Is Yogurt Good For Diarrhea? What Science Says

Is Yogurt Good For Diarrhea? It's a question that many people ask. We've all experienced diarrhea at one time or another. Whether it's due to food poisoning or an illness, loose stools are never fun.

While many people turn to yogurt as a remedy, does it actually work? In this blog post, we'll take a look at what science says about yogurt and diarrhea (and how you can use this information to make better decisions).

What is yogurt?

Is yogurt good for diarrhea? contains lactic acid which is good for gut health. (Image via Pexels / Anna Pyshniuk)

Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with live bacteria cultures. The fermentation process produces lactic acid, giving yogurt a tangy taste and a thick, creamy texture.

Yogurt can contain a variety of bacterial strains, but the most commonly used are Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Is Yogurt Good For Diarrhea?

Several studies have suggested that yogurt may be beneficial for people with diarrhea.

One of the main ways yogurt can help is by introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut. When you have diarrhea, the balance of bacteria in your gut can become disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Eating yogurt can help restore this balance by introducing probiotics, or live beneficial bacteria, into the gut.

In addition to introducing beneficial bacteria, yogurt also contains lactose, a type of sugar that can help promote the growth of these bacteria. This can help improve digestion and reduce the severity of diarrhea.

yogurt promotes growth of good bacteria. (Image via Pexels / Monstera)

A review of 63 studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that probiotics, including those found in yogurt, can be effective in reducing the duration of diarrhea caused by a variety of factors, including antibiotics, viral infections, and food poisoning.

Is yogurt good for diarrhea? Reduces abdominal pain. (Image via Pexels / Nicola Barts)

Another study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that children with acute diarrhea who were given yogurt experienced a significant reduction in the duration and severity of their symptoms compared to those who did not consume yogurt. One of the most important reasons why you should care more about your gut health.

Tips for Using Yogurt for Diarrhea Relief

Choose plain yogurt.
Avoid flavored yogurts, which can contain sugar and other ingredients that may worsen diarrhea.
Don't overdo it. If you're experiencing diarrhea, don't eat more than 1 cup of yogurt at a time--and only do so if your doctor says it's okay for you to do so.

Choosing the right yogurt

Not all yogurt is created equal, and some types may be more beneficial for diarrhea than others. When choosing a yogurt for diarrhea, look for one that contains live and active cultures of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Avoid yogurts that contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners, as these can exacerbate diarrhea symptoms.

Is yogurt good for diarrhea? restores gut balance. (Image via Pexels / Polina Zimmerman)

It's also important to note that not everyone with diarrhea will benefit from consuming yogurt. If you have diarrhea that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or abdominal pain, it's important to seek medical attention.

If you're still wondering, is yogurt good for diarrhea? the benefits are clear: it's a good source of protein and calcium. It can also help with weight loss and digestion.

However, if you have a medical condition or are taking any medications that affect how well your body absorbs nutrients from food (like lactose intolerance), talk to your doctor before eating yogurt as it may not be right for you.

Edited by Ankush Das