Should You Eat Scrambled Eggs If You Have Diarrhea? A Nutritional Guide

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Dehydration is one of the most serious risks during a bout of diarrhea, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While fluids are paramount, introducing solid food is often necessary for energy and recovery, which begs the question: Should you eat scrambled eggs if you have diarrhea?

Quick Summary

Plain, simply prepared scrambled eggs are a good source of easily digestible protein that can be beneficial when you have diarrhea. Avoiding excess fat, dairy, and strong seasonings is key to preventing further stomach irritation.

Key Points

Yes, eat simply prepared scrambled eggs: Plain scrambled eggs, without extra fat or seasonings, are a good source of easily digestible protein during diarrhea.
Avoid fatty additions: Do not add butter, cheese, or heavy cream to your scrambled eggs, as high fat content can worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Choose simple cooking methods: For an upset stomach, soft-scrambled, poached, or boiled eggs are the best choices.
Steer clear of most dairy: Temporarily limit or avoid dairy products like milk and cheese, as temporary lactose intolerance can occur during diarrhea.
Focus on bland foods: Pair your eggs with other mild, low-fiber options such as plain toast, white rice, or clear broth to soothe your digestive system.
Prioritize hydration: Alongside solid foods, continuously sip on water, broth, or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.

A bout of diarrhea can leave you feeling weak and drained. While the initial focus is on hydration, knowing which foods to eat as your appetite returns is crucial for a smooth recovery. The digestive system is irritated and sensitive, so opting for bland, easily digestible foods is essential. This is where simple cooked proteins like scrambled eggs can play a beneficial role.

The Digestive Benefits of Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs, when cooked simply, are gentle on the stomach and offer several advantages for someone with diarrhea. They are a source of high-quality protein that is easily broken down and absorbed by the body, providing essential nutrients without putting a strain on the digestive tract. Unlike high-fat, fried, or processed foods, plain cooked eggs help provide sustenance without exacerbating symptoms. For some individuals with diarrhea-dominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the protein can even have a "binding" effect, helping to slow down bowel movements.

The Importance of Preparation

How you cook your eggs is the most critical factor. Adding excessive fat, dairy, or seasonings can turn a gentle meal into a digestive nightmare. High-fat foods are difficult to digest and can worsen diarrhea, while dairy products like milk or cheese can be problematic due to temporary lactose intolerance that often occurs during illness.

Tips for preparing gentle scrambled eggs:

Use a non-stick pan to eliminate the need for excess butter or oil.
Whisk eggs with a small amount of water instead of milk to make them light and fluffy without the lactose.
Keep seasonings simple with just a pinch of salt.
Cook them over low heat to avoid overcooking, which can make the proteins tougher and harder to digest.

Foods to Eat and Avoid During Diarrhea

Building a meal plan around bland, low-fiber, and low-fat foods can help soothe your system and promote healing. Here is a general guide to help you make informed choices.

Foods to Eat (Bland Diet)

BRAT Diet: Bananas, plain white Rice, unsweetened Applesauce, and plain white Toast.
Other starches: Plain crackers, oatmeal, cream of wheat.
Lean protein: Skinless baked chicken or turkey, plain baked fish, tofu, and cooked eggs.
Soups and broth: Clear broth and low-fat chicken noodle soup can aid hydration and provide electrolytes.
Potatoes: Peeled and baked or boiled potatoes are a good source of potassium.

Foods to Avoid

High-fat and fried foods: Greasy, fried, and fatty foods are difficult to digest and will aggravate diarrhea.
Most dairy products: Milk, cheese, and ice cream contain lactose, which can worsen symptoms. Plain yogurt with active cultures may be an exception.
High-fiber foods: Whole grains, beans, and raw vegetables can stimulate bowel movements.
Spicy foods: Hot spices irritate the digestive tract.
Sugary items and artificial sweeteners: Excess sugar can cause the gut to release water, and artificial sweeteners can have a laxative effect.
Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can dehydrate you and irritate your stomach lining.

Comparison of Protein Sources for Diarrhea


Protein Source	Digestibility	Fat Content	Fiber Content	Suitability for Diarrhea
Plain Scrambled Eggs	High	Low (if prepared without added fat)	None	Excellent
Fried Eggs	Low	High (due to added oil/butter)	None	Poor
Lean Chicken Breast	High	Very Low	None	Excellent
Ground Beef	Moderate	High (can vary)	None	Poor
High-Fiber Legumes	Low	Low	High	Poor

Managing Diarrhea with Diet

Besides choosing the right foods, eating habits play a vital role in recovery. Opt for small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large ones to reduce the burden on your digestive system. As you begin to feel better, you can gradually reintroduce other foods, paying close attention to your body's reaction. Always listen to your body; if a food causes discomfort, avoid it for a while.

Remember to prioritize hydration by sipping on water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks to replenish lost fluids. If your symptoms persist or worsen after a couple of days, or if you experience severe pain, blood in the stool, or fever, you should seek medical advice.

Conclusion: Scrambled Eggs as a Safe and Gentle Choice

In conclusion, you can and should eat scrambled eggs if you have diarrhea, provided they are prepared simply and without rich, high-fat ingredients. They offer a great source of easily digestible protein that aids in recovery without irritating a sensitive digestive system. By prioritizing plain scrambled eggs and other bland foods while staying hydrated, you can help your body heal and get back on track faster. For more information on managing diarrhea, consult reliable medical sources such as the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should avoid fried eggs if you have diarrhea. Frying adds excess fat and oil, which is difficult for your compromised digestive system to process and can make symptoms worse.

The best ways to prepare eggs are by poaching, boiling, or soft-scrambling them without any added fats. This ensures they are as bland and easy to digest as possible.

No, it's best to avoid adding cheese. Dairy products, including cheese, can be hard to digest during a bout of diarrhea due to temporary lactose sensitivity.

Plain, cooked eggs are generally helpful, as they provide easily digestible protein that can aid recovery. However, eggs prepared with a lot of fat, dairy, or spice will hurt and worsen symptoms.

Excellent alternatives include lean baked chicken or fish, plain crackers, and clear broth. These options are also bland and easy on the stomach.

This can sometimes be misinformation based on the complexity of protein digestion, or a misunderstanding of how high-fat additions like butter or cheese affect the stomach. A high-fat egg dish can definitely be problematic, but plain eggs are usually tolerated well.

Plain white toast, saltine crackers, or a side of steamed peeled carrots are all good choices. These bland, low-fiber options will help settle your stomach without causing irritation.