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- Cheese is commonly believed to help stop diarrhea, but there is no strong evidence supporting this idea.
- Because it is high in fat and may contain lactose, cheese can actually worsen diarrhea for some people.
- Bland, low-fat, low-fiber foods and proper hydration are more effective ways to manage diarrhea symptoms.
Diarrhea is a common digestive issue with many potential causes, including food sensitivities, medications, and viral infections. When you have diarrhea, some foods can worsen symptoms, while others may help reduce or manage them. Cheese is often recommended as a home remedy because it’s thought to have “binding” properties, meaning it may help firm up stool. However, this popular belief may not be as effective as it’s often made out to be.
Where Did the Idea That Cheese Stops Diarrhea Come From?
Certain foods are often recommended to help relieve diarrhea symptoms. For example, the BRAT diet is a low-fat, low-fiber approach commonly recommended for short-term relief. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, foods that are easy to digest and may help firm stools by absorbing excess moisture.
In addition to these foods, people often turn to options thought to slow digestion, like cheese. Cheese is free of fiber, a nutrient that can sometimes worsen diarrhea, and may even cause constipation in some individuals. Because of this, it’s often considered “diarrhea-friendly.”
Some people also choose cheese based on personal experience or anecdotal reports, reasoning that it can make them feel more “backed up” and hoping it will have a similar effect during episodes of diarrhea.
Does Cheese Actually Help With Diarrhea?
Diarrhea occurs when the normal balance of fluid absorption and secretion in the intestines is disrupted, leading to excess fluid in the stool. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including inflammation, food intolerances, hormonal changes, infections, and underlying health conditions.
Depending on the cause, diarrhea is typically managed with a combination of dietary changes, hydration, and, in some cases, medication. While certain approaches, such as bland, low-fat, low-fiber diets, have been shown to help manage symptoms, there’s no evidence that cheese improves diarrhea, nor is it approved as a home remedy by healthcare providers.
Foods that are commonly recommended during diarrhea tend to be low in both fiber and fat, as these nutrients can irritate the gut when it’s sensitive. Although cheese is low in fiber, it’s relatively high in fat, which may actually worsen gut symptoms, including diarrhea, for some people.
In short, cheese isn’t considered an evidence-based treatment for diarrhea. While it may not worsen diarrhea for everyone, it’s not typically recommended by healthcare providers as a home remedy.
When Cheese Might Make Diarrhea Worse
Though cheese is low in fiber, it’s high in fat, which may make diarrhea worse for some people. During and after diarrhea, your body often has trouble properly absorbing fat, which can worsen symptoms. Fatty foods like cheese may also irritate the gut lining and contribute to digestive issues.
Cheese is also a dairy product and contains compounds that many people are sensitive to. For example, it contains lactose, a natural sugar found in dairy that can cause digestive symptoms, including diarrhea, in up to 75% of the world’s population.
If you’re lactose intolerant, consuming lactose-containing foods like cheese can lead to symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Lactose is osmotically active, meaning it draws water into the intestines, leading to loose stools. This is why eating cheese may actually worsen diarrhea.
Fatty dairy products, such as cheese, can be especially difficult to tolerate during episodes of diarrhea. While some cheeses, such as parmesan and aged cheddar, are lower in lactose, they’re not considered helpful for managing diarrhea and may still aggravate symptoms in some cases.
Foods That May Help Firm Stools—And How to Stop Diarrhea Faster
It’s generally best to choose bland foods that are low in fat and fiber, such as bananas, white rice, applesauce, toast, plain grilled chicken, and crackers. These foods are gentle on the digestive system and are less likely to worsen symptoms, making them a good option for short-term relief.
When you have diarrhea, you lose a significant amount of fluids, so staying hydrated is essential. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, and electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte, can help replace fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea.
Keep in mind that diarrhea may require medical attention if it’s severe, if you’re unable to stay hydrated, or if you notice blood in your stool. If you’re unsure how to manage your symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.
