Understanding the Impact of Diet on Diarrhea
When your digestive system is compromised by diarrhea, it's essential to give it a rest and avoid anything that can irritate it further. Certain foods can worsen symptoms by increasing intestinal activity, causing gas, or drawing more water into the bowel. The right dietary choices can help firm up stools, while the wrong ones can prolong the issue and even lead to dehydration.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
To help your body recover, it is best to steer clear of the following food categories until your bowel movements return to normal.
High-Fat and Greasy Foods
Foods high in fat and oil are notoriously difficult for the sensitive digestive system to process, which can make diarrhea worse. This includes:
- Fried foods like french fries, onion rings, and fried chicken
- Greasy cuts of meat, such as bacon and marbled beef
- Rich, creamy gravies and sauces
- Chips and other high-fat snacks
Dairy Products
During a bout of diarrhea, your body may be temporarily sensitive to dairy products, even if you normally have no issues. This temporary lactose intolerance occurs because the enzyme needed to digest lactose is in short supply. Dairy products to avoid include:
- Milk
- Butter
- Cheese
- Ice cream
- Cream-based sauces and dressings
Some probiotics, like those found in yogurt, may help balance gut flora, but it is often best to stick to dairy-free alternatives unless you know you tolerate them well.
High-Fiber Foods
While high-fiber foods are generally healthy, a temporary reduction in insoluble fiber can help slow down the digestive system. Foods to limit include:
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and high-fiber cereals
- Legumes: Beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas
- Raw Vegetables: Especially gas-promoting types like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
- Dried and Certain Raw Fruits: Prunes, figs, and berries with seeds
Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners
Excessive sugar can pull water into the intestines, exacerbating diarrhea. Similarly, certain artificial sweeteners have a well-known laxative effect.
- Sugary Foods: Candy, cakes, pastries, and overly sweet fruit juices
- Artificial Sweeteners: Sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, found in sugar-free gum and diet drinks
Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages
Both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, which means they can contribute to dehydration. Carbonated drinks can also cause gas and bloating, worsening discomfort.
- Caffeine: Coffee, black tea, and most sodas
- Alcohol: All forms of alcoholic beverages
- Carbonated Drinks: Sodas and sparkling waters
Spicy and Irritating Foods
Spicy ingredients can act as irritants to the digestive system, increasing intestinal activity and discomfort. It is best to stick to bland flavors until you feel better.
A Comparison of Foods to Avoid vs. Foods to Eat
To put it in perspective, here is a table comparing the types of food to steer clear of versus the ones that can aid recovery. For more on safe food choices, see the Everyday Health guide on starchy foods for diarrhea.
| Food Category | Foods to Avoid | Foods to Eat (Bland Diet) |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy | Milk, cheese, ice cream | Lactose-free milk, plain yogurt (with probiotics if tolerated) |
| Grains | Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, high-fiber cereals | White toast, white rice, saltine crackers, oatmeal |
| Proteins | Fatty meats (bacon, sausage), fried meats | Plain, baked, or boiled chicken, turkey, or fish; eggs |
| Fats | Fried food, greasy dishes, rich sauces | None, or minimal amounts of smooth peanut butter |
| Fruits | Citrus fruits, dried fruits, seeded berries | Bananas, applesauce, canned peaches |
| Vegetables | Raw vegetables, gassy vegetables (broccoli, cabbage) | Boiled or steamed carrots, green beans, peeled potatoes |
| Beverages | Caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, high-sugar juice | Water, electrolyte drinks, clear broths, weak decaffeinated tea |
Gradually Reintroducing Foods
As your symptoms begin to subside, you can slowly start reintroducing foods back into your diet. Start with small, frequent meals rather than large ones. A good strategy is to begin with the bland foods listed in the table and then add other, more complex foods one by one to see how your digestive system reacts. If a particular food causes symptoms to return, remove it and try again later.
Conclusion
Making mindful dietary choices is a cornerstone of effective diarrhea management. By understanding what can you not eat during diarrhea, you give your digestive system the necessary space to heal and recover without further irritation. The key is to avoid fatty, greasy, spicy, and high-fiber foods, as well as dairy products, excessive sugar, and irritating beverages like caffeine and alcohol. Focusing on bland, easily digestible foods like those in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and ensuring adequate hydration with electrolyte solutions is the most effective approach. While most acute diarrhea resolves on its own, adopting these nutritional strategies can significantly shorten its duration and minimize discomfort. If symptoms persist or worsen, always consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
