What Foods Should You Avoid When Your Child Has Diarrhea?

Understanding Why Certain Foods Make Diarrhea Worse

When your child is dealing with diarrhea, their digestive system is already working overtime. The intestines are inflamed and sensitive, making it harder to digest certain foods. Some foods can actually speed up the movement in the intestines, pull more water into the gut, or irritate the already sensitive lining.

Think of your child's digestive system during diarrhea like a highway with construction work happening. Some vehicles can still pass through smoothly, while others cause traffic jams or accidents. Choosing the right foods is like choosing the right vehicles that can navigate the construction zone safely.

Foods That Should Be Avoided During Diarrhea

1. Dairy Products and Milk

Dairy products are at the top of the list of foods to avoid when your child has diarrhea. During a bout of diarrhea, especially if it is caused by a stomach infection, the intestines temporarily lose their ability to produce lactase. Lactase is the enzyme needed to digest lactose, which is the sugar found in milk and dairy products.

Without enough lactase, the undigested lactose stays in the intestines and pulls water in, making the diarrhea worse. This condition is called temporary lactose intolerance, and it usually gets better once the infection clears up.

Dairy items to avoid:

• Regular cow's milk
• Cheese, especially soft and processed varieties
• Ice cream and milkshakes
• Yogurt with added sugar (plain yogurt with live cultures might be acceptable in small amounts for some children, but check with your doctor)
• Butter in large amounts
• Cream-based soups and sauces

2. Fatty and Fried Foods

Fatty foods take much longer to digest than other foods. When your child has diarrhea, their digestive system is already struggling, and adding fatty foods makes it work even harder. Fried foods are particularly problematic because they contain a lot of oil and are often heavy on the stomach.

These foods can slow down digestion in an unhealthy way, causing stomach cramps, nausea, and potentially making the diarrhea last longer.

Fatty and fried foods to avoid:

• French fries and potato chips
• Fried chicken, fish, or any fried meats
• Doughnuts and fried pastries
• Pizza with lots of cheese
• Burgers with high-fat content
• Fatty cuts of meat like bacon or sausages
• Deep-fried snacks
• Creamy and oily gravies

3. Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugar works similarly to lactose in the intestines. High amounts of sugar can pull water into the gut through a process called osmosis, which makes diarrhea worse. Sugary drinks are especially problematic because they deliver a large amount of sugar quickly.

Fruit juices, even natural ones, contain high amounts of fructose and sorbitol, which can worsen diarrhea. Many commercial fruit juices also have added sugars, making them even more problematic.

Sugary items to avoid:

• Sodas and carbonated drinks
• Fruit juices, including apple juice and pear juice
• Sports drinks with high sugar content
• Candies and chocolates
• Cookies and sweet baked goods
• Sweetened cereals
• Jams and jellies in large amounts
• Flavored milk drinks

4. High-Fiber Foods

Fiber is usually great for digestive health, but during diarrhea, it can be too much for the sensitive intestines to handle. High-fiber foods can speed up bowel movements and add bulk to the stool, which is the opposite of what you want when your child has diarrhea.

There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber, which does not dissolve in water, is particularly problematic during diarrhea because it adds bulk and speeds up intestinal movement.

High-fiber foods to temporarily avoid:

• Whole wheat bread and whole grain products
• Raw vegetables, especially leafy greens
• Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage
• Beans, lentils, and chickpeas
• Nuts and seeds
• Popcorn
• Bran cereals
• Dried fruits

5. Citrus Fruits and Acidic Foods

Citrus fruits and other acidic foods can irritate the already inflamed lining of the intestines. The high acid content can cause stomach discomfort and may worsen the diarrhea. Additionally, many citrus fruits are high in fiber and natural sugars, which we already know can be problematic.

