is yogurt good for diarrhea - #25730
I am super confused and kinda worried about this whole situation. A few days ago, I started having bad diarrhea. Like, really bad. I thought maybe it was something I ate, but now I’m not sure. My stomach has been hurting and it's been tough to keep anything down. A friend mentioned that is yogurt good for diarrhea, and I’ve seen things online saying yes. But I’m just not clear if that's true or just one of those old wives’ tales. I usually eat yogurt all the time, but with my current issues, I don't know if dairy is really something I should touch right now, ya know? I have a huge tub of plain yogurt just sitting in my fridge, and I wonder if it might actually help, or if I should just stay away from it until this clears up. My doctor is booked for a week, and I kinda can’t wait that long. I’ve tried other things like staying hydrated but my stomach's still gurgling and unhappy. Like, if yogurt really can help, should I eat it now or is it better to wait 'til things calm down? Is yogurt good for diarrhea in the long run, or just when it’s mild? Could I make things worse if I try it? Seriously, any advice would be awesome!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
When dealing with diarrhea, yogurt can actually be quite beneficial depending on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Yogurt, specifically the kind that contains live and active cultures, can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut, which often gets disrupted during episodes of diarrhea. Probiotics found in yogurt can help replenish these beneficial bacteria, potentially hastening recovery. However, it’s important to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt, as added sugars might aggravate the gut further. Lactose intolerance can be a concern during diarrheal episodes, as the ability to digest lactose may temporarily decrease with gut inflammation. If you’ve tolerated yogurt well in the past, it’s likely you can have it now, but start with a small amount to see how your body reacts. Avoid dairy products that are high in fat or added sugar, as these can be more challenging to digest and could worsen your symptoms. If your diarrhea persists beyond a couple of days or it’s accompanied by severe symptoms like dehydration, bloody stools, or significant pain, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Besides, maintaining hydration is crucial. Oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte-rich fluids can be very effective in countering fluid loss from diarrhea. It’s also a good idea to avoid greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods until your condition improves. Keeping your diet bland with items like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (commonly known as the BRAT diet) may help soothe your digestive system. Ultimately, if your diarrhea is ongoing or gets worse, it’s critical to reach out to healthcare services for further guidance even if your doctor’s schedule is full. They may be able to provide resources or alternatives, ensuring you receive timely care.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.