Bushra Griffith
Diarrhea is a loose or watery bowel movement, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including food poisoning, allergies, or chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. While there are medications to treat diarrhea, diet also plays a critical role in managing and relieving symptoms. In general, it is recommended to eat bland, soft, and low-fiber foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. So, is cheese and crackers good for diarrhea? Well, it depends on the type of cheese and the individual's tolerance.
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What You'll Learn
- Crackers are good for diarrhoea, especially saltine crackers
- Cheese may cause diarrhoea, especially soft cheeses like cream cheese, feta, and brie
- Lactose intolerance can cause diarrhoea
- Low-lactose cheeses include Swiss, cheddar, and goat cheese
- Pairing cheese with fibre-rich foods can help prevent diarrhoea
Crackers are good for diarrhoea, especially saltine crackers
Crackers are a good choice when experiencing diarrhoea. This is because they are a bland food, which can help diarrhoea go away faster and prevent stomach upset and irritation. Specifically, saltine crackers can help firm up stools.
Saltine crackers are also a good option because they are low in fibre. Insoluble fibre, found in bran, several types of fruits, and whole grains, can speed up digestion and make diarrhoea worse. On the other hand, soluble fibre, found in potatoes, bananas, and refined wheat, can help to absorb fluid in the gut and slow digestion down. However, crackers are low in both types of fibre, so they won't irritate the digestive system.
While crackers are a good choice, it's important to note that dairy products, including cheese, should generally be avoided when experiencing diarrhoea. This is because lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, can be difficult to digest and aggravate diarrhoea. So, while crackers are a safe option, cheese and crackers may not be the best choice.
Instead, it is recommended to eat foods with probiotics, often called "good" bacteria, which may shorten the duration of diarrhoea. Probiotics work by releasing chemicals that break down damaging toxins produced by unhealthy bacteria. Yogurt, kefir, and hard cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, are dairy products that are lower in lactose and can be good options to help restore the healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut.
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Cheese may cause diarrhoea, especially soft cheeses like cream cheese, feta, and brie
While crackers are considered a good choice for diarrhoea, cheese may cause or worsen diarrhoea, especially soft cheeses like cream cheese, feta, and brie. This is because cheese is a dairy product, and dairy contains lactose, a natural sugar that may be difficult for some people to digest. Soft, fresh cheeses like cream cheese, feta, and brie contain more lactose than harder cheeses, so they are more likely to cause diarrhoea.
Lactose intolerance or dairy allergies can trigger digestive symptoms like bloating, cramping, loose stools, and diarrhoea. An estimated 36% of Americans experience lactose malabsorption, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If you are lactose intolerant, you may still be able to eat certain cheeses that are lower in lactose, such as Swiss and cheddar cheeses, which are harder and aged cheeses with lower lactose content.
Additionally, the type of cheese and the amount consumed can affect digestion. Eating smaller amounts of cheese or reducing the serving size may help prevent diarrhoea. However, some individuals may experience diarrhoea even with smaller quantities of cheese, especially if they have certain health conditions such as lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
It is important to note that everyone's gut reacts differently to cheese. While some people may experience diarrhoea, others may not have any issues at all. Therefore, it is advisable to pay attention to your body's reactions and adjust your diet accordingly.
To manage diarrhoea, it is recommended to limit dairy products and choose lactose-free or lower-lactose alternatives. This includes opting for lactose-free milk, yoghurt, or kefir, which contains probiotics that aid in digestion and support gut health.
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Lactose intolerance can cause diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is characterised by loose or watery bowel movements, abdominal pain, cramps, and mucus in the stool. It can be caused by lactose intolerance, which occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to digest milk sugar (lactose). Lactose intolerance can lead to diarrhoea, gas, and bloating after consuming dairy products.
Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products. When the bowels are irritated, lactose can be difficult to digest, leading to gas, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. This is because the undigested lactose ferments in the colon, producing short-chain fatty acids that increase water content in the gut. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid dairy products when experiencing diarrhoea, except for yoghurt, which contains probiotics that can aid digestion and restore a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut.
Cheese and crackers can be a good option for diarrhoea, depending on the type of cheese. Hard cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, are usually lower in lactose. Crackers, such as saltine crackers, can also help firm up stools. However, it is important to avoid soft cheeses, such as cream cheese, feta, and brie, as they contain higher levels of lactose.
