What foods are recommended if I have diarrhea caused by antibiotics?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea can often be eased by adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet. Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods help restore healthy gut bacteria disrupted by antibiotics, supporting digestion and reducing symptoms.

However, diarrhea can have many causes beyond antibiotic use—including infections, food intolerances, or underlying conditions—and lingering or severe symptoms shouldn't be ignored. Understanding the root cause is the fastest way to find real relief. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if antibiotics are causing diarrhea Learn when your diarrhea needs care today Find out what’s behind your diarrhea See over-the-counter diarrhea relief options Find a diarrhea specialist near you Understand medically valid home remedies for diarrhea Check if your diarrhea needs urgent care

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Explanation

When antibiotics cause diarrhea, adding probiotic foods to your diet can be beneficial. Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your digestive system.

Recommended Probiotic Foods:

Probiotic Yogurt: According to research, probiotic yogurt can help prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics. The beneficial bacteria in yogurt help restore the natural balance in your gut.
Kefir: Another study shows that kefir, a fermented milk drink, can also positively influence gut health. Kefir contains a variety of probiotics that can help improve digestion and reduce diarrhea.

These foods work by replenishing the good bacteria in your gut, which can be disrupted by antibiotics. If you're experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand your condition and determine if you need additional medical care. Including probiotic foods in your diet might help reduce symptoms and improve your overall gut health.

(References)

Velasco M, Requena T, Delgado-Iribarren A, Peláez C, & Guijarro C. (2019). Probiotic Yogurt for the Prevention of Antibiotic-associated .... Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 30439760.
Vogelzang JL. (2001). Nonfunctional gut? Try a probiotic food. Home healthcare nurse, 11982180.
Merenstein DJ, Foster J, & D'Amico F. (2009). A randomized clinical trial measuring the influence of kefir .... Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 19652108.

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