Acidic foods to avoid:

• Oranges and orange juice
• Grapefruits
• Lemons and lemonade
• Pineapple
• Tomatoes and tomato-based products like ketchup
• Vinegar-based dressings
• Pickles

6. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate the digestive tract from the mouth all the way to the intestines. The compounds that make food spicy, like capsaicin found in chili peppers, can cause cramping and discomfort in an already sensitive digestive system.

Spicy items to avoid:

• Hot peppers and chili
• Spicy curries
• Hot sauces and chili sauces
• Spicy snacks and chips
• Foods with strong spices like black pepper in large amounts

7. Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeine is a stimulant that can speed up the movement in the intestines, leading to more frequent bowel movements. It can also contribute to dehydration, which is already a major concern during diarrhea.

Caffeinated drinks to avoid:

• Coffee
• Tea, especially black tea
• Energy drinks
• Chocolate milk
• Some sodas containing caffeine

8. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, especially sugar alcohols like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, are difficult for the body to absorb. They can pull water into the intestines and cause or worsen diarrhea. These sweeteners are often found in sugar-free products.

Products with artificial sweeteners to avoid:

• Sugar-free candies and gums
• Diet sodas
• Sugar-free desserts
• Some sugar-free medications

9. Raw or Undercooked Foods

During diarrhea, the immune system and digestive system are already compromised. Raw or undercooked foods can contain bacteria or parasites that can make the diarrhea worse or cause additional infections.

Foods to ensure are well-cooked:

• Meats and poultry
• Eggs
• Fish and seafood
• Raw vegetables that are usually eaten cooked

What Should Your Child Eat Instead?

Now that you know what to avoid, you might be wondering what is safe to give your child. The goal during diarrhea is to provide easily digestible foods that will not irritate the gut and will help your child maintain their energy and nutrition.

The BRAT diet has been traditionally recommended for diarrhea. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. However, current medical guidance suggests that while these foods are safe, children should return to their normal diet as soon as they can tolerate it, as the BRAT diet alone does not provide complete nutrition.

Good Food Choices During Diarrhea

• Bananas: Easy to digest, help replace lost potassium
• Plain white rice: Bland and binding, easy on the stomach
• Applesauce: Contains pectin which can help firm up stools
• Plain toast or crackers: Simple carbohydrates that are easy to digest
• Boiled or steamed potatoes: Without butter or cream
• Plain chicken or turkey: Well-cooked, without skin
• Clear broths: Helps with hydration and provides some nutrients
• Plain pasta: Without heavy sauces
• Cooked carrots: Soft and easy to digest
• Oral rehydration solutions: To replace lost fluids and electrolytes

Special Considerations for Different Age Groups

Infants Under 6 Months

For babies under six months who are exclusively breastfed or formula-fed, continue with their regular feeding. Do not dilute formula or stop breastfeeding. If you are concerned about dehydration, contact your pediatrician who may recommend an oral rehydration solution between feeds.

Babies 6 to 12 Months

Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding. For solid foods, stick to very simple, bland options like rice cereal, mashed bananas, or plain pureed sweet potatoes. Avoid introducing any new foods during this time.

Toddlers and Older Children

Focus on the bland, easily digestible foods mentioned earlier. Make sure they are drinking enough fluids. Older children can better communicate if something is making them feel worse, so pay attention to their feedback.

The Importance of Hydration

One of the biggest dangers of diarrhea in children is dehydration. Children, especially young ones, can become dehydrated quickly because they have smaller body reserves of water.

Focus on keeping your child hydrated with appropriate fluids. Oral rehydration solutions are specifically designed to replace the water and electrolytes lost during diarrhea. These are better than plain water because they contain the right balance of sodium, potassium, and glucose.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• Sunken eyes or soft spot on baby's head
• Decreased urination or very dark urine
• Extreme tiredness or irritability
• Dry, cool skin

Cultural and Regional Food Considerations

Different cultures have different comfort foods and dietary staples. The principles of avoiding fatty, sugary, high-fiber, and dairy foods during diarrhea apply universally, but the specific foods will vary.

