Foods to Avoid When Your Baby Has Diarrhea
Jul 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
The following foods are not recommended during infant diarrhea:
- Irritating foods, which can stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa and easily trigger diarrhea or gastrointestinal inflammation;
- Fatty or greasy foods, which increase gastric burden and may cause diarrhea due to indigestion—commonly known as steatorrhea;
- Cold beverages and cold dishes (i.e., excessively cold foods), which can irritate the intestines and worsen diarrhea;
- Laxative foods;
- Flatulence-inducing foods.
Diarrhea in infants may result from bacterial or viral infections, indigestion, abdominal exposure to cold, or other factors. It is one of the most common adverse symptoms observed in babies. So, which foods should babies avoid when experiencing diarrhea?
The following foods are not recommended during diarrhea:
① Irritating foods
Spicy foods such as chili peppers, mustard, black pepper, and garlic strongly irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, potentially triggering or worsening diarrhea or causing gastrointestinal inflammation—thus impeding recovery of digestive function.
② Greasy foods
Excessively greasy foods increase gastric workload and may cause diarrhea due to impaired digestion—commonly referred to as “fatty diarrhea.” Therefore, consuming such foods during diarrhea will only exacerbate the condition.
③ Cold foods
Chilled beverages and cold dishes can stimulate the intestines, accelerating intestinal motility and thereby worsening diarrhea.
④ Laxative foods
Foods with laxative or bowel-lubricating properties—including peaches, bananas, and honey—may aggravate the condition when consumed.
⑤ Gas-producing foods
Examples include soy milk, cow’s milk, sweet potatoes, corn, sorghum, celery, and leeks—all high in dietary fiber and relatively difficult to digest. Consumption of these foods increases the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and should therefore be avoided during diarrhea.
