Can you eat jam when you have diarrhea?

In this article we are going to answer can you eat jam when you have diarrhea, what is jam, what is diarrhea, what foods to eat, and which ones to avoid when you have diarrhea. 

Can you eat jam when you have diarrhea?

Yes, you can eat jam when you have diarrhea but you need to eat small amounts because pectin, an ingredient of jam, can cause diarrhea, gas, and loose stools. 

In some studies, it has been shown that in small amounts, pectin from apples can alleviate both diarrhea and constipation. Pectin is a gel-forming that absorbs water easily and can normalize stools. 

What is jam?

Jam is a food made by boiling fruit and sugar until it reaches a thick consistency. Jams are made from fruit, sugar, and acid. Some use pectin to obtain a better texture. The nutritional value of jam usually is

20 g
Calories56 calories
Carbohydrates14 g
Added Sugar9.7 g
Dietary Fiber0.2 g
Fat0 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Cholesterol 0 g

Jam is a healthy sweet treat. You can enjoy jam just to moderate your intake because it is considered high in carbohydrates.  

Homemade jams are a better option if you can make them with a sugar substitute but if you can’t make them, look for low sugar options. Try to avoid high corn fructose syrup. 

What is diarrhea?

It Is called Diarrhea when bowel movements have a loose texture or are more liquids than normal. It is considered diarrhea when you go to the bathroom three or more times in a day. 

  • Acute diarrhea: it lasts for two days
  • Chronic Diarrhea: it lasts more than four weeks. It can be continuous or come and go. 

What are the symptoms of diarrhea? 

Symptoms of diarrhea include:

  • Cramps or pain in the abdomen
  • Urgent need to go to the bathroom
  • Loss of bowel movements
  • You may also have, a fever
  • Bloody stools
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Náusea

What are the causes of diarrhea?

The most common causes of diarrhea can be

  • Bacteria 
  • Viruses
  • Parasites
  • Medicines
  • Food intolerance or sensitivities
  • Disease
  • Problems with the colon functions

Bacteria 

You can contract food poisoning from bacteria when you drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food. 

Viruses

Flu, norovirus, or rotavirus

Parasites

They are tiny organisms that can be found in contaminated food or water.

Medicines

Some medicines like antibiotics, cancer drugs, or magnesium supplements can cause diarrhea or loose stools. 

Food intolerance or sensitivities

It is a problem with the digestion of certain ingredients in food living gluten intolerance of celiac disease. 

Disease

Some diseases that affect the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine are like Crohn’s disease. 

Problems with the colon functions

Like irritable bowel syndrome. 

What can you eat if you have diarrhea?

If you have diarrhea you should eat bland food that does not irritate the large intestine or colon. Diet is part of the treatment to recover from diarrhea. It is very important to not add fiber or food that can irritate your intestine. You can follow the BRAT diet

  • B for Bananas
  • R for rice, plain white rice
  • A for applesauce
  • T for toast or bread

Other foods you can include in your bland diet are boiled potatoes, turkey ham or turkey breast, chicken breast,  unseasoned crackers, and apple juice.

You must add liquids so you don’t dehydrate.

  • Clear broth like chicken or beef broth without fat
  • Electrolyte-enhanced water
  • Decaffeinated tea like chamomile tea

What should you avoid if you have diarrhea?

As part of the treatment, you should avoid food that can trigger diarrhea. Some foods you should avoid are

  • Milk and dairy products
  • Fried food
  • Spicy foods
  • Processed foods
  • Pork
  • Veal
  • Sardines
  • Raw or cooked vegetables (you can only eat potatoes or carrots)
  • Fruits (you can only eat apples)
  • Alcohol
  • Coffee
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Sugar or artificial sweeteners

When should I see a doctor?

If your symptoms worsen or you feel really bad you should 

  • Signs of dehydration
  • Diarrhea for more than 2 days of children with more than 24 hours
  • Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
  • Fever higher than 102 degrees
  • Stools with blood or pus
  • Black and tarry stools

If you want more information about diarrhea follow this link

Other FAQs about Jam that you may be interested in.

Can you eat jam when pregnant?

Can you eat jam when you are on a ketogenic diet?

Can you eat jam doughnuts when pregnant?

Conclusion

This article answered can you eat jam when you have diarrhea, what is jam, what is diarrhea, what foods to eat, and which ones to avoid when you have diarrhea.

Citation

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diarrhea-management-photos/diarrhea-and-diet.aspx

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7944098/best-snack-to-eat-when-you-have-diarrhea/

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-eat-when-you-have-diarrhea

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