What foods should be avoided as they worsen diarrhea?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

To prevent diarrhea from worsening, avoid these three types of foods:

Sugary foods (candy, soda, sweetened juices) — excess sugar draws water into the intestines, loosening stools.
High-fat foods (fried foods, greasy meats, heavy cream sauces) — fats are harder to digest and can accelerate bowel movements.
Spicy foods (hot peppers, chili, strong seasonings) — spices irritate the digestive tract and can intensify symptoms.

Sticking to bland, low-fat, low-sugar options like bananas, rice, toast, and broth can help your gut recover faster.

Because diarrhea can stem from many different causes — from mild dietary triggers to infections or underlying conditions — dietary changes alone may not be enough. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you pinpoint what's likely driving your symptoms and guide you toward the right next steps, whether that's home care or seeing a doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if diarrhea needs urgent care Discover likely causes of diarrhea Find out if diarrhea is serious See OTC options for diarrhea relief Find a doctor for diarrhea care Understand home remedies for diarrhea Check what may be causing diarrhea

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Explanation

When you have diarrhea, certain foods might make it worse. Sugary foods can be a problem because they might upset your stomach more. This includes things like candies, sodas, and other sweet treats. Another thing to watch out for is foods that your body might be sensitive to. Some people have reactions to specific foods that can make their diarrhea worse.

Foods to Avoid

Sugary Foods: These include candies, sodas, and sweet treats.
Foods Causing Reactions: If you know certain foods cause you issues, such as high fat foods, diary or spicy foods, try to avoid them.

By being careful with what you eat, you might feel better faster. Always listen to your body and try to figure out what foods make you feel worse. If you're experiencing persistent digestive symptoms and want to better understand what might be causing them, try our free symptom checker to help identify potential causes and next steps.

(References)

Arnone D, Chabot C, Heba AC, Kökten T, Caron B, Hansmannel F, et al. (2022). Sugars and Gastrointestinal Health. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, 34902573.
Zar S, Mincher L, Benson MJ, & Kumar D. (2005). Food-specific IgG4 antibody-guided exclusion diet .... Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology, 16109655.
Perera BJ, Ganesan S, Jayarasa J, & Ranaweera S. (1999). The impact of breastfeeding practices on respiratory and .... Journal of tropical pediatrics, 10341510.

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