Can you eat chocolate when you have diarrhea?

Having diarrhea is painful, but treating it doesn’t always have to be. For what? Because dark chocolate can relieve diarrhea symptoms. Yes, you read that correctly. Your candy stash might actually be your next remedy for loose stools. Is chocolate good for diarrhea? “Dark chocolate has been shown to help with diarrhea,” says Elena Ivanina, DO, a gastroenterologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, part of Northwell Health, in New York City. In fact, she says, the use of cocoa as a treatment for diarrhea dates back to ancient European and South American cultures. “Cocoa contains flavonoids, natural plant-based compounds that have antioxidant properties,” says Dr. Ivanina. “They have also been shown to block a protein that regulates fluid secretion in the intestine,” which may improve diarrhea. “Dark chocolate is particularly effective because it is higher in flavonoids,” she says. Related reading 3 health benefits of dark chocolate — and how to choose the right bar Other foods to eat with diarrhea Chocolate isn’t the only food that can help, says Dr. Ivanina. If your diarrhea comes on suddenly and is likely due to food poisoning, “it’s best to go back to broth and crackers,” she says. “When reintroducing foods, start with the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.” The BRAT diet gives your digestive system a chance to rest, which reduces the frequency of bowel movements, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD). The IFFGD lists other foods that might help calm your digestive tract or replace lost sodium and potassium, such as: Sports drinks or rehydration drinks Potatoes (boiled or mashed) Yogurt (if you can tolerate lactose) Rice noodles Creamy peanut butter (in small amounts) White bread It It is also helpful to take your meals and fluids separately. According to the IFFGD, when you eat and drink at the same time, it can stimulate your intestines to move faster. Related Reading Top 10 Natural Remedies for Diarrhea Foods to Avoid On the other hand, many foods can also contribute to diarrhea. The IFFGD recommends trying to determine which foods or liquids are causing your digestive symptoms. Some common culprits include: Lactose: For many people, milk or milk-based products can be a problem due to lactose, a protein found in milk. “Approximately 65 percent of the world’s population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy,” says Dr. Ivanina. If you are one of the many people with lactose intolerance, a lactose-free diet may ease your diarrhea symptoms. “This includes staying away from cheese, milk, and ice cream,” says Dr. Ivanina. Gluten: Another possible cause of chronic diarrhea in people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity is gluten, a protein found in wheat. Dr. Ivanina says removing gluten from the diet can improve diarrhea in people with these conditions. Fatty foods: If your snacks and meals contain a lot of fat or you like fried foods, your intestines may need to rev up and secrete more fluids to digest these foods, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Sugar: Natural sugars like fructose, found in fruits and fruit juices, can make diarrhea symptoms worse. The same goes for dried fruits like raisins, dates and prunes, according to the IFFGD. Fake sugars: Some artificial sweeteners found in sugar-free gum, candy, and medications aren’t properly absorbed in the gut and can lead to diarrhea, says Dr. Ivanina. The most likely offenders are sweeteners that end in “ol.” These include sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol, which may have a laxative effect, according to the IFFGD. Caffeine: According to Harvard Health Publishing, your morning cup of java could give your digestive system a boost. Foods that can affect the gut vary from person to person, according to the IFFGD, so you may need to experiment with certain foods, remove them from your diet, then gradually bring them back to see if they are causing your symptoms. The same goes for foods that might help relieve your diarrhea. And if you decide to try chocolate, remember to choose plain dark chocolate and check the label for other ingredients.