Can We Eat Kheer During Diarrhea?

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutrition experts, dairy products and sugary foods can often worsen symptoms of an upset stomach. Given this, the question arises: can we eat kheer during diarrhea, a sweet, milk-based dessert? The traditional ingredients in kheer, primarily milk and sugar, are generally advised against during a bout of loose motions due to their potential to exacerbate digestive distress.

Quick Summary

Kheer is not recommended during diarrhea because its main ingredients, milk and sugar, can worsen symptoms. Dairy can be hard to digest due to temporary lactose sensitivity, while sugar may pull water into the intestines. It is safer to choose bland, binding foods like plain white rice or certain non-dairy, low-sugar alternatives.

Key Points

Avoid Regular Kheer: The milk and high sugar content in traditional kheer can worsen diarrhea symptoms by irritating the digestive system.
Consider Temporary Lactose Intolerance: During illness, many people temporarily lose the ability to digest lactose, leading to bloating and more severe diarrhea.
Sugar Worsens Dehydration: The high sugar in kheer can draw water into the intestines, making watery stools worse and potentially increasing dehydration.
Choose Simple Alternatives: Safer options include plain white rice porridge (kanji) with a pinch of salt, which is easy to digest and can help firm up stools.
Opt for Dairy-Free Versions Cautiously: If making a modification, use a lactose-free or plant-based milk substitute with minimal sweetener, but prioritize bland foods first.
Prioritize the BRAT Diet: The bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast diet is a proven approach for soothing the stomach during and after a bout of diarrhea.

Understanding the Effects of Kheer on a Sensitive Gut

Kheer is a delicious dessert, but its components can be problematic for a compromised digestive system. When you have diarrhea, your gut is inflamed and sensitive, and certain food groups can trigger further discomfort and prolong symptoms. Kheer's primary ingredients—milk, sugar, and sometimes fatty nuts—are among those often recommended to be avoided.

The Impact of Milk and Lactose

Diarrhea can cause a temporary depletion of the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to digest the sugar (lactose) found in milk. This condition is known as secondary lactose intolerance and can last for a few days to a few weeks after a gastrointestinal illness. Consuming milk-based products like kheer can lead to undigested lactose entering the colon, where it ferments. This fermentation process can result in increased gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and—most importantly—worsen diarrhea. Even individuals who are not typically lactose intolerant can experience this temporary sensitivity.

The Role of Sugar in Digestive Upset

The high sugar content in kheer is another reason to avoid it when your stomach is sensitive. Sugary foods and beverages pull water into your intestines, which can make watery stools even more pronounced and potentially lead to dehydration. While a small amount of sugar can sometimes be used in oral rehydration solutions to help with fluid absorption, the high concentration in a dessert like kheer is counterproductive. Desserts, sweet beverages, and even artificial sweeteners are known culprits for exacerbating diarrhea symptoms.

Issues with Added Fats and High-Fiber Ingredients

Some traditional kheer recipes may include added fats like ghee or fatty nuts such as cashews and almonds. These ingredients can also be difficult for a sensitive digestive system to process, which may aggravate diarrhea. While white rice itself is a recommended binding food, the combination of rich milk, high sugar, and extra fats changes its effect entirely.

Safer Alternatives and Modifications

Instead of kheer, consider alternatives that align with the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet, which is often recommended for managing diarrhea. These foods are bland, low in fiber, and gentle on the stomach. If you are still craving a comforting dessert-like dish, you can make a modified, simpler version.

Rice Porridge (Kanji): A simple rice porridge made with plain white rice and water is an excellent option. It is a binding food that can help firm up stools. You can add a pinch of salt to replenish electrolytes lost during diarrhea.
Sabudana (Tapioca) Kheer: Some find a sabudana kheer, made with water instead of milk and minimal jaggery, to be soothing. Tapioca is easy to digest and can provide some energy without irritating the gut. However, it's best to proceed with caution and use a dairy alternative.
Vegan Kheer: A kheer made with lactose-free or plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and a very small amount of a natural sweetener like honey or jaggery is a safer alternative. However, it's still best to be cautious with added sugars. A better approach is to stick to plain, starchy foods first.

Kheer vs. BRAT Diet Foods for Diarrhea


Feature	Kheer	BRAT Diet Foods (e.g., plain rice)
Key Ingredients	Full-fat milk, high sugar, rice, fatty nuts	Plain white rice, water, minimal seasoning
Dairy Content	High in lactose (can cause temporary intolerance)	None (avoids dairy-related digestive issues)
Sugar Content	High, can worsen diarrhea by pulling water into the intestines	Low to none, prevents exacerbation of symptoms
Digestibility	Difficult to digest, especially the milk and fats	Highly digestible, gentle on the stomach
Effect on Stool	Can contribute to loose, watery stools due to sugar and dairy	Helps firm up stools due to its binding properties
Hydration	High sugar content can be dehydrating	Often prepared with water, can help with hydration
Recommended for Diarrhea?	Generally not recommended due to ingredients	Highly recommended for soothing an upset stomach

Conclusion: A Cautious Approach is Best

In summary, while the idea of a comforting bowl of kheer might be appealing when you're feeling unwell, its key ingredients—milk and sugar—are counter-indicated during diarrhea. The temporary lactose intolerance and the fluid-attracting nature of sugar can prolong or worsen your symptoms. For safe and effective recovery, stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like plain white rice, as outlined in the BRAT diet. If you must have a soothing dessert, consider a modified, low-sugar version using a dairy alternative, but only once your symptoms begin to improve. Always prioritize hydration and listen to your body, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Sources:

Everyday Health: What to Eat and What to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea
MedlinePlus: When you have diarrhea
Mayo Clinic: Lactose intolerance
Healthline: What to Eat When You Have Diarrhea

Frequently Asked Questions

Milk contains lactose, a sugar that can become difficult for the body to digest during and after a bout of diarrhea due to a temporary deficiency of the lactase enzyme. This can cause further bloating, gas, and loose stools.

Plain white rice is excellent for an upset stomach, but traditional rice pudding (like kheer) is not, as it is made with milk, high amounts of sugar, and sometimes fat, which can irritate the gut.

When you have diarrhea, avoid dairy products (except possibly probiotic yogurt), high-sugar foods, fatty/greasy foods, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fiber foods that cause gas.

The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—is highly recommended. These bland, low-fiber foods are easy to digest and help bind stools.

While using a plant-based milk alternative can remove the lactose problem, you must also eliminate the high sugar content. A simpler, low-sugar rice dish is still a safer choice for recovery.

Yes, for many people experiencing digestive sensitivity, the milk and high sugar content in kheer can irritate the digestive tract and worsen or prolong diarrhea symptoms.

Instead of a rich dessert, opt for bland options with natural sugars, like a ripe, mashed banana, or unsweetened applesauce. These choices are gentle on the stomach while providing some energy.