Foods to Avoid When Your Baby Has Diarrhea
May 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Weiling
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;
- Gas-producing foods.
Diarrhea is one of the most common adverse symptoms in infants. During episodes of diarrhea, the following foods should be avoided:
① Irritating foods
Spicy or pungent foods—such as chili peppers, mustard, black pepper, and garlic—can irritate the mucosa of the digestive tract, potentially triggering or worsening diarrhea or causing gastrointestinal inflammation, thereby hindering recovery of digestive function.
② Fatty or greasy foods
Excessively fatty foods increase gastric workload and may cause diarrhea due to indigestion—commonly known as “fatty diarrhea.” Therefore, consuming such foods during diarrhea will only exacerbate the condition.
③ Cold foods and beverages
Chilled drinks and cold dishes can stimulate the intestines, accelerating intestinal motility and thereby worsening diarrhea.
④ Laxative or bowel-lubricating foods
Foods with laxative or lubricating effects—including peaches, bananas, and honey—may aggravate the condition when consumed during diarrhea.
⑤ Gas-producing or bloating-inducing foods
Examples include soy milk, cow’s milk, sweet potatoes, corn, sorghum, celery, and leeks—all rich 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.
