Is yogurt good for diarrhea? Separating Fact from Intolerance

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Studies have shown that consuming probiotics, like those found in certain types of yogurt, can reduce the duration and severity of infectious diarrhea by up to 25 hours. The answer to is yogurt good for diarrhea? depends heavily on the type of yogurt you choose and your individual tolerance for dairy. For many, the live and active cultures can be a powerful aid in restoring balance to a disturbed gut.

Quick Summary

This article explores how probiotic yogurt can aid in managing diarrhea, including types caused by antibiotics and infections, by replenishing beneficial gut bacteria. It also explains why yogurt might worsen symptoms for those with lactose intolerance and offers guidance on selecting the best probiotic-rich options while avoiding high-sugar versions.

Key Points

Check for Probiotics: Not all yogurt is created equal; look for a label specifying "live and active cultures" to ensure it contains beneficial probiotics.
Choose Low Sugar: Avoid high-sugar, flavored yogurts, as excess sugar can worsen diarrhea symptoms and irritate the digestive tract.
Beware of Lactose Intolerance: For those with lactose intolerance, dairy-based yogurt may exacerbate diarrhea; consider a plant-based probiotic alternative instead.
Restores Gut Bacteria: Probiotic yogurt helps replenish the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which is often disrupted by diarrhea-causing infections or antibiotics.
Complement a Bland Diet: Incorporate plain yogurt into a diet of bland, binding foods like bananas, rice, and toast to help firm up stool.
Look for Specific Strains: Certain strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii, have been specifically linked to shortening the duration of diarrhea.

The Gut-Healing Power of Probiotics

Diarrhea disrupts the delicate balance of microorganisms in your gut, known as the gut microbiome. This can be caused by infections, antibiotics, or other gastrointestinal conditions. A healthy gut relies on a diverse community of beneficial bacteria to function properly. Probiotic-rich yogurt works by reintroducing these "good" bacteria, which can help combat the harmful pathogens causing the diarrhea.

How Probiotics Aid Recovery

Restoring Bacterial Balance: Antibiotics, in particular, can kill off beneficial bacteria along with the harmful ones, leading to what is known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Probiotics in yogurt help repopulate the gut with healthy bacteria, restoring the natural balance.
Shortening Duration: Research suggests that for infectious diarrhea, probiotics may significantly shorten the duration of symptoms. Some studies show a reduction of up to 25 hours in the length of a diarrheal episode.
Supporting the Immune System: A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for a strong immune system. By restoring the bacterial balance, probiotic yogurt helps support the body's natural defenses against infections.

The Lactose Intolerance Factor

For some individuals, yogurt can paradoxically worsen diarrhea symptoms. This is often the case for those with lactose intolerance, a condition where the body has difficulty digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy. When undigested lactose reaches the colon, it is fermented by bacteria, producing gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Interestingly, some evidence suggests that the live and active cultures in probiotic yogurt may help with lactose digestion for some individuals. However, if you are severely lactose intolerant, it may be best to avoid dairy-based yogurt altogether and opt for plant-based, probiotic alternatives.

Comparing Yogurt Types for Diarrhea Relief


Feature	Plain, Probiotic Yogurt	High-Sugar, Flavored Yogurt	Dairy-Free Probiotic Yogurt
Effect on Diarrhea	Can help restore gut flora and shorten symptoms.	High sugar can worsen diarrhea symptoms.	Effective probiotic source for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Probiotic Count	Look for "live and active cultures" and ideally 10+ billion CFUs.	Often contains high sugar and fewer effective probiotic strains.	Check labels for specific probiotic strains and CFU counts.
Sugar Content	Low in sugar, which is crucial during diarrhea.	High sugar content can irritate the digestive system.	Generally low in sugar, but check for added sweeteners.
Best For	Most people without lactose intolerance experiencing diarrhea.	Best to avoid when experiencing diarrhea symptoms.	Individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

How to Choose and Consume Yogurt for Diarrhea

If you decide that yogurt is a good option for you, follow these tips to maximize its benefits and minimize any potential discomfort:

Opt for Plain, Unsweetened: Added sugars can feed bad bacteria and worsen diarrhea. Stick to plain varieties to avoid unnecessary digestive irritation.
Look for “Live and Active Cultures”: This label indicates that the yogurt contains a sufficient amount of beneficial bacteria to have a therapeutic effect.
Check the Strain: Certain probiotic strains are more effective for treating diarrhea. Look for yogurts containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, or Saccharomyces boulardii.
Incorporate into Bland Meals: Yogurt can be a soothing addition to a bland diet that includes foods like bananas, rice, and applesauce. Starting with small, frequent meals is often easier on the stomach.

Beyond Yogurt: Other Considerations for Diarrhea

While probiotic yogurt can be beneficial, it's just one part of a comprehensive approach to managing diarrhea. Proper hydration is critical to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions, broths, and water are all excellent choices. A temporary bland diet is also often recommended, focusing on low-fiber, easily digestible foods. Avoid foods that are fatty, spicy, high in fiber, or sugary, as these can aggravate symptoms.

Conclusion

For many, probiotic-rich yogurt can be a valuable dietary tool to help manage and recover from diarrhea, especially when the issue is related to antibiotic use or an infection. The key is to choose a plain, unsweetened yogurt with live and active cultures that contain specific, effective strains of probiotics. However, those with lactose intolerance should exercise caution and may find better relief with lactose-free or plant-based options. As always, if symptoms are severe or persistent, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yogurt containing live and active probiotic cultures can help shorten the duration of certain types of diarrhea, such as those caused by antibiotics or infections. It does this by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

For diarrhea, you should choose a plain, unsweetened yogurt with live and active cultures. Look for specific strains on the label known to help with digestive health, like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium lactis.

Yes, if you have lactose intolerance, dairy-based yogurt can make diarrhea worse. People with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme to digest milk sugar, and the undigested lactose can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. In this case, a dairy-free probiotic yogurt is a better choice.

Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into your digestive system. These good bacteria help to restore the gut's normal microflora balance, which can be disrupted by illness or antibiotics. This restoration helps fight off harmful bacteria and supports faster recovery.

Plain Greek yogurt can be a good choice for diarrhea, as it is often lower in lactose and higher in protein than regular yogurt. Be sure to choose an unflavored variety with live and active cultures to avoid excess sugar.

There is no official recommended dosage, but many experts suggest choosing a yogurt with at least 10 billion Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) per serving to get a therapeutic effect. Eating a serving or two a day as part of a bland diet can be beneficial.

In addition to probiotic yogurt, you should focus on a bland, low-fiber diet, often called the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). Other good choices include boiled potatoes, crackers, and clear broth. Staying hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks is also essential.