Diarrhea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools in a 24-hour period. This common gastrointestinal complaint is frequently caused by viral or bacterial infections, though certain foods and medications can also be triggers. When experiencing distress, many people turn to quick, often unproven, home remedies. One persistent folk remedy suggests that eating marshmallows can help resolve the symptoms of diarrhea.
Deconstructing the Marshmallow Remedy
The simple answer to how many marshmallows are needed to stop diarrhea is none. Modern marshmallows contain virtually no therapeutic ingredients that would help solidify loose stools. The belief likely stems from the historical use of the marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis, whose root was used in medicine for centuries.
The root of this plant contains a thick, sap-like substance called mucilage, which swells in water to form a soothing gel. This mucilage was traditionally used to coat and protect the irritated lining of the digestive tract, offering relief from symptoms like diarrhea and stomach ulcers. Modern confectionary marshmallows replaced the plant extract with gelatin around the late 19th century.
Today’s marshmallows are primarily composed of sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. While gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, it is not the same as the mucilage-rich compounds found in the original plant. Although certain compounds like gelatin tannate have been studied for their potential to reduce stool frequency in acute diarrhea, plain gelatin, as found in a marshmallow, does not have proven medicinal properties for this purpose.
The Detrimental Effects of High Sugar Intake
Consuming marshmallows when you have diarrhea is not only ineffective but can actually make your condition worse. The high concentration of simple sugars, particularly corn syrup, in the confection is the main concern. Sugars that are not easily or fully absorbed in the small intestine pass into the colon, creating what is known as an osmotic load.
This high concentration of unabsorbed sugar actively draws excess water from the body into the intestinal lumen. This process, known as osmotic diarrhea, exacerbates the looseness and wateriness of stools. Since diarrhea already causes the body to lose significant fluid, any food that promotes water loss in the gut is counterproductive.
The excessive sugar intake increases the risk of dehydration, the most dangerous complication of