What Not to Eat if You Have Chronic Diarrhea

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools that last for more than four weeks. Managing this condition often requires careful attention to diet, as many foods can act as triggers, irritating the digestive system and worsening symptoms.

Quick Summary

Fatty, greasy foods, dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners are common dietary culprits that can aggravate chronic diarrhea symptoms. Avoiding these triggers and adopting a gentle, low-FODMAP eating plan can help restore digestive comfort and function.

Key Points

Avoid fatty foods: Fried and greasy foods are difficult to digest and can trigger fluid secretion in the colon, worsening diarrhea.
Limit or eliminate dairy: Lactose intolerance is a common trigger, and symptoms can intensify even in those who usually tolerate dairy.
Cut out caffeine and alcohol: Both substances act as digestive stimulants, accelerating bowel movements and potentially leading to dehydration.
Watch for hidden sugars: Artificial sweeteners and excessive fructose can have a laxative effect and are commonly found in diet drinks and processed foods.
Moderate insoluble fiber: While fiber is essential, too much insoluble fiber can irritate the bowels during a flare-up; opt for soluble fiber instead.
Consider a low-FODMAP approach: If chronic diarrhea persists, exploring a low-FODMAP diet under professional guidance can help identify specific carbohydrate triggers.
Stay hydrated: Replenish lost fluids and electrolytes by drinking water or electrolyte solutions, and avoid dehydrating beverages.

Understanding the Impact of Diet on Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea is a persistent and uncomfortable condition that is often profoundly affected by diet. Unlike a short-term bout of acute diarrhea, which can result from a virus or food poisoning, chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of an underlying condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or Crohn's disease. For many, managing symptoms is a matter of identifying and eliminating dietary triggers that irritate the digestive system.

High-Fat and Fried Foods

When fatty foods are not properly absorbed by the small intestine, they travel to the colon where they are broken down into fatty acids. This process can cause the colon to secrete fluid, leading to or worsening diarrhea. For individuals with chronic diarrhea, avoiding excessive fat is critical.

Foods to avoid: Fast food, fried items like french fries and fried chicken, rich sauces, fatty cuts of meat, bacon, sausage, pastries, and creamy soups.
The alternative: Lean meats, baked or grilled fish, broth-based soups, and low-fat dairy alternatives.

Dairy Products

Lactose intolerance is a common cause of chronic diarrhea, where the body lacks sufficient lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Even those without a pre-existing intolerance may become temporarily sensitive to dairy during a flare-up.

Foods to avoid: Milk, cheese, ice cream, butter, and other high-lactose products.
The alternative: Lactose-free milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and plain, low-lactose yogurt, which contains beneficial probiotics.

Caffeine and Alcohol

Both caffeine and alcohol are known to act as gastrointestinal stimulants, speeding up motility or the movement of waste through the digestive tract. This can reduce the time available for water absorption in the colon, resulting in loose stools.

Beverages to avoid: Coffee, black and green tea, energy drinks, soda, beer, wine, and hard liquor.
The alternative: Water, electrolyte-enhanced water, mild herbal tea, and diluted fruit juice.

Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar

Sugar alcohols like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, found in many sugar-free gums, candies, and diet drinks, have a laxative effect. Similarly, high-fructose corn syrup and excessive amounts of natural fructose can pull extra water into the intestines, triggering or worsening diarrhea.

Sweeteners to avoid: Sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, high-fructose corn syrup, and excessive amounts of fruit juice or sweetened beverages.
The alternative: Small, tolerable amounts of natural sugar, or low-FODMAP sweeteners like maple syrup.

Excessive Insoluble Fiber and Gas-Producing Foods

While fiber is generally healthy, insoluble fiber can irritate the bowels during a diarrhea flare-up. Certain gas-producing foods, especially cruciferous vegetables and legumes, can also cause discomfort and bloating.

Foods to avoid: Raw vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
The alternative: Cooked carrots, zucchini, peeled potatoes, and white rice.

Comparison of Diarrhea-Inducing and Friendly Foods


Food Category	Potential Trigger Foods	Soothing Alternatives
Fats	Fried foods, fast food, greasy burgers, bacon	Baked chicken breast, grilled fish, air-popped popcorn, broth-based soup
Dairy	Milk, soft cheeses, ice cream, creamy sauces	Lactose-free milk, almond milk, plain yogurt, hard cheeses in moderation
Beverages	Coffee, energy drinks, alcohol, sugary soda	Water, electrolyte drinks, herbal tea, diluted fruit juice
Sweeteners	Sorbitol, mannitol, high-fructose corn syrup	Maple syrup (moderate), stevia, minimal added sugar
Fiber/Gas	Raw vegetables, cabbage, broccoli, beans	Cooked carrots, peeled potatoes, white rice, oatmeal

The Low-FODMAP Approach for Persistent Diarrhea

For some individuals, particularly those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a low-FODMAP diet may provide relief. FODMAPs are specific carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine and can ferment in the colon, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea. A low-FODMAP diet involves temporarily eliminating a wide range of foods containing these carbohydrates and then reintroducing them systematically to identify personal triggers. A low-FODMAP diet is complex and should be undertaken with the guidance of a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. For more information, consult the official Monash University Low-FODMAP Diet App or website to access the most current list of recommended foods.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Diet for Digestive Comfort

Managing chronic diarrhea is a personalized journey that requires a keen awareness of how different foods affect your body. Avoiding common culprits like fatty foods, certain dairy products, and gastrointestinal stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol can make a significant difference. Identifying and eliminating individual triggers is key to reducing symptoms and improving overall digestive health. While dietary changes are a powerful tool, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider to diagnose the underlying cause and ensure a balanced, nutritious diet is maintained. Starting with a gentle, bland diet and gradually reintroducing foods can help pinpoint problem areas, paving the way for greater comfort and control over your condition.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are lactose intolerant, you should avoid regular cow's milk. Good alternatives include lactose-free milk, almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk. Plain yogurt with live cultures might also be tolerated by some, as the probiotics can aid digestion.

Yes, excessive sugar intake, especially from artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and high-fructose corn syrup, can cause or worsen diarrhea. These sugars can draw extra water into the intestines, leading to looser stools.

Spicy foods are known to irritate the digestive system, which can trigger or exacerbate diarrhea in sensitive individuals. It is generally best to stick to bland, low-seasoning foods during a flare-up.

Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and speed up gut motility, both of which can worsen diarrhea symptoms. Chronic, heavy alcohol use can also cause inflammation in the colon, which impairs its ability to absorb water.

No, you don't need to avoid all fiber. However, you may need to limit insoluble fiber, which is found in whole grains and raw vegetables and can be irritating. Soluble fiber, found in foods like bananas and oatmeal, can actually help absorb water and firm up stools.

The low-FODMAP diet is typically a short-term elimination diet to help identify specific food triggers. It is not meant to be a permanent solution. After the elimination phase, foods are gradually reintroduced to determine individual tolerance levels, creating a more sustainable diet plan.

When dealing with diarrhea, it's important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Good choices include water, electrolyte-enhanced drinks (like sports drinks), broth, and diluted juices. Avoid drinks with caffeine, high sugar, or carbonation.