Dairy Products
You should avoid most dairy products if you have diarrhea.
Even if you dont havelactose intolerance, you may still have trouble digesting them.
That is because dairy products contain a sugar called lactose that your body digests with an enzyme calledlactase.
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Diarrhea can deplete lactase, sometimes severely, lowering your ability to digest milk and other dairy.
This, in turn, can lead to diarrhea, gas, nausea, and bloating.
People who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk can benefit from dairy-free yogurt or probiotic supplements.
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2.
Fatty Foods
Diarrhea makes it even more difficult to digest fats and fatty foods.
The result is even more diarrhea.
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Eggs are also a good source of protein, along with bananas and avocados.
Bananas can also help bind watery stools.
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3.
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They can also increase gas and bloating.
A small amount of sugary candy is probably okay if you have cravings.
Just don’t overindulge.
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Be aware, however, that some stevia blends contain sugar alcohols and can cause symptoms, including diarrhea.
Check your product label to be sure.
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4.
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Gas-Producing Foods
Certain fruits, vegetables, and legumes can causegas.
Gas can occur with diarrhea, especially among people with certain digestive conditions.
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5.
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Acidic or Spicy Foods
Acidic and spicy foods irritate the lining of your stomach and intestines.
When this happens, intestinal contractions will increase to get the offenders out of your system.
Acidic or spicy foods to avoid with diarrhea include:
People who like spicy foods usually like strong flavors.
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6.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant.
It increasesperistalsis, giving it a laxative effect that can worsen diarrhea.
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It is also a diuretic, which can contribute to dehydration.
Until your diarrhea symptoms improve, it is best to avoid:
7.
It’s less clear how diarrhea may result.
High-FODMAP Foods
Do you have diarrhea fromirritable bowel syndrome(IBS)?
You may want to avoid high-FODMAPfoods.
Studies suggest they can trigger IBS symptoms.
FODMAPs are types of carbohydrates found in many common foods.
Some common high-FODMAP foods include:
You may feel better choosing low-FODMAP foods.
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International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Common causes of chronic diarrhea.
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Haber PS, Kortt NC.Alcohol use disorder and the gut.Addiction.
2021 Mar;116(3):658-667. doi:10.1111/add.15147
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.When you have diarrhea.
John Hopkins Medicine.5 foods to avoid if you have IBS.
Giddings SL, Stevens AM, Leung DT.Traveler’s diarrhea.Med Clin North Am.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus.When you have diarrhea.
