What are the causes of diarrhea from coconut milk?
May 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the causes of diarrhea induced by coconut milk may include consuming it at a too cold temperature, intolerance to components in coconut milk, gastrointestinal dysfunction, intestinal infection, or acute gastroenteritis. To prevent diarrhea, it is recommended to pay attention to the drinking temperature and quality safety of coconut milk, maintain good living and dietary habits, and consume coconut milk in appropriate amounts according to individual constitution.
Generally speaking, the causes of diarrhea induced by coconut milk include consuming excessively cold food, intolerance to components in coconut milk, gastrointestinal dysfunction, intestinal infection, and acute gastroenteritis. The specific details are as follows:
1. Excessively Cold Food: Overly cold coconut milk can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing mucosal constriction and spasms, thereby affecting normal intestinal peristalsis and water absorption, leading to diarrhea. It usually manifests as sudden-onset diarrhea, possibly accompanied by abdominal cramps. Avoid drinking overly cold coconut milk, or heat it to an appropriate temperature before consumption.
2. Intolerance to Coconut Milk Components: Some individuals may be intolerant to components in coconut milk such as lactose and coconut alcohol, causing the intestines to be unable to effectively digest and absorb these substances, thereby causing diarrhea. Avoid consuming coconut milk containing ingredients you are intolerant to. Those with lactose intolerance can choose oligosaccharide or sugar-free coconut milk alternatives.
3. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as overeating or long-term sleep deprivation may lead to abnormal gastrointestinal function, causing gastrointestinal dysfunction. At this time, the intestine's tolerance to food decreases, and consuming coconut milk may increase the burden on the intestines, triggering diarrhea, which may also be accompanied by abdominal pain. Prokinetic drugs such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, and mosapride citrate tablets may be used under medical guidance.
4. Intestinal Infection: If coconut milk is contaminated with bacteria, its consumption may lead to intestinal infection. Bacteria proliferate in the intestines and produce toxins that irritate the intestinal mucosa, causing diarrhea, which may also be accompanied by high fever. Anti-infective treatment with drugs such as cefixime capsules, meloxicam tablets, and ribavirin tablets should be administered under a doctor's guidance.
5. Acute Gastroenteritis: If coconut milk is contaminated by bacteria, viruses, etc., its consumption may lead to acute gastroenteritis. The inflammation irritates the intestinal mucosa, causing excessive secretion of water and electrolytes, leading to diarrhea, which may also be accompanied by nausea. Medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, ofloxacin capsules, and berberine hydrochloride tablets should be used under medical supervision to exert antibacterial effects.
To prevent diarrhea, it is recommended to pay attention to the drinking temperature and quality safety of coconut milk, maintain good living and eating habits, and consume coconut milk in appropriate amounts according to individual physical conditions.
