Can I eat sweets while having diarrhea?

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

Studies have consistently shown that consuming high amounts of sugar can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms by drawing water into the intestines. Therefore, the general recommendation to the question, "Can I eat sweets while having diarrhea?" is to avoid them to prevent prolonged discomfort and dehydration.

Quick Summary

Eating sugary foods and drinks is not recommended during a bout of diarrhea, as high sugar content can pull fluid into the intestines, worsening loose stools and dehydration. Focusing on bland, low-sugar foods and proper hydration is key to digestive recovery.

Key Points

Avoid Added Sugars: High sugar intake, especially from processed sweets, worsens diarrhea by drawing water into the intestines, leading to looser stools and dehydration.
Skip Artificial Sweeteners: Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol found in sugar-free products have a laxative effect and can cause gas and bloating.
Embrace Bland Foods: The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is recommended because these foods are easy to digest and have a binding effect to help firm up stool.
Stay Hydrated Smartly: Replenish lost fluids and electrolytes with water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions, not sugary sodas or juices.
Introduce Foods Gradually: After symptoms improve, slowly reintroduce other foods, focusing on easy-to-digest options before returning to a normal diet.
Consult a Doctor for Persistent Symptoms: If diarrhea is severe or lasts more than a few days, seek medical advice, as it may indicate a more serious condition.

The Negative Effects of Sugar on an Upset Gut

When your digestive system is already compromised by diarrhea, adding sugar, especially in concentrated forms like candy, soda, and processed desserts, can make matters significantly worse. The science behind this is rooted in the way your body processes different types of sugars and the stress it places on your sensitive digestive tract.

Osmotic Effect of Sugar

During digestion, sugar can have an osmotic effect. This means that when large quantities of sugar reach your intestines, they draw excess water into the bowel. This influx of water dilutes the stools, making them looser and increasing the frequency and urgency of bowel movements. For someone already struggling with watery stools, this can worsen symptoms and accelerate the risk of dehydration. Fructose, in particular, which is common in many sweets and sweetened beverages, is a frequent culprit.

The Role of Artificial Sweeteners

It’s not just table sugar that poses a problem; artificial sweeteners also need to be avoided. Sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, commonly found in sugar-free gums, candies, and diet drinks, are known to have a laxative effect. The body struggles to absorb these compounds, and they can ferment in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, and more diarrhea.

Imbalance of Gut Bacteria

Excessive sugar intake can also disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiota. While your body recovers from a digestive upset, maintaining healthy gut bacteria is crucial. A diet high in sugar can foster the growth of less beneficial microbes and hinder the restoration of a healthy bacterial environment. This can slow down your recovery and contribute to ongoing digestive issues.

Safe and Soothing Food Choices

Instead of indulging in sweets, focus on bland, easy-to-digest foods that help your gut heal. The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—is a classic recommendation for a reason. These foods are low in fiber and binding, helping to firm up stool.

Here are more solid food and drink options that are easy on your stomach:

Low-Fiber Starches: Plain white rice, potatoes (peeled and cooked), crackers, and oatmeal are all good choices.
Lean Proteins: Baked or broiled chicken or turkey without skin, as well as cooked eggs, are easily digestible and provide essential nutrients.
Cooked Vegetables: Soft, cooked vegetables like carrots, green beans, and peeled zucchini are gentle on the digestive system.
Probiotics: Some experts recommend probiotic-rich foods like plain yogurt with live cultures. These can help rebalance intestinal flora and potentially shorten the duration of diarrhea. It's best to start with small amounts to ensure it doesn't cause irritation.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is paramount. Water, clear broths, and electrolyte-enhanced drinks (Pedialyte or low-sugar sports drinks) are excellent for replenishing lost fluids and minerals. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) offers additional eating and diet tips for diarrhea.

Comparison Table: What to Eat vs. What to Avoid

To help you make better choices, here is a quick reference guide comparing foods that are helpful and harmful during diarrhea.


Food Category	Recommended (Eat)	Avoid (Sweets & Irritants)
Starches	White rice, toast (white bread), oatmeal, saltine crackers	Packaged sweets, pastries, high-fructose corn syrup products
Fruits	Ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce, canned peaches	Sugary fruit juices, canned fruit in heavy syrup, dried fruit
Proteins	Skinless baked chicken, scrambled eggs, lean turkey	Fried meats, processed meats, fatty cuts of meat
Dairy	Plain yogurt with live cultures, lactose-free milk (if tolerated)	Milk, cheese, ice cream, high-sugar flavored yogurts
Beverages	Water, clear broth, electrolyte drinks, herbal tea (decaf)	Soda, energy drinks, coffee, alcohol, fruit punch
Sweeteners	Minimal sugar in electrolyte drinks only	Table sugar, candy, honey, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol

Conclusion

While a sweet treat might seem comforting when you're feeling unwell, it is one of the worst things you can consume with diarrhea. High sugar content, both from natural and artificial sources, can actively worsen your symptoms by pulling water into your intestines and disrupting your gut flora. Instead, prioritize bland, low-sugar foods and stay well-hydrated with water and electrolyte solutions to give your digestive system the best chance to recover quickly. If your symptoms are severe or persist for more than a few days, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sugar worsens diarrhea because of its osmotic effect. High amounts of sugar in your intestines pull excess water from your body, resulting in looser, more watery stools and increasing the risk of dehydration.

No, you should generally avoid fruit juices high in sugar like fructose, as they can have the same osmotic effect as other sweets and worsen your symptoms. Instead, opt for water or electrolyte drinks.

Ice cream and most flavored yogurts contain high amounts of sugar and often dairy, which can be difficult to digest during a bout of diarrhea. Plain yogurt with live cultures is a better, low-sugar alternative that can help restore healthy gut bacteria.

No, diet sodas and sugar-free candies contain artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols (like sorbitol) that have a known laxative effect. Consuming them can lead to increased bloating, gas, and further digestive distress.

For hydration, choose water, clear broths, or electrolyte-enhanced water. If using a sports drink, opt for low-sugar varieties or dilute them. You can also make a simple oral rehydration solution at home.

No, bananas and unsweetened applesauce are key components of the BRAT diet. They are low in fiber and have binding properties that help firm up stools, unlike concentrated sugary juices or dried fruits.

You should wait until your diarrhea symptoms have completely resolved and your bowel movements have returned to normal. Then, reintroduce a normal diet gradually to avoid a relapse.