10 Types of Foods That Can Cause Diarrhea

10 Types of Foods That Can Cause Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common digestive issue that can be caused by various factors, including food intolerance, viral or bacterial infections, and underlying health conditions. While it’s essential to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of diarrhea, certain foods can trigger or exacerbate the condition. In this article, we’ll explore 10 types of foods that can cause diarrhea.

Spicy Foods

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Spicy foods like chili peppers and curry blends are common causes of food-induced diarrhea, especially if your body isn’t used to the heat. A chemical called capsaicin gives chili peppers their heat, and research shows that while capsaicin can have various health benefits, it is also a potent irritant that can irritate the stomach lining during digestion.

Sugar Substitutes

Some sugar substitutes can upset the digestive system, and eating foods that contain them can cause diarrhea. For instance, consuming high levels of sugar alcohols may cause diarrhea and abdominal pain. Common foods that contain artificial sweeteners include chewing gum, sugar-free candies and desserts, diet drinks, reduced-sugar cereals, and low-sugar condiments like coffee creamer and ketchup.

Dairy Products

If you experience diarrhea after drinking milk or eating dairy products, you may have lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance means your body doesn’t have the enzymes to break down certain sugars in dairy, and instead of breaking them down, your body disposes of them quickly, often in the form of diarrhea. There are plenty of substitutes for cow’s milk available, including oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can make you feel mentally alert and also stimulates your digestive system. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), drinking two to three cups of coffee or tea daily may cause diarrhea. Many people also add other digestive stimulants to their coffee, such as milk, sugar substitutes, or creamers, which increases the beverage’s laxative effect.

Fructose

Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruit, and eating fruits in excess can cause diarrhea. Fructose is also found in candies, soft drinks, and preservatives. The digestive tract may have trouble processing it due to its high fiber content, especially if you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions have been shown to increase symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition characterized by symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. These vegetables are high in FODMAPs, a group of carbohydrates that can cause diarrhea in some people.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are cruciferous vegetables that have many health benefits. However, the digestive tract may have trouble processing them due to their high fiber content, especially if you have IBD. If you aren’t used to eating large amounts of fiber, a big serving may lead to constipation, gas, or diarrhea.

Fatty, Greasy, or Fried Foods

Fatty, greasy, or fried foods are high in fat, which may cause diarrhea or worsen symptoms because fats are difficult to break down. A 2023 study found that diarrhea was most commonly reported after eating fast food, fish and chips, and creamy sauces, among others. Other common fast foods high in unhealthy fats include french fries, fried chicken, pastries and cakes, hamburgers, and bacon.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol may lead to loose stool the following day, especially when drinking beer or wine. Try cutting out alcohol and seeing if the diarrhea goes away. If it does, consider reducing your alcohol intake to reduce digestive discomfort.

Treatment for Diarrhea

Treatment for diarrhea will depend on several factors, such as the underlying cause and whether it’s acute or chronic. Treatment may include a combination of over-the-counter (OTC) and home remedies, such as antidiarrheal medications, probiotics, and fluid replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Foods that cause diarrhea will differ for each person and depend on several factors, such as whether you have a food intolerance or health condition. Common foods that cause diarrhea include spicy foods, fried or greasy foods, dairy, and sugar substitutes. If you suspect a certain food is causing diarrhea, try eliminating it from the diet to see if your digestive symptoms improve.

FAQs

Q: How quickly can food cause diarrhea?
A: Diarrhea within 30 minutes of eating may be a sign of dumping syndrome.

Q: What is the most common food cause of diarrhea?
A: There isn’t a single, most common food that causes diarrhea. Food triggers vary for each person.

Q: What are the worst foods for diarrhea?
A: There is no single group of foods that are worst for diarrhea. However, common culprits include spicy, fatty, and greasy foods, as well as foods high in added sugar alcohols and fiber.