Which drinks should be avoided when suffering from diarrhea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

When you have diarrhea, avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and high-caffeine beverages, as these can worsen dehydration and further irritate your digestive system. Instead, choose water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

Diarrhea can stem from many causes—viral infections, food intolerances, medications, or underlying conditions—so knowing what's driving your symptoms is key to feeling better fast. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights about possible causes and clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if diarrhea needs urgent care Discover likely causes of diarrhea symptoms Find out what your diarrhea means See OTC options for diarrhea relief Find a diarrhea specialist near you Understand home remedies for diarrhea Check if diarrhea could be serious

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

When you have diarrhea, it's important to be careful about what you drink. Drinks with alcohol should be avoided because they can make your stomach feel worse. Alcohol can irritate your digestive system and make diarrhea last longer.

Here are some tips for when you have diarrhea:

Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can upset your stomach and make diarrhea worse.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or oral rehydration solutions to stay hydrated.
Other Drinks: Avoid drinks that are very sugary or have caffeine, as they might also upset your stomach.

Remember to take care of yourself and rest when you have diarrhea. If you're experiencing concerning symptoms or want personalized guidance, try our free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your symptoms.

(References)

Bujanda L. (2000). The effects of alcohol consumption upon .... The American journal of gastroenterology, 11151864.
Blaser MJ. (1986). Environmental interventions for the prevention of travelers .... Reviews of infectious diseases, 3523710.
Reding KW, Cain KC, Jarrett ME, Eugenio MD, & Heitkemper MM. (2013). Relationship between patterns of alcohol consumption and .... The American journal of gastroenterology, 23295280.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.