Diarrhea

In North America, diarrhea is a common condition that is often a source of discomfort and inconvenience.¹ Causes of diarrhea include gastrointestinal infections (such as the stomach flu or food poisoning), indigestion, and certain medications (such as antibiotics).¹ Certain chronic conditions may also cause persistent diarrhea if uncontrolled, such as food intolerances or digestive disorders.¹ Prolonged or recurring episodes should be discussed with a healthcare practitioner.¹

Diet during episodes of diarrhea

Diet plays an important role in the management of diarrhea. Hydrating appropriately is a key component in the treatment of diarrhea to prevent dehydration.^2,3 In most cases, it is advised to return to a normal, solid diet as soon as possible.^2-6 However, certain foods may exacerbate irritation or be more difficult to digest as the digestive tract recovers.^5,6 Examples of such foods include caffeinated or sugary beverages, alcohol, fatty or spicy foods.^5,6 The dietary approach to prevent or control diarrhea varies depending on its cause and on personal tolerance.

Acute diarrhea. There is a common belief that dairy products should be eliminated during episodes of diarrhea. However, evidence does not support the need to eliminate dairy completely.^4,7 Rather, it is generally advised to consume milk products as tolerated and to favour options that are low-fat or contain probiotics.^5,6 In some cases, digestive irritation may trigger a temporary shortage of the enzyme needed to properly digest lactose, causing short-term secondary lactose intolerance.^8-10 The body’s ability to digest lactose will usually return to normal shortly after the irritation is resolved.¹⁰ 

Some evidence suggests that fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, may also yield certain benefits for preventing or alleviating acute diarrhea.^11,12 In fact, a systematic review of 31 studies that explored the health effects of probiotic foods associated certain probiotic milk products, such as yogurt, to a decrease in the duration of episodes of diarrhea that were caused by either an infection or by antibiotics.¹² Moreover, a meta-analysis including over 32 000 children found that probiotic yogurt was more effective than a placebo at reducing the duration of acute diarrhea in high-income countries, such as Canada.¹³

Dietary intolerances. Dietary intolerances require personalized approaches to avoid symptoms, such as diarrhea.^14,15 For example, lactose intolerant individuals can often tolerate varying levels of lactose without experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. Factors include personal tolerance, the type of food consumed, and if the food is consumed alone or with other foods.^14,15