Are Grapes Good For Diarrhea? What To Know

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Medical experts often recommend avoiding certain raw fruits, such as grapes, when experiencing diarrhea because they can have a laxative effect. Many people are curious if grapes are good for diarrhea or if they are best left out of a recovery diet.

Quick Summary

While a healthy snack for many, grapes contain high levels of fructose and fiber, which can irritate the digestive system and worsen diarrhea symptoms. It is generally best to avoid them.

Key Points

Avoid During Diarrhea: Grapes are generally not recommended for consumption when you have diarrhea due to their high fructose and fiber content.
High Fructose Risk: The fermentable sugar (fructose) in grapes can cause gas, bloating, and stomach cramps, especially if you are sensitive.
Laxative Effect: The combination of fiber and organic acids in grapes can stimulate bowel movements, worsening loose stools.
Choose Bland Alternatives: Opt for binding, low-fiber foods like bananas, rice, and applesauce, which are easier on the digestive system.
Prioritize Hydration: Focus on replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes with water, broths, and rehydration solutions rather than fruit juice.
Moderation is Key: While a small number of grapes might be tolerated by some, excessive consumption can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Why Grapes Can Worsen Diarrhea Symptoms

It may be tempting to reach for a handful of grapes when you're feeling unwell, but for many, this can be a mistake. Several factors contribute to why grapes, and other similar fruits, are often contraindicated during a bout of diarrhea. The combination of their natural sugars, fiber, and organic acids can irritate an already sensitive digestive system and exacerbate symptoms.

High Fructose Content and FODMAPs

Grapes are relatively high in fructose, a type of fermentable carbohydrate known as a FODMAP. For individuals with a sensitive digestive system or conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), consuming a high quantity of fructose can overwhelm the small intestine's ability to absorb it. The unabsorbed fructose then travels to the large intestine, where it is fermented by gut bacteria, leading to:

Increased gas and bloating
Abdominal cramps
Worsened loose stools

Even in individuals without a pre-existing sensitivity, overeating grapes can lead to an overload of fructose, triggering these unpleasant digestive side effects.

Laxative Effect from Fiber and Organic Acids

While fiber is typically beneficial for digestive health, its effects need to be considered carefully when dealing with diarrhea. Grapes contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. During diarrhea, the goal is often to reduce bulk in the bowel, which high-fiber foods increase. Furthermore, grapes contain organic acids like tartaric and malic acid. These compounds can have a mild stimulating effect on the bowel muscles, encouraging things to move along more quickly. This is the opposite of what is needed when trying to firm up stool and calm the digestive system.

Better Alternatives and Dietary Considerations

When dealing with diarrhea, the focus should be on gentle, bland, and easily digestible foods. The well-known BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) is a classic example of this approach.

BRAT vs. Grapes: A Comparison


Feature	Grapes (Generally Avoid)	BRAT Diet Foods (Recommended)
Fiber Type	Both soluble and insoluble; can increase stool bulk	Mostly soluble or refined; low bulk
Sugar Type	High in fructose (high FODMAP); can worsen symptoms	Low sugar; no fermentable fructose
Astringent/Binding	Non-binding, can have laxative effect	Binding effect (e.g., banana, applesauce)
Digestibility	Can be irritating to a sensitive gut	Very bland and easy on the digestive system
Hydration	Good water content, but comes with sugars and fiber	Helps rehydrate, often part of liquid intake plan
Nutrients	Vitamins and antioxidants, but not beneficial during acute diarrhea	Electrolytes like potassium (banana)

Recommended Foods During Diarrhea

Bananas: An excellent source of potassium, which is lost through diarrhea, and has a binding effect on stool.
Plain White Rice: A refined carbohydrate that is easy to digest and low in fiber.
Applesauce: Cooking fruit breaks down the fiber, making it gentler on the stomach.
Toast (White): A low-fiber option that provides some carbohydrates.
Saltine Crackers: Simple, plain, and easy to digest.
Clear Broths: Helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Boiled Potatoes (Peeled): Offers potassium and is easy to digest.

Hydration is Key

Regardless of diet, maintaining proper hydration is the most critical factor when experiencing diarrhea. The body loses significant fluids and electrolytes, which must be replenished to prevent dehydration.

Drink plenty of plain water throughout the day.
Sip on clear broths, such as chicken or vegetable broth, for sodium and other minerals.
Consume oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or electrolyte drinks to restore lost salts and fluids.
Herbal teas (decaffeinated) can also be soothing.

Conclusion

While grapes are a nutrient-rich and healthy food in a normal diet, they are not advisable for consumption during a bout of diarrhea. Their combination of high fructose, fiber, and organic acids can irritate the digestive system and prolong or worsen symptoms. Instead, focus on bland, easily digestible, and binding foods like bananas, white rice, and applesauce. Prioritizing hydration with water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions is also paramount for a quick and comfortable recovery. If symptoms persist or are severe, consult a healthcare professional. For information on grape juice and stomach issues, you can refer to an article on WebMD: Does Grape Juice Fight Stomach Bugs?.

How can grape juice be handled during a stomach bug?

Some believe grape juice can fight stomach bugs, but this is a myth. It is too mild to alter stomach acidity significantly and does not contain enough antivirals to be effective. For those on a low-FODMAP diet, grape juice can contain a higher concentration of fructose than a small portion of whole grapes, potentially triggering symptoms. It's best to stick to water or electrolyte drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grapes are not recommended because they contain high levels of fructose and fiber, which can irritate the digestive tract, increase gas, and worsen loose stools.

Eating large quantities of grapes can cause an overload of fiber and fructose, which can lead to increased bloating, cramping, and more severe diarrhea.

No, grape juice should also be avoided as it contains a high concentration of fructose that can aggravate diarrhea symptoms and is high in fermentable sugars.

No, all varieties of grapes contain fructose and fiber that can irritate the digestive system during diarrhea, making them best to avoid.

Bland, easily digestible foods like bananas, plain rice, applesauce, and white toast are better options, as they are low in fiber and have a binding effect.

While not common, consuming a very large quantity of grapes can sometimes cause diarrhea or loose stools even in healthy individuals due to the high fiber and sugar content.

Bananas are often considered the best fruit to eat during diarrhea because they are easily digestible, have a binding effect, and contain potassium to help replenish electrolytes.

Fruits like bananas and applesauce are recommended for diarrhea because they contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help firm up stool. Grapes, however, have a different fiber and sugar profile that is more likely to cause irritation.

Yes, once your digestive system has recovered and you are tolerating bland foods, you can slowly reintroduce grapes in small quantities to see how your body reacts.