Dairy products and artificial sweeteners can make diarrhea worse
Diarrhea is the excretion of more than 200 g of looser than usual stools per day, or three or more times per day. The causes are very diverse, including food poisoning, bacterial and viral infections, inflammatory bowel disease, lactose intolerance and chemotherapy.
The most important thing to watch out for when you have diarrhea is dehydration. To prevent dehydration it is good to drink ionic drinks frequently to promote the supply of water and electrolytes. On the other hand, some foods, including greasy and irritating ones, can irritate the intestines and make diarrhea worse. Here are some foods to avoid when you have diarrhea, with advice from Dr. Peter Higgins, director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at the University of Michigan.
1. Dairy products
Even if you usually eat dairy products and don’t feel any abnormalities, it’s best to stay away from them during diarrhea. This is because you may be temporarily sensitive to dairy products. An exception to this is yogurt, which is rich in probiotics, as it can help stop diarrhea by balancing the microbiome in your gut.
2. Alcohol and soda
Alcohol accelerates dehydration and should be avoided during diarrhea. Carbonated drinks can also cause problems. That’s because the fructose in soda can cause gas and bloating, including diarrhea if your gut is sensitive.
3. Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners have the property of absorbing water, and when they pass through the stomach or small intestine, the absorbed water is broken down in the large intestine, which thins the stool. Therefore, if you have diarrhea, it is best not to eat candy, gum and drinks containing artificial sweeteners.
4. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, kale, broccoli and cauliflower, are high in fiber, which the bacteria in the large intestine love, which can lead to gas during digestion. Excess gas can cause bloating and diarrhea, so avoid it when your gut is sensitive.
5. Raw food
Perishable raw meat or sashimi should be eaten daily with caution. It’s best to avoid foods that have been in the refrigerator too long or that have been mishandled during diarrhea. Simply following the adage “When in doubt, throw it away” can save you from an upset stomach.
