Foods to Avoid When You Have Diarrhea

Dairy Products

Avoid most dairy products. Even if you don’t have lactose intolerance, you may have trouble digesting them.

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:

• Milk
• Cream
• Cheese
• Ice cream
• Sour 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.

Fatty Foods

Fatty foods can speed up intestinal contractions. That almost guarantees worse diarrhea. Avoid foods like:

• Creamy foods
• Fast food
• Fatty meat
• Gravy
• Greasy foods
• Fried foods

Healthier Choices

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

Broth-based soups are better than cream-based.

Sugar-Free Foods

Some artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes can have a laxative effect. They can also increase gas and bloating. Until you're feeling better, avoid:

• Diet soda
• Sugar-free candy
• Sugar-free gum
• Sugar 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.

Gas-Producing Foods

Certain fruits and vegetables can cause gas. More gas can mean more diarrhea. Avoid gassy foods until your stomach has settled down.

The gassiest ones include:

• Beans
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Onions
• Peaches
• Pears
• Plums
• Dried fruits (apricots, prunes, raisins)

Healthier Choices

Some better choices include:

• Spinach
• Green beans
• Zucchini
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Honeydew
• Cantaloupe
• Pineapple

Alcohol, Caffeine, and Carbonated Beverages

Alcohol, caffeine, and carbonation don't cause diarrhea. But they can irritate your digestive system. It's smart to avoid them until you feel better.

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 Pedialyte
• Water
• Herbal or decaf tea (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
  

High-FODMAP Foods

Do you have diarrhea from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? You may want to avoid high-FODMAP foods. Studies suggest they can trigger IBS symptoms.

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

• Garlic, onions, and legumes
• Apples, mangos, peaches, and cherries
• Most dairy products
• Honey, agave nectar, high fructose corn syrup
• Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pistachios
• Wheat, rye, barley, and couscous

Healthier Choices

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

• Eggs and meat
• Almond milk
• Rice, oats, and quinoa
• Potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini
• Grapes, strawberries, blueberries
  

Unsafe Foods

Food poisoning can cause diarrhea. Protect yourself by safely storing, preparing, and handling food.

Good food hygiene involves:

• Washing hands before handling food
• Washing raw fruits and vegetables
• Cleaning sinks and counters before and after use
• Cooking food to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit
• Promptly refrigerating or freezing leftovers

Summary

Foods that make diarrhea worse include:

• Most dairy
• Fatty foods
• Artificial sweeteners/sugar substitutes
• Gas-producing foods
• Alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks
• High-FODMAP foods

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

A Word From Verywell

Diarrhea usually clears up in a few days. Still, you'll be more comfortable if you can get rid of it faster or keep from making it worse.

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.