Foods To Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

This article will walk you through what to eat, what to avoid, and why, so you don’t make your diarrhea worse.

Dairy products contain a sugar called lactose. Your body digests lactose with an enzyme called lactase. Diarrhea can deplete lactase.

Undigested lactose can increase gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. Common lactose-containing foods include:

MilkCreamCheeseIce creamSour cream

A Healthier Choice

Yogurt is an exception. It contains probiotics that are good for digestion. Choose plain yogurt. And skip those with a lot of added sugar.

Creamy foodsFast foodFatty meatGravyGreasy foodsFried foods

Healthier Choices

Lean protein is a better choice. Reach for white meat chicken or turkey.

Broth-based soups are better than cream-based.

Diet sodaSugar-free candySugar-free gumSugar substitutes for coffee and tea

Healthier Choices

Instead, choose water or unsweetened/lightly sweetened tea (especially herbal or decaf). A small amount of sugary candy is probably okay if you have cravings. Just don’t overindulge.

The gassiest ones include:

BeansBroccoliCabbageCauliflowerOnionsPeachesPearsPlumsDried fruits (apricots, prunes, raisins)

Healthier Choices

Some better choices include:

SpinachGreen beansZucchiniBlueberriesStrawberriesHoneydewCantaloupePineapple

Don’t drink flat soda, either. Your grandmother may have sworn by it. But some soda ingredients can make diarrhea worse.

Healthier Choices

Better choices include:

Hydrating drinks like PedialyteWater Herbal or decaf tea (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)

FODMAPs are types of carbohydrates found in many common foods. Some common high-FODMAP foods include:

Garlic, onions, and legumesApples, mangos, peaches, and cherriesMost dairy productsHoney, agave nectar, high fructose corn syrupAlmonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pistachiosWheat, rye, barley, and couscous

Healthier Choices

You may feel better choosing low-FODMAP foods. They include:

Eggs and meatAlmond milkRice, oats, and quinoaPotatoes, cucumbers, zucchiniGrapes, strawberries, blueberries

Good food hygiene involves:

Washing hands before handling foodWashing raw fruits and vegetablesCleaning sinks and counters before and after useCooking food to an internal temperature of 160 degrees FahrenheitPromptly refrigerating or freezing leftovers

Most dairyFatty foodsArtificial sweeteners/sugar substitutesGas-producing foodsAlcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinksHigh-FODMAP foods

Making healthier choices can help soothe your digestive system and keep diarrhea in check.

If diarrhea lasts more than a few days, or if it’s severe or getting worse, get medical attention. That’ll help you avoid possibly serious complications.

People lactose intolerant or allergic to milk can benefit from dairy-free yogurt or probiotic supplements.