Amid this summer’s Cyclospora outbreak, Houston Methodist experts offered some simple steps to take after diarrhea or vomiting symptoms begin to subside. These steps can minimize the risk of dehydration, fatigue and digestive discomfort.

While recovery timelines may look different for each person, experts say gradually reintroducing fluids and bland foods can help the body heal while minimizing further stomach irritation, experts said.

“The priority is preventing dehydration and allowing the digestive system time to recover,” said Dr. Saurabh Chandan, Interventional Gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist West Hospital. “Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes, while easing back into solid foods can help support recovery and prevent symptoms from worsening. Most people can return to their normal diet within about a week. Additionally, good hand hygiene and avoidance of food preparation while symptomatic is strongly advised."

Hours 0-6: Ice chips only

Once vomiting has subsided, start with:

· Ice chips

· Popsicles


Hours 6+: Introduce clear liquids and assess progress

If ice chips are tolerated, begin sipping small amounts of:

• Water

• Apple juice

• Grape juice

• Clear broth

• Avoid carbonated and opaque drinks (soda, dairy products)


You can take small sips every 15-30 minutes as tolerated. Try to drink more as you start to feel better.


After 24 hours: Try bland foods

As symptoms improve, begin eating bland, easy-to-digest foods, also known as the BRAT diet:

• Bananas

• Rice

• Applesauce

• Toast


Other options include:

• Crackers

• Plain oatmeal

• Plain grits


Foods and drinks to avoid

During recovery, temporarily avoid anything that may further irritate the digestive tract and can worsen symptoms including:

• Fried foods

• Fatty foods

• Spicy foods

• Alcohol

• Caffeine (unless avoiding it causes withdrawal headaches)


Infants and toddlers, older adults, people with kidney disease and/or poorly controlled diabetes are most vulnerable to the effects of dehydration and may require medical attention sooner.

Patients should seek medical advice if any of the following occur:

• Symptoms are not improving or continue to worsen

• Inability to keep water or other fluids down

• Signs of dehydration develop (severe fatigue, confusion, dizziness, thirst).


To learn more about prevention or treatment of intestinal illnesses, visit the Houston Methodist OnHealth blog at www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/.