What Type of Broth for Diarrhea: A Gentle Guide

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, consuming clear liquids is a crucial step for preventing dehydration when experiencing diarrhea. This makes selecting the right broth vital for replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes without irritating your already sensitive digestive system.

Quick Summary

Drinking low-fat, clear broths like chicken, vegetable, or beef is effective for rehydration and electrolyte replacement during a bout of diarrhea. Avoid greasy options, and consider low-FODMAP varieties for sensitive guts.

Key Points

Clear Broths are Best: Clear, low-fat broths like chicken, vegetable, or beef are ideal as they are gentle on the digestive system and aid hydration.
Focus on Hydration and Electrolytes: Broth helps replenish lost fluids and essential minerals like sodium and potassium, which are depleted during diarrhea.
Choose Low-FODMAP for Sensitivities: If you have a sensitive stomach, IBS, or SIBO, opt for a low-FODMAP broth to avoid potential triggers like onion and garlic.
Approach Bone Broth with Caution: While nutrient-rich, bone broth can sometimes overwhelm a sensitive gut due to its high concentration of gelatin and histamines.
Skim Fat and Go Simple: For homemade broth, remove excess grease and use minimal, easy-to-digest ingredients to avoid aggravating symptoms.
Sip, Don't Gulp: Consuming small, slow sips throughout the day is the best way to maintain hydration without shocking your sensitive system.

The Hydration and Nutrient Power of Broth

When you're dealing with diarrhea, the primary concerns are dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Frequent loose stools cause your body to lose significant fluids and essential minerals, such as sodium and potassium. Sipping on broth is a simple and effective way to counteract this loss. Broths are primarily water-based, making them excellent for hydration, and they contain natural electrolytes that are easily absorbed by the body. The warmth of the broth can also be very soothing for an upset stomach.

Why Clear Broths Are Best

For a sensitive digestive system, not all broths are created equal. Clear, simple broths are recommended because they are low in fat and fiber, two components that can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms. Greasy or high-fat foods are difficult for the body to digest and can increase the frequency of bowel movements. Similarly, high-fiber ingredients, like those in chunky soups, can add bulk to stool and speed up its passage through the intestines. Choosing a clear broth, where any excess grease has been skimmed off, is the safest bet for promoting recovery without causing further irritation.

A Closer Look at Broth Types

Chicken Broth: A Time-Tested Remedy

Chicken broth is perhaps the most well-known comfort food for illness, and for good reason. A low-fat version provides a gentle source of hydration, sodium, and protein without taxing the digestive system. The protein helps provide energy, which is often depleted when you are unwell. It's a straightforward, effective choice that many find palatable when their appetite is low. The key is to ensure it is clear and free of excess fat. Simply chilling the broth and skimming the solidified fat from the top can make it more suitable.

Vegetable Broth: The Plant-Based Option

For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, or prefer a plant-based alternative, a clear vegetable broth is an excellent choice. Like its chicken counterpart, it provides hydrating fluids and minerals. A simple, low-sodium vegetable broth can offer nourishment without the added fat or complex ingredients that can trigger digestive upset. Many store-bought vegetable broths, however, contain high-FODMAP vegetables like onion and garlic, which can be problematic for some individuals. Cooking it at home allows for better control of the ingredients, ensuring it's as gentle as possible.

The Caution with Bone Broth

Bone broth is often praised for its gut-healing properties due to its high gelatin and collagen content. However, for some individuals, especially those with conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or histamine intolerance, bone broth can actually worsen diarrhea. The high concentration of nutrients can sometimes overwhelm the digestive system, leading to gas, bloating, and more frequent bowel movements. Additionally, if not made low-FODMAP, it will contain high-FODMAP vegetables, which are a common trigger. If you are new to bone broth, it's wise to start with small quantities to see how your body reacts or opt for a low-FODMAP version.