For example, in Asian countries, plain congee (rice porridge) is often given during illness. In Latin American countries, chicken soup with vegetables might be preferred. In Middle Eastern countries, plain cooked rice with boiled chicken is common. All of these options follow the same principle: bland, easily digestible, low-fat foods.

Whatever your cultural background, choose the bland, simple versions of your traditional foods and avoid heavy spices, fats, and dairy during the acute phase of diarrhea.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

Mistake 1: Giving Fruit Juice for Hydration

Many parents think fruit juice is healthy and will help with hydration. However, as we discussed, fruit juice is high in sugar and can make diarrhea worse. Stick to oral rehydration solutions, clear broth, or water.

Mistake 2: Withholding All Food

Some parents think that not eating will give the gut a rest. However, research shows that continuing to eat appropriate foods helps the intestinal lining heal faster. The key is choosing the right foods.

Mistake 3: Forcing Dairy Products for Nutrition

Parents often worry about their child getting enough calcium and protein, so they push milk and cheese. However, during active diarrhea, these can make things worse. You can provide protein through plain cooked chicken or turkey instead.

Mistake 4: Giving Anti-Diarrheal Medication Without Medical Advice

Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications should not be given to children without a doctor's recommendation. Diarrhea is the body's way of getting rid of harmful bacteria or viruses, and stopping it artificially can sometimes trap these germs inside.

When to Reintroduce Regular Foods

Once your child's diarrhea starts to improve, you can gradually reintroduce their normal diet. Start by adding one new food at a time and watch for any reaction. Generally, you can begin adding regular foods back when:

• The diarrhea has significantly decreased
• Your child is keeping food down without vomiting
• Your child is acting more like their normal self
• They are drinking fluids well

Begin with slightly less restrictive foods like yogurt with live cultures, cooked vegetables, and lean meats. Then slowly add back dairy products, raw fruits and vegetables, and other foods you had temporarily removed.

Prevention Tips

While you cannot prevent all cases of diarrhea, you can reduce the risk:

• Teach and practice good hand hygiene, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
• Ensure food is properly cooked and stored
• Use clean water for drinking and cooking
• Keep your child's vaccinations up to date, including the rotavirus vaccine
• Avoid giving unpasteurized dairy products
• Be cautious with food hygiene when traveling

Understanding the Recovery Process

Most cases of simple diarrhea in children will resolve within a few days with proper care and dietary management. The intestines need time to heal, and giving them the right support through appropriate food choices is crucial.

Remember that every child is different. Some children may tolerate certain foods better than others even during diarrhea. The key is to observe your child's response and adjust accordingly.

Working With Your Healthcare Provider

While most cases of diarrhea can be managed at home with dietary changes and hydration, it is important to know when to seek medical help. Keep a record of how many episodes of diarrhea your child has, whether there is any blood or mucus in the stool, and any other symptoms like fever or vomiting. This information will be helpful for your doctor.

Your pediatrician might want to test your child's stool to determine the cause of the diarrhea, especially if it is persistent or severe. Based on the cause, they can provide specific guidance on diet and treatment.

Resources for Further Learning

For more information about managing diarrhea in children and childhood nutrition, consider these trusted resources:

• World Health Organization official website section on child health
• American Academy of Pediatrics publications on pediatric gastroenterology
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resources on childhood illnesses
• Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics for comprehensive medical information
• Your local children's hospital website often has parent education materials

Final Thoughts

Managing your child's diet during diarrhea can feel overwhelming, but remember the basic principles: avoid dairy, fatty foods, sugary items, high-fiber foods, citrus fruits, and spicy foods. Focus on bland, easily digestible options and keeping your child hydrated.

Trust your instincts as a parent. If something does not seem right or if your child is not improving, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. Most children bounce back quickly with appropriate care and dietary management.

By avoiding the problem foods and providing supportive nutrition, you are helping your child's body heal and recover faster. With patience and proper care, your child will be back to their normal, healthy self soon.