Can you eat vegetables with diarrhea?

In this article, we will answer the question “Can you eat vegetables with diarrhea?” and discuss what types of vegetables that are recommended with diarrhea and what vegetables should be avoided when having an episode of diarrhea. 

Can you eat vegetables with diarrhea?

Yes, you can eat vegetables with diarrhea. However, there are some types of vegetables that should be avoided. These include vegetables that contain a high amount of insoluble fibers (1,2,3). 

Some examples of vegetables that contain a great quantity of insoluble fibers and are not recommended when having an episode of diarrhea are green leafy vegetables and corn (4,6).

What vegetables can you eat with diarrhea?

The vegetables that are recommended with diarrhea are the vegetables that contain soluble fibers and low quantities of insoluble fibers.

Soluble fibers are soluble in water. Because of their high solubility and hygroscopy, they are able to bind to the water molecules and retain them, forming a gel, and absorb them from the intestines. As a consequence, soluble fibers in the diet increase the volume of the stool (1,2,3).

Examples of vegetables that are recommended with diarrhea are cooked carrots, cooked potatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, brussels sprouts and zucchini (5,6).

Soluble fibers are often used to treat diarrhea. They are considered prebiotics, thus favoring the growth of probiotic bacteria in the gut. By the fermentation of soluble fibers by health promoting bacteria, many metabolites are produced, such as short chain fatty acids.

These compounds are related to improved health benefits, including the reduction of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, inhibition of invasive bacteria in the gut and promotion of the immune system . 

What vegetables should you not eat with diarrhea?

The vegetables that are recommended with diarrhea are the vegetables that contain insoluble fibers. Insoluble fibers increase the gastrointestinal motility and the frequency of evacuation (1,2).

Contrary to soluble fibers, insoluble fibers are not soluble in water. Their consumption is related to a laxative effect. Therefore, vegetables containing a high amount of insoluble fibers should not be consumed during an episode of diarrhea, as it could lead to an even more frequent evacuation.

Vegetables that contain a large amount of insoluble fibers are sweet corn, dark green leafy vegetables and root vegetable skin (3,6).

What are other foods that should be eaten and avoided during an episode of diarrhea?

During an episode of diarrhea, some food items are recommended while some food items are not, because it is essential to maintain hydration and follow a diet that favors a fast body recovery.

The following foods should be eaten in moderation when having diarrhea (1,2,4,5,6,7):

  • Fruit rich in insoluble fibers and fruit skin, such as mangoes, pineapple, pear, apples with skin, nuts would, without doubt, contribute to the increase of the intestinal transit, thus aggravating the diarrhea
  • Some individuals can experience an impaired digestion capacity during diarrhea. In this way, food items that are difficult to digest, such as milk and high fat foods should be avoided
  • Food and beverages that contain caffeine should be avoided, as caffeine also increases gastric motility. Therefore, coffee, cocoa and soft drinks should not be consumed 

The following foods are encouraged during diarrhea:

  • Fruits containing soluble fibers, such as pectin rich fruits: strawberries, pears, banana and apples without skin (applesauce)
  • Well-cooked grains that contain soluble fibers, including cooked oatmeal and oat bran
  • Food prepared without oil or fat, such as boiled eggs, which are a source of vitamins and protein, with improved nutritional benefits
  • Food that contains probiotics, such as yogurt and fermented dairy, kefir and buttermilk. Probiotics are health-promoting bacteria that inhibit the development of pathogenic bacteria in the gut, preventing thus inflammatory intestinal diseases

Other FAQs about Vegetables that you may be interested in.

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Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “Can you eat vegetables with diarrhea?” and discussed what types of vegetables that are recommended with diarrhea and what vegetables should be avoided when having an episode of diarrhea.

Reference

  1. Whelan, Kevin, and Stephane M. Schneider. Mechanisms, prevention, and management of diarrhea in enteral nutrition. Curr Opin Gastroenterol, 2011, 27, 152-159. 
  2. Stern, Jean, and Cindy Ippoliti. Management of acute cancer treatment-induced diarrhea. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 2003. WB Saunders. Whelan, Kevin, and Stephane M. Schneider. Mechanisms, prevention, and management of diarrhea in enteral nutrition. Curr Opin Gastroenterol, 2011, 27, 152-159. 
  3. Bathla S, Jaidka M, Kaur R. Nutritive Value [Internet]. Maize – Production and Use. IntechOpen; 2020. 
  4. Altomare A, Di Rosa C, Imperia E, Emerenziani S, Cicala M, Guarino MPL. Diarrhea Predominant-Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D): Effects of Different Nutritional Patterns on Intestinal Dysbiosis and Symptoms. Nutrients [Internet]. 2021, 13, 1506. 
  5. What I need to know about Diarrhea. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.