Choosing the Right Broth for Your Sensitivity

The right broth for you depends on your personal tolerance and the cause of your digestive issues. The following table provides a clear comparison:


Feature	Chicken Broth	Vegetable Broth	Low-FODMAP Broth
Fat Content	Naturally higher, requires skimming	Can be very low-fat	Very low-fat
Best For	General diarrhea, stomach flu	Vegetarian diets, mild stomach upset	IBS, SIBO, FODMAP sensitivities
Electrolytes	Good source of sodium and potassium	Contains various minerals depending on ingredients	Specially formulated to be gentle on sensitive guts
FODMAPs	Typically high if made with onion and garlic	Can be high depending on vegetables used	Free of high-FODMAP ingredients

How to Prepare Broth for Diarrhea

When preparing broth, simplicity is key. For homemade broths, whether chicken or vegetable, use minimal seasoning and focus on low-fat ingredients. Avoid using onions or garlic if you suspect a FODMAP sensitivity. For store-bought options, choose low-sodium, clear broths and always check the ingredients list for potential irritants.

Here are some tips for preparing a soothing broth:

Skim off fat: For chicken or beef broth, chill the broth completely after cooking. The fat will rise to the surface and solidify, allowing you to easily scrape it off.
Use simple ingredients: For a vegetable broth, stick to carrots, celery (or just the leaves), and parsley. Avoid high-FODMAP vegetables and strong spices.
Start simple, then add: Begin with plain broth. If you feel your stomach can tolerate more, you can slowly add bland foods from the BRAT diet, like plain white rice.

Tips for Consuming Broth During Diarrhea

Sip slowly: Avoid gulping large amounts at once, which can overwhelm your stomach. Instead, sip small amounts of broth throughout the day to maintain hydration.
Maintain a comfortable temperature: Opt for broth at a warm or room temperature, as very hot or cold liquids can sometimes trigger an upset stomach.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body reacts. If a particular broth or ingredient causes discomfort, switch to a more basic alternative or consult a healthcare professional. For more information on managing digestive issues, visit the American College of Gastroenterology.

Conclusion

Choosing the right broth for diarrhea is a crucial step toward recovery, providing much-needed hydration and electrolytes in a form that is gentle on your digestive system. For most people, clear, low-fat chicken or vegetable broths are the best choice. For those with sensitivities like IBS or SIBO, a carefully prepared low-FODMAP broth is recommended. While bone broth offers many benefits, its higher nutrient density and potential for high-FODMAP ingredients mean it should be approached with caution during an active episode of diarrhea. Always prioritize your body's tolerance and start with simple, clear options to aid your recovery. Don't forget that avoiding high-fat, greasy foods and staying well-hydrated are your top priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, clear, low-fat chicken broth is an excellent choice for diarrhea. It provides hydrating fluids, sodium, and other nutrients that are lost from the body during a bout of diarrhea, all in a form that is easy for the stomach to digest.

Bone broth should be approached with caution during diarrhea. While it has many health benefits, its high concentration of gelatin and potential for histamines or high-FODMAPs can sometimes worsen symptoms in sensitive individuals. It's best to start with small amounts or choose a low-FODMAP version if you have IBS or SIBO.

For a sensitive stomach, a clear, low-fat broth is best. This can be a mild chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. If you have FODMAP sensitivities (like from IBS), a specially prepared low-FODMAP broth that excludes ingredients like onion and garlic is the safest option.

You should avoid broths that are greasy, high in fat, or contain ingredients that are hard to digest. Cream-based soups, chunky soups with high-fiber vegetables, and overly spicy broths should be avoided, as they can irritate the digestive system and worsen diarrhea.

Yes, a clear, low-sodium vegetable broth is a great option for diarrhea, particularly for vegans or those with a very sensitive gut. It helps with hydration and provides minerals without the fat found in animal broths.

To make a low-fat broth, you can chill the finished broth in the refrigerator. The fat will solidify at the top, and you can easily skim it off with a spoon before reheating. For vegetable broth, simply avoid adding oil during preparation.

While often used interchangeably, stock is typically made by simmering animal bones for an extended period, which creates a richer flavor and higher concentration of gelatin and protein. Broth is generally made with meat, vegetables, or both and is simmered for a shorter time, resulting in a lighter liquid. For diarrhea, a clear, simple broth is often preferred over a heavy, gelatinous stock.