Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Foods and Supplements That Can Worsen Diarrhea

If you suffer from Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s and have chronic diarrhea the followings foods and supplements may contribute to loose stools.

  • Dried beans, corn, vegetables and cabbage family vegetables are all high in fiber, which may worsen diarrhea
  • Fruits and juices contain fructose, which can worsen diarrhea
  • Caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee and tea can have a laxative effect
  • Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and liquor can worsen diarrhea
  • Fatty meats such as bacon, lunch meats, and heavily marbled meats can worsen diarrhea
  • Fried foods, pastries and chips are high in fat which can worsen diarrhea
  • NutraSweet may be a problem for some people
  • Large quantities of nuts or nut butters may worsen symptoms
  • Concentrated sweets can worsen symptoms
  • Dried fruits such as figs, dates, raisins and prunes can have a laxative effect
  • Prune juice can exert a laxative effect
  • Sugar-free gums and mints contain the sugar alcohols sorbitol, mannitol, and/or xylitol, which can have a laxative effect
  • Real black licorice (not the candy) can have a laxative effect

In addition to food choices that may be bother some there are several supplement which may cause more frequent bowel movements and exacerbate existing diarrhea.

Supplements that can Worsen Symptoms

  • 5-HTP
  • Acetyl L-carnitine
  • Activated charcoal
  • Bee pollen
  • Borage oil
  • Bovine colostrum
  • Cayenne
  • Chlorophyll
  • Chondroitin sulfate
  • DHA
  • EPA
  • Flaxseed oil
  • Glucosamine
  • Guarana
  • Guar gum
  • Horse Chestnut seed
  • Kola Nut
  • Lactulose
  • Mate
  • Senna
Stay ahead of your diarrhea by staying well hydrated and well informed.