Usually yes: MedlinePlus says low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt are fine with diarrhea, but cut back or stop if dairy makes it worse or gives you gas and bloating. If your diarrhea is very severe, you may need to skip dairy for a few days. An illness that causes diarrhea can lower the enzyme that digests milk sugar, and MedlinePlus says levels return to normal within a few weeks. Babies should keep breast or bottle feeding as usual.
Is milk bad for diarrhea?
Not for most people. MedlinePlus lists low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt among the foods you can have when you have diarrhea.
The rule is to watch how your body reacts. If a glass of milk is followed by more cramps, gas, bloating or looser stools, that's your sign to limit it or cut it out for now.
- Mild diarrhea: low-fat dairy is usually fine.
- Dairy makes it worse: limit it or stop it for now.
- Very severe diarrhea: you may need to skip dairy for a few days.
Can a stomach bug make you lactose intolerant?
It can, for a while. Your small intestine makes an enzyme called lactase that breaks down lactose, the sugar in milk. MedlinePlus says any illness that causes diarrhea, and infections of the small intestine, can lower how much lactase you make. MedlinePlus notes that infections of the small intestine are most often seen in children.
When a short diarrheal illness is the cause, MedlinePlus says lactase levels return to normal within a few weeks. So if milk bothers you for a bit after a stomach bug, that doesn't mean you're lactose intolerant for life.
Lactose intolerance symptoms, per the NHS, include tummy pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and feeling sick, starting minutes to hours after dairy. If bloating and discomfort are still going on after 3 weeks, the NHS suggests seeing a doctor.
Is yogurt or cheese easier than milk?
Often, yes. MedlinePlus says fermented milk products such as yogurt, and aged hard cheeses, are often easier to digest because they contain less lactose. Yogurt still has some lactose, so if it bothers you, back off.
If you want milk while your gut recovers, MedlinePlus says lactase enzyme supplements, added to milk or taken as capsules or chewable tablets, are widely used and effective. It also lists lactose-free milk and milk products as easier to digest.
What should I drink and eat instead?
Fluids matter more than food. The NHS says the most important thing is to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration, taking small sips if you feel sick. MedlinePlus suggests at least 1 cup (240 mL) of liquid after each loose stool, with water as the best choice.
Eat when you feel able to. The NHS suggests avoiding greasy or very spicy food, and MedlinePlus says to avoid fried and greasy foods, caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Baked or broiled meat, chicken or fish, cooked eggs, white rice, pasta, and vegetables such as carrots and green beans are on the MedlinePlus list of foods that are OK.
When should you get care?
In an emergency, call 911Get care the same day if: you can't keep fluids down, there's blood or mucus in your stool, you have signs of dehydration, a fever that won't go away, or stomach pain that won't ease.
Get care the same day for a child who stops breast or bottle feeding, has fewer wet diapers (under age 5), has bloody stools, won't eat or drink, or has a fever lasting more than 24 to 48 hours. Call about any baby under 12 months you're worried about.
See a doctor if diarrhea isn't getting better after 2 days in an infant or child or 5 days in an adult (MedlinePlus), or lasts more than 7 days (NHS).
Call 911 if you or your child vomit blood or something that looks like coffee grounds, have green vomit, a sudden severe stomach ache, severe trouble breathing, blue, gray or blotchy skin or lips, or are confused or not responding as usual.
How our AI doctor decides when to send you to care ›Should my baby or child keep having milk?
Yes for babies. The NHS says to carry on breast or bottle feeding. If your baby is being sick, try smaller feeds more often. Don't water down formula; use it at its usual strength. Babies on formula or solid foods can have small sips of water between feeds.
For children with mild diarrhea and no vomiting, the AAP says you can keep giving breast milk, formula or cow's milk, and most children with mild diarrhea don't need to change their diet. If your child seems bloated or gassy after formula or cow's milk, ask their doctor whether to avoid it. If your child is also vomiting, the AAP says breastfeeding should continue, but some children can't tolerate cow's milk during diarrhea and their doctor may briefly remove it.
The AAP says the BRAT diet is no longer considered useful. A normal mix of fruit, vegetables, meat, yogurt and starchy foods helps recovery. For moderately severe diarrhea, the AAP says store-bought electrolyte solutions are very helpful, and it advises against making your own at home.
Common questions
Can I drink milk when I have diarrhea?
Usually yes. MedlinePlus says low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt are fine, but limit or cut out dairy if it makes your diarrhea worse or causes gas and bloating. With very severe diarrhea, you may need to skip dairy for a few days.
Why does milk upset my stomach after a stomach bug?
An illness that causes diarrhea can lower lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar. MedlinePlus says that after a short diarrheal illness, lactase levels return to normal within a few weeks. Until then, smaller amounts, yogurt, hard cheese or lactose-free milk may sit better.
Is yogurt good for diarrhea?
Yogurt is on the MedlinePlus list of foods that are OK with diarrhea, and it's often easier to digest than milk because it has less lactose. The AAP includes yogurt in a normal recovery diet for children. If it makes symptoms worse, stop it for now.
Should I stop breastfeeding if my baby has diarrhea?
No. Both the NHS and the AAP say breastfeeding should continue. If your baby is also being sick, offer smaller feeds more often. Get help the same day if your baby stops feeding or has fewer wet diapers.
Should I switch my baby's formula during diarrhea?
Don't change or dilute formula on your own. The NHS says to keep formula at its usual strength. If formula seems to cause gas or bloating, the AAP says to ask your child's doctor whether it should be avoided.
Pymander is not a replacement for a physician and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.