Worst Foods For Diarrhoea: A Comprehensive Guide To Consume Wisely
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Diarrhoea is a common symptom characterised by frequent loose motions. At times, it can be quite uncomfortable. Our bodies react differently to different infections and severity of diarrhoea may vary depending on what sets it off. Consulting a doctor for right diagnosis and treatment is always the first step towards managing diarrhoea. What we choose to eat plays a big part in this. Wise food choices make a huge difference when handling diarrhoea.
This blog guide will take you through the foods that can make diarrhoea worse. We’ll also talk about the best foods for diarrhea. We’ll look into some healthy alternative options in addition to treatments to better manage symptoms.
Are you wondering, what causes diarrhoea? Diarrhoea can be due to many factors. Pin pointing the cause may helps in finding treatment. Here are some common causes of diarrhoea:
Sometimes, bacteria, viruses, and parasites cause bouts of diarrhoea.
Foodborne bacterial infections can cause diarrhoea. These happen when you consume food tainted with bacteria or handled poorly. Salmonella, Campylobacter, or Escherichia coli (E. coli) often cause such infections.
Rotavirus, Norovirus, and Adenovirus can set off diarrhoea. These viruses spread through tainted food, unclean water and by catching an infection from someone else.
Parasites like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium can cause diarrhoea. You can catch such parasites from polluted water or undercooked food.
Do you ever eat something and your stomach ends up in knots? Well, some people have a hard time with certain food ingredients, which leads to diarrhoea.
Lactose intolerance is one common food sensitivity. It happens when your body can’t break down lactose. Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. People with gluten sensitivity may suffer diarrhoea after eating gluten-loaded food.
Some antibiotics, antacids, and anti-inflammatory drugs can cause diarrhoea as a side effect.
Chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to frequent bouts of diarrhoea.
As a doctor, I highly advise avoiding certain foods that might potentially aggravate symptoms of diarrhoea. One such recommendation is to avoid consuming corn. By refraining from consuming corn during episodes of diarrhoea, you may allow your digestive system to rest and recover more effectively.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Also Read: Are Grits Healthy? A Comprehensive Nutritional Analysis
Did you know?
So, If you’re contemplating on what things to eat when you have diarrhoea? Here are certain foods that can help you manage this condition and speed up your recovery.
Eat foods low in fibre. They’re easy on the stomach and can firm up your stools.
Simple white bread toast without spread can soothe your stomach. It also gives you energy without making your diarrhoea worse.
Sticking to plain white rice is a good choice. It helps to keep you hydrated and bulk up your stool. Plus, it’s easy on your tummy.
Soluble fibre can assist with diarrhoea. This happens because it absorbs water and slows digestion.
What about oatmeal? It offers an easy-to-digest source of soluble fibre. It adds bulk to your stools without causing more gas.
Ripe bananas, anyone? They pack pectin. Pectin is a type of soluble fibre that soaks up water in your intestines. It results in moister stools that pass easily.
Probiotics are friendly bacteria. These good bugs can help bring balance back to your gut flora after a bout of diarrhoea.
Try to have yoghurt that has live probiotic cultures. They contain good bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that can help keep your gut healthy.
Thinking about using probiotic supplements? Talk to your healthcare provider first. They might help to aid digestion and blend in new good bacteria into your gut.
From a medical perspective, I recommend steering clear of certain foods, including granola and muesli, when dealing with diarrhoea. While these ingredients may provide nutritional value under normal circumstances, they might be problematic during episodes of diarrhoea.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
When dealing with diarrhoea, steer clear of these foods. They can make your symptoms worse or slow down recovery.
Too much sugar can spark diarrhoea. Artificial sweeteners can act as a laxative.
Fatty foods are tough to digest. They can make diarrhoea symptoms get worse.
Spicy foods can be harsh on the digestive system. That means they can make diarrhoea worse.
You find lactose in dairy products. Digesting it can be tough and even more so when you have diarrhea.
High FODMAP foods are hard to digest for some people and may trigger diarrhoea.
Alcohol can be draining and damage the digestive system. It can make diarrhoea worse.
Did you know some foods, when digesting, produce gas? They speed up the movement of food along your intestines, which worsens diarrhoea.
Drawing upon my extensive knowledge and experience, I highly recommend avoiding apple juice and full-strength fruit juices when dealing with diarrhoea. These beverages may have the potential to loosen stools, which may further aggravate diarrhoea symptoms.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Looking out for better food choices? Here are some healthy food options for when you have diarrhoea:
If dairy makes your diarrhoea worse, consider these alternatives.
