Which foods should be avoided when experiencing diarrhea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

When experiencing diarrhea, avoid foods high in histamines, such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, cured meats, and alcohol, as these can worsen symptoms. Also steer clear of spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, dairy, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners, which can irritate your digestive system and prolong discomfort. Instead, focus on bland, easy-to-digest options like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).

Because diarrhea can stem from many causes—ranging from mild food sensitivities to infections or chronic conditions—identifying the root cause is essential for effective relief. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be triggering your symptoms and get personalized guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover what’s causing your diarrhea See if diarrhea needs urgent care Learn likely causes of persistent diarrhea Find OTC relief for diarrhea symptoms Find a doctor for diarrhea treatment Understand home remedies for diarrhea relief Discover if diarrhea means a serious issue

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Explanation

When experiencing diarrhea, it is important to be mindful of the foods you consume, as some can worsen symptoms. Foods high in histamines can cause symptoms similar to those seen in histamine intolerance, which may exacerbate diarrhea.

Foods to Avoid:

Spicy Foods: These can irritate the stomach and intestines, making diarrhea worse.
Fatty Foods: Greasy or fried foods can be hard to digest and may prolong diarrhea.
High-Histamine Foods: Although not directly linked to diarrhea, foods that are high in histamines might cause discomfort in some individuals, such as certain aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented foods.

It is also beneficial to focus on foods that are gentle on the stomach, such as plain rice, bananas, and applesauce, to help manage diarrhea symptoms effectively. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider using a free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and when to seek medical attention.

(References)

Wöhrl S, Hemmer W, Focke M, Rappersberger K, & Jarisch R. (2004). Histamine intolerance-like symptoms in healthy volunteers .... Allergy and asthma proceedings, 15603203.
Nagaoka Y. (1992). [Dietary treatment in patients with irritable bowel syndrome]. Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine, 1337565.
Turcott JG, Cárdenas-Fernández D, Sánchez-Lara K, Palomares-Palomares CB, & Arrieta O. (2025). Nutritional Approach on Management of Diarrhea Induced .... Nutrition and cancer, 40105308.

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