Patrick Oconnell
Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stool, which can be caused by a stomach bug or food sensitivity. While it often goes away on its own, it can be uncomfortable and sometimes disruptive. Eating the right foods can help calm your digestive system. It is recommended to avoid greasy, spicy, and fatty foods, as well as dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Cheese is a dairy product that is high in fat and should generally be avoided when experiencing diarrhea. However, this may depend on the cause of the diarrhea, as some people with diarrhea can tolerate dairy products without any issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese good for diarrhoea | No |
| Why cheese should be avoided during diarrhoea | Cheese is a dairy product and can cause gas and worsen diarrhoea. |
| Alternative foods to eat during diarrhoea | Vegetables, fruits, bananas, plain rice, applesauce, boiled potatoes, toast, plain crackers, pretzels, baked chicken without skin or fat, etc. |
| Alternative foods with probiotics | Yogurt, kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese may cause diarrhoea in those with dairy intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy
Cheese is a dairy product that offers calcium, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals that promote bone health. However, it can be problematic for some people, causing gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or diarrhoea. While cheese may not be the direct cause of diarrhoea, it can trigger unpleasant digestive symptoms like bloating, cramping, and loose stools, which can lead to diarrhoea.
If you experience diarrhoea after consuming cheese, it is advisable to try a lower-lactose cheese or consider the possibility of a dairy allergy or intolerance. Lactose intolerance affects an estimated 36% of Americans, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Therefore, it is relatively common for cheese to cause digestive issues in individuals with lactose intolerance.
Additionally, the high-fat content of cheese can also contribute to diarrhoea. Cheese is a high-fat food, and when it makes up a significant part of the diet, it can slow digestion and potentially stall it in the colon, where water is absorbed. This can lead to looser stools and diarrhoea. However, it is important to note that individual tolerance varies, and some people may not experience any issues with cheese consumption.
When experiencing diarrhoea, it is generally recommended to limit or cut out dairy products, including cheese, if they are exacerbating the condition. Non-fat yogurt is the only dairy product recommended for treating diarrhoea, unless one is lactose intolerant or allergic to milk proteins. In such cases, lactose-free yogurt, plant-based yogurts, or probiotic supplements are suggested.
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Lactose-free cheese may be okay for those with diarrhoea
Cheese is a dairy product that is known to cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhoea. However, not everyone reacts to cheese in the same way. While some people may experience constipation, others may suffer from diarrhoea.
Lactose intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy can cause digestive symptoms like bloating, cramping, loose stools, and diarrhoea. Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products, and an estimated 36% of Americans experience lactose malabsorption. Therefore, if you have diarrhoea, it is advisable to opt for cheese that is lower in lactose or try lactose-free alternatives.
Non-fat yogurt is one dairy product that is recommended for treating diarrhoea, unless you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk proteins. Yogurt contains probiotics, which can help balance intestinal flora and ease diarrhoea. Lactose-free yogurt, plant-based yogurts, and probiotic supplements are suitable alternatives for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk.
In addition to lactose-free cheese, there are other dietary considerations to keep in mind when experiencing diarrhoea. It is recommended to eat bland, soft, and low-fibre foods, such as lean ground chicken, scrambled eggs, and bananas. It is also important to stay hydrated and consume enough liquids to avoid dehydration.
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High-fat foods like cheese can cause diarrhoea
While cheese is a versatile and nutritious food, it can be problematic for some people, causing gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or diarrhoea. High-fat foods like cheese can cause diarrhoea, especially if consumed in large quantities or when fibre-rich foods are lacking in the diet.
Cheese is a dairy product that contains lactose, a natural sugar that some people have difficulty digesting. Lactose intolerance or sensitivity can lead to unpleasant digestive symptoms, including diarrhoea. The slow digestion of fats can also contribute to diarrhoea. Fats, including those in cheese, are digested more slowly than simple carbohydrates and proteins, potentially stalling in the colon and disrupting the absorption of water.
