frequently experience inflammation, some of the following food options can be helpful for you:

Omega 3 fatty acid-rich food: Omega 3 fatty acids are known as an anti-inflammatory nutrient. Fatty fish contain a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids. If you are vegetarian, have more walnuts and flaxseeds regularly.
Sweet potato: Sweet potato contains a good amount of choline, which is a micronutrient that helps reduce inflammation in the body. Frequent consumption of sweet potato can be beneficial in controlling the bleeding.
Turmeric: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be had raw, powdered or in pill form. To include this food in your diet, add it in your herbal tea, milk, curry, lentil or pickle.
Colourful fruits and vegetables: All colourful fruits and vegetables should be added to your diet to control this condition. They all have a good amount of fiber, water, vitamins and minerals. But always choose fresh and seasonal options rather than packaged juices or soups for the wholesome benefits.

Which foods to avoid when there is blood in stool

There are certain food options that can increase acid reflux, gas, constipation, inflammation and other conditions which can flare up and worsen the condition. Try to avoid having the following:

Spicy and greasy food: Spicy, fried, greasy and fatty foods can all cause heartburn and lead to reflux because they prevent the lower esophageal sphincter from fully tightening; this creates an opening for stomach acids to flow upward which can work as a trigger.

Foods that increase inflammation in the body: Evidence suggests that eating too much added sugar and too many refined carbohydrates can cause inflammation in the stomach. So try to avoid white sugar, honey, fruit juices, all-purpose flour, sweets, carbonated and energy drinks, etc.

Smoking and alcohol: Alcohol and smoking can increase stomach acids and lead to ulcers. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or smoke if you have GI bleeding.

Caffeine-rich foods and drinks: Caffeine can dehydrate your body, which increases the risk of constipation; this can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding in few diseases. If you crave caffeinated foods and drinks, replace your tea, coffee, energy drinks and chocolate with non-caffeinated green tea, turmeric tea, herbal tea, lemon water, buttermilk and jaggery, etc.

Processed foods: Processed food is bad for the gut as it can have a harmful effect on the ‘good bacteria’ that live in our gut, interact with our immune system and work as a trigger that leads to chronic inflammation and other health conditions which can cause blood in the stool. To eliminate this food group, choose home-cooked food and avoid ready-to-eat items like french fries, packaged snacks (chips, namkeen, biscuits), bakery products (cake, pastry), processed meat items (bacon, sausage, ham, salami), etc.