Opt for low-fat and baked foods. They’re a better pick than oily or fried foods.
Non-spicy foods can provide relief from diarrhoea.
Be smart about your beverage choices. Stay away from caffeinated drinks when dealing with diarrhoea.
Go for low-FODMAP foods to keep diarrhoea or inflammation at bay.
Also Read: Are French Fries Healthy? A Detailed Nutritional Analysis
The diarrhoea treatments mentioned below may provide much-needed relief from diarrhoea symptoms:
Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes fights off dehydration. It’s a key step when handling diarrhoea.
Drinking enough water takes care of lost fluids. It helps maintain overall hydration.
How about oral rehydration solutions? Prepare them following the directions given in the product label. They replace vital electrolytes lost due to diarrhoea.
If you’re vomiting along with diarrhoea, an antiemetic may be useful. Always discuss this with your healthcare provider first.
Give your body space to heal when dealing with diarrhoea. Rest aids in quick recovery.
It’s crucial to keep an eye on your diarrhoea symptoms. Seek medical help immediately and avoid any self medications. Reach out to the nearest hospital if:
Notice signs like minimal urine output, sunken eyes, dry mouth, or tiredness? Severe dehydration might be at play.
If your diarrhoea doesn’t improve after several days or gets worse, reach out to a healthcare provider for follow-up.
If you notice blood or mucous in your stool, severe belly pain or high fever, seek medical help. It may suggest a more serious problem.
How do you prevent diarrhoea or reduce its frequency? It’s all about managing chronic conditions, good hygiene, and sorting out food sensitivities.
Here’s a summary of diarrhoea prevention measures:
| Outlook and Prevention | Action Steps |
| Managing chronic conditions | Monitor and follow treatment plans for existing gastrointestinal issues |
| Proper hygiene and food safety | Wash hands before meals, handle and store food properly |
| Identifying food sensitivities | Note adverse reactions to foods and address sensitivity concerns with a healthcare provider |
Multiple factors can cause diarrhoea. Certain foods make it even worse. Dodging such foods can help your recovery. Dairy products, high-fat foods, sugar alcohols, caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, and gas-producing foods are best avoided. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives, watch for signs of dehydration, and get medical help when needed. Smart food choices make a huge difference in how soon you recover from diarrhoea.
Dairy products, high-fat foods, sugar alcohols, caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, and gas-producing foods are amongst the worst foods to consume during diarrhoea.
Toast, white rice, oatmeal, curd, buttermilk and bananas are good for easing diarrhoea.
Foods that can help stop diarrhoea include curd, rice, oatmeal, bananas, plain khichdi, baked fish, cooked carrots, bell peppers, herbal tea, coconut water, lactose-free milk, and plant-based milk.
Diarrhoea commonly gets better on its own within two to three days. Duration can vary greatly based on its cause and individual differences.
Yes, foods high in fat, sugar substitutes, or spiciness can trigger diarrhoea even if you’re not intolerant to them.
Over-the-counter medicines like diarrhoea-reducing agents and antiemetics are generally safe for short-term use. Always consult your healthcare provider before using such medications.
To stop diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids, eat bland foods like bananas and rice, and consult a doctor for advice on over-the-counter medications if needed. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention for personalized care.
Consuming spicy food can lead to diarrhea within a few hours, as the capsaicin in spices may irritate the digestive system, speeding up bowel movements. However, individual tolerance varies, and not everyone will experience this effect.
Consuming greasy food can potentially cause diarrhea, as high-fat meals can lead to the overstimulation of the digestive system and result in rapid bowel movements. However, individual responses vary, and not everyone may experience diarrhea from eating greasy foods.
Yes, food poisoning can cause diarrhea. Infections from harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites in contaminated food can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, as the body attempts to expel the harmful agents.
Yes, food allergies can cause diarrhea as part of the body’s immune response to allergens. Ingesting allergenic foods triggers an immune reaction that can lead to various symptoms, including diarrhea, as the body attempts to eliminate the perceived threat.
Diarrhea does not necessarily mean food is not digested. It often results from the accelerated movement of food through the digestive tract, leading to decreased absorption of water and nutrients, causing loose and watery stools.
Consuming improperly stored or reheated leftover food can potentially cause diarrhea, as bacteria may multiply, producing toxins that can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Ensuring proper food storage and reheating practices can help prevent the risk of diarrhea from leftover food.
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