To manage diarrhoea, it is recommended to eat foods that are high in soluble fibre, such as bananas, potatoes, and refined wheat, as they absorb fluid in the gut and slow down digestion. The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is a popular treatment for diarrhoea as it includes bland, easy-to-digest foods. It is also important to stay hydrated and replace lost electrolytes with fluids like water, coconut water, or sports drinks.
If diarrhoea is caused by lactose intolerance, there are ways to manage it while still obtaining the necessary nutrition from dairy. Lactase supplements, such as Lactaid, can aid in digesting lactose. Additionally, certain types of yoghurt with active cultures or probiotics can provide good bacteria and help with digestion. It is important to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or are severe.
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Low-lactose cheeses include Swiss, cheddar, and goat cheese
While crackers are a good choice for diarrhoea, cheese is a little more complicated. Some sources recommend avoiding dairy products, including cheese, when experiencing diarrhoea. This is because lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, can be difficult to digest and aggravate diarrhoea.
However, not all cheeses are the same when it comes to lactose content. Softer, fresh cheeses such as ricotta, cottage, and American cheese contain more lactose than harder cheeses, so they are more likely to cause diarrhoea. Low-lactose cheeses include Swiss, cheddar, and goat cheese. These are generally lower in lactose and may be a better option for those with lactose intolerance.
It's important to note that everyone's gut reacts differently to cheese. While some people may experience diarrhoea after consuming cheese, others may not have any issues. The type of cheese and the amount consumed can also affect digestion. If you are lactose intolerant, you may still be able to include low-lactose cheeses in your diet without triggering digestive symptoms.
In addition to choosing lower-lactose options, it's recommended to eat smaller amounts of cheese or cut back on serving sizes to prevent diarrhoea. This is because cheese's lack of fibre can slow digestion, potentially causing constipation or diarrhoea.
Overall, while crackers are a suitable choice for diarrhoea, the decision to include cheese depends on individual tolerance and the type and amount of cheese consumed. Low-lactose cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, and goat cheese may be better tolerated, especially when consumed in moderation.
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Pairing cheese with fibre-rich foods can help prevent diarrhoea
While cheese is not typically recommended for those experiencing diarrhoea, pairing it with fibre-rich foods can help prevent diarrhoea. Cheese is a dairy product that contains lactose, a natural sugar that can be difficult for some people to digest. This can lead to digestive issues such as gas, stomach cramping, and diarrhoea. However, not all cheeses are equal in their lactose content, and some varieties are lower in lactose than others. Hard cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar, are generally lower in lactose, while softer, fresh cheeses like ricotta, cottage cheese, and American cheese tend to have higher lactose levels.
Fibre-rich foods, on the other hand, can help with digestion and prevent diarrhoea. Fibre is found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and it helps to add bulk to stool, making it easier to pass. Including fibre-rich foods in your diet can promote regular bowel movements and maintain a healthy digestive system.
When pairing cheese with fibre-rich foods, opt for whole-wheat bread, whole-grain crackers, or a salad. These fibre-rich options can help balance out the effects of cheese on your digestive system. Additionally, consuming smaller portions of cheese at a time, such as one to two ounces, may also be better tolerated.
It is important to note that everyone's gut reacts differently to cheese and other dairy products. While some people may experience diarrhoea after consuming cheese, others may not have any issues. If you are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, it is advisable to choose lactose-free or low-lactose options, such as lactose-free cottage cheese or hard cheeses.
In addition to pairing cheese with fibre-rich foods, staying well-hydrated is also crucial for preventing diarrhoea. Consume adequate liquids, especially those that contain electrolytes, to replace lost fluids and minerals. Sports drinks, coconut water, and broth are good options to consider.
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Frequently asked questions
No, cheese and crackers are not a good snack for diarrhea. While crackers are good for diarrhea, cheese is not. Crackers like saltines and graham crackers are good for firming up stools. Cheese, on the other hand, can cause diarrhea in some circumstances, especially if you have certain health conditions like lactose intolerance.
Softer, fresh cheeses such as ricotta, cottage, and American cheese contain more lactose than harder cheeses, so they are more likely to cause diarrhea.
Bananas, yogurt, white bread, toast, rice, applesauce, boiled potatoes, pretzels, and baked chicken without skin or fat are some foods that can help with diarrhea.
Fatty foods, milk, butter, ice cream, cheese, alcohol, sodas with high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and raw vegetables are some foods that should be avoided during diarrhea.
