Experiencing an upset stomach with diarrhea and loose stools can be quite unpleasant. In addition to diarrhea, you may also encounter symptoms such as cramps and abdominal pain. Your diet can have a significant impact on your diarrhea, either making it better or worse. Yogurt is frequently mentioned as a food that aids in digestion. As a result, can yogurt truly assist with diarrhea?
Bacterial Fermentation
To make yogurt, milk undergoes bacterial fermentation using cultures such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium. These cultures convert the milk sugars, also known as lactose, into lactic acid, which thickens the yogurt.
Lactobacilli is a recommended treatment for diarrhea and its presence in yogurt makes it readily available when needed. Furthermore, the addition of probiotics in yogurt is thought to assist with digestive problems and potentially alleviate diarrhea in some individuals.
Probiotics
The bacteria that initiate the yogurt-making process are not always considered probiotics because they may not survive and therefore cannot aid in promoting the growth of “good bacteria” in your gut. Probiotics, on the other hand, can balance the bacteria in your gut and prevent harmful bacteria from spreading. For the bacteria to be helpful, they must be alive, which is why yogurt packages often display the term “live cultures”.
It has been discovered by experts that not all yogurts with probiotics are equally beneficial for the body. For a yogurt to have a positive effect, it must contain at least 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) and the bacteria in the yogurt must be resilient enough to survive the highly acidic environment of the gastrointestinal tract.
How To Find the Best Yogurt
When shopping for yogurt, it’s important to check the label for a few key things. Firstly, make sure it states that it contains live and active cultures. Unfortunately, some manufacturers don’t list the specific strains of bacteria used in the yogurt’s creation. Additionally, avoid yogurts with high sugar content as they can worsen diarrhea. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider a dairy-free or lactose-free option. Remember to always check the label when selecting yogurt.
The Takeaway
Yogurt can be beneficial in helping to stop diarrhea. It’s important to consult with your doctor if you experience persistent diarrhea.
Make sure you are ready for any potential E. Coli or Salmonella while abroad with a Passport Health travelers’ diarrhea kit. Call 937-306-7541 or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Jennifer Passmore is a stay-at-home mom, writer and beader. She loves creating art with her words and through her jewelry. She is also a passionate mental health advocate. You can find more writing at her website Positivity In Pain.