Additionally, a diet high in fat and low in fibre can exacerbate constipation and diarrhoea. Fibre is essential for optimal bowel movements and gut health. When high-fat foods like cheese dominate the diet, they can slow digestion and impact the absorption of nutrients and water, leading to loose stools and diarrhoea.
Furthermore, cheese may trigger diarrhoea in individuals with specific health conditions, such as dairy intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy. These conditions can cause digestive symptoms like bloating, cramping, and loose stools due to the body's reaction to specific proteins or its inability to fully digest lactose.
It is worth noting that not everyone experiences diarrhoea from consuming cheese or other high-fat foods. Individual gut reactions vary, and for many, cheese is not an issue. However, if diarrhoea is a concern, it is advisable to try lower-lactose cheeses or consider the possibility of a dairy allergy or intolerance.
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Cheese can cause diarrhoea due to its lack of fibre
Cheese is a dairy product that is loved by many and consumed daily by some. It is a nutrition powerhouse, offering calcium, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals that promote bone health. However, cheese can be problematic for some people and has been known to cause gastrointestinal issues, including constipation and diarrhoea.
In addition, cheese is a high-fat food, and when it makes up more of the diet than fibre-rich foods, it can exacerbate constipation and diarrhoea. Fats are digested more slowly than simple carbohydrates and proteins and can act like a "plug" in the intestines. This can be problematic for people with diarrhoea, as it can make it even more difficult for the body to digest fats and fatty foods.
Furthermore, some people may have a dairy intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy, which can trigger unpleasant digestive symptoms like bloating, cramping, loose stools, and diarrhoea. These symptoms occur when the body cannot fully digest lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products. Lactose can also be added as an ingredient in processed foods, so it is important to read labels carefully.
If you are experiencing diarrhoea, it is generally recommended to limit or cut out milk and other dairy products, including cheese, to see if your symptoms improve. Non-fat yogurt is the one dairy food recommended for treating diarrhoea, as it contains probiotics, which can help balance intestinal flora and ease diarrhoea. However, if you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk, you should avoid yogurt and opt for lactose-free, plant-based alternatives or probiotic supplements instead.
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Other dairy foods like yoghurt may help treat diarrhoea
Cheese is a dairy product that is high in fat and low in fibre. While it is a good source of calcium, protein, and other essential vitamins and minerals, it can cause gastrointestinal issues for some people. For instance, those with a dairy intolerance, sensitivity, or allergy may experience digestive symptoms like bloating, cramping, loose stools, and diarrhoea when consuming cheese.
On the other hand, other dairy foods like yoghurt may help treat diarrhoea. Yoghurt is a fermented milk product that contains bacteria, also known as probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that have been shown to help prevent or treat various types of diarrhoea. By modulating the intestinal microbiota, probiotics may protect the intestine from gastrointestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, infectious diarrhoea, and allergy gastroenteritis.
Studies have found that consuming probiotics can reduce the risk of traveller's diarrhoea and shorten the length of diarrhoea caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. Probiotics have also been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. In one study, consuming vanilla-flavoured commercial yoghurt resulted in a significant 50% reduction in the occurrence of diarrhoea.
It is important to note that not all yoghurts are created equal when it comes to treating diarrhoea. To help prevent diarrhoea, opt for yoghurt with helpful probiotic strains and a high CFU count. Look for third-party tested yoghurts whenever possible. Additionally, if you have lactose intolerance, you may want to choose a non-dairy yoghurt or one that is lower in lactose.
While yoghurt may be helpful in treating diarrhoea, it is always important to stay well-hydrated and seek medical advice if your symptoms persist or worsen.
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Frequently asked questions
No, cheese is not good for diarrhoea. Dairy products and fatty foods can worsen diarrhoea and should be avoided.
Gentle, gut-friendly foods can help calm your digestive system. Bananas, for example, are easy to digest and rich in pectin, a fibre that helps absorb excess water in the intestines. Other recommended foods include oatmeal, plain rice, applesauce, boiled potatoes, and plain crackers.
It is important to stay hydrated by consuming enough liquids. Look for liquids with sugar and salt, such as Pedialyte or full-salt soups. Water, electrolyte drinks, and herbal teas are also good options.
