Are Sweets Good for Diarrhea? The Surprising Truth About Sugar and Gut Health

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, sugary foods and liquids should be avoided during diarrhea, as they can be hard to digest and may make symptoms worse. Despite the common craving for comfort foods during illness, consuming sweets can have a negative impact on an already sensitive digestive system.

Quick Summary

Sugary foods and drinks should be avoided when experiencing diarrhea because excess sugar draws water into the intestines, worsening symptoms. Artificial sweeteners found in many sweets can also have a laxative effect. Focusing on bland, low-sugar foods is a better strategy for recovery.

Key Points

Avoid Sugary Foods: Most sweets, candy, and sugary drinks should be avoided during diarrhea as they can worsen symptoms and delay recovery.
Osmotic Effect: Sugar draws water into the intestines, which can make stools more watery and increase the frequency of bowel movements.
Beware of Artificial Sweeteners: Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol have a laxative effect and should also be avoided when you have diarrhea.
Stick to Bland Foods: The B.R.A.T. diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is recommended because these foods are easy to digest and can help firm up stool.
Hydrate Smartly: Stay hydrated with water and clear broth instead of sugary sports drinks or sodas.
Watch for Gut Disruption: Excessive sugar can disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiota, potentially leading to inflammation and prolonging the digestive upset.

The Detrimental Effects of Sugar on Diarrhea

When experiencing diarrhea, the digestive system is already in a state of distress. Introducing high amounts of sugar, whether from candy, baked goods, or sugary drinks, can worsen the condition. This happens because sugar stimulates the gut to draw water and electrolytes into the intestines, which loosens stools and intensifies diarrhea. Additionally, excessive sugar intake can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, feeding harmful bacteria and further compromising digestive health.

How Sugar Influences Intestinal Function

Understanding the mechanism behind sugar's negative impact is key. The intestine is designed to absorb nutrients and water, but a high sugar load can overwhelm this process. When unabsorbed sugars reach the colon, gut bacteria ferment them, leading to increased gas, bloating, and fluid secretion. This process exacerbates the watery stool characteristic of diarrhea and slows down recovery. High-fructose corn syrup, commonly found in sodas and processed foods, is a major offender due to its high fructose content, which is difficult for many to absorb.

The Problem with Artificial Sweeteners

It's not just regular sugar that's the problem. Many people turn to sugar-free products containing artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, mistakenly believing them to be safer for digestion. However, these sugar alcohols are notoriously difficult for the body to digest and can have a significant laxative effect, directly contributing to diarrhea. This makes sugar-free candies, gums, and diet sodas particularly problematic choices during a bout of diarrhea.

Sugar and Gut Microbiota Imbalance

Your gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms crucial for healthy digestion. Excess sugar consumption disrupts this delicate balance, a condition known as dysbiosis. High sugar intake can foster the growth of harmful pathogens, such as certain yeasts and bacteria, while reducing the population of beneficial bacteria. This imbalance can lead to inflammation and compromise the intestinal barrier, potentially leading to a "leaky gut" and prolonging gastrointestinal issues. A healthy gut relies on a diverse microbiota, which is better supported by a diet rich in fiber and whole foods rather than refined sugars.

What to Eat Instead: A Better Diet for Diarrhea Recovery

Rather than turning to sweets, focus on the B.R.A.T. diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are all bland, low-fiber foods that are easy to digest and can help firm up your stool. Staying properly hydrated with low-sugar options is also crucial to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Foods to Focus on (B.R.A.T. and Beyond):

Bananas: High in potassium, which is often lost during diarrhea.
Rice: Plain, white rice is an easily digestible source of carbohydrates.
Applesauce: Provides pectin, a soluble fiber that can help absorb excess fluid in the intestines.
Toast: Plain, white toast is a good option for a simple carbohydrate.
Yogurt with live cultures: Probiotics can help restore beneficial gut bacteria, but choose low-sugar varieties to avoid irritating the gut further.
Clear broths: Excellent for hydration and replacing electrolytes without irritating the digestive system.

Comparison: Sweets vs. Bland Foods for Diarrhea


Feature	Sweets & Sugary Foods	Bland Foods (e.g., BRAT diet)
Effect on Intestines	Draws water in, increases fluid content	Absorbent, helps firm up stool
Gut Microbiota	Disrupts balance, feeds harmful bacteria	Neutral or promotes balance (probiotics)
Digestion Effort	Hard to digest, especially sugar alcohols	Easy to digest, gentle on the stomach
Symptom Impact	Worsens diarrhea, causes gas and bloating	Eases symptoms, provides essential nutrients
Hydration	Can cause dehydration due to fluid loss	Aids in hydration and electrolyte replacement

Conclusion

Consuming sweets and sugary products, including those with artificial sweeteners, is not advisable when you have diarrhea. The osmotic effect of sugar pulls water into the intestines, exacerbating loose stools and hindering recovery. Additionally, the fat content in many sweets and the disruption to the gut microbiome can prolong discomfort. For effective relief and a faster recovery, stick to bland, easily digestible foods like the B.R.A.T. diet and ensure adequate hydration with low-sugar electrolyte drinks or broth. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare provider is essential. For more information on dietary management during digestive issues, consider reviewing resources from trusted medical institutions like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Summary of Dietary Guidelines

Avoid high-sugar foods, processed snacks, and drinks.
Steer clear of artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol.
Stick to bland foods like bananas, rice, and toast.
Stay hydrated with water, clear broths, or low-sugar sports drinks.
Consider probiotic-rich, low-sugar yogurt to help restore gut flora.
Seek medical advice if diarrhea is severe or prolonged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sweets can make diarrhea worse due to a process called osmosis, where sugar pulls excess water into the intestines. This increases the fluid content of your stool, making it looser and more frequent.

It is generally best to avoid fruit juice when you have diarrhea, as the high concentration of fructose can worsen symptoms by drawing more water into the bowel. Some diluted, low-fructose options like apple juice might be tolerated in small amounts, but water is always best.

No, sugar-free sweets often contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol, which are poorly absorbed by the body. These can have a strong laxative effect, which will exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.

Both simple sugars, like fructose found in fruits and high-fructose corn syrup, and sugar alcohols are particularly problematic. These can either overwhelm the intestine's absorption capacity or have a direct laxative effect.

It is not recommended to eat chocolate when you have diarrhea. Chocolate contains sugar and often fat, both of which can irritate the digestive system and worsen symptoms.

Instead of traditional sweets, you can opt for bland, low-sugar options. Applesauce, bananas, or a small amount of fruit-flavored gelatin are safer alternatives because they are easier to digest.

It's best to avoid sweets until your bowel movements have returned to normal. Reintroduce them slowly and in moderation. For some people, particularly those with conditions like IBS, a longer restriction may be necessary to avoid a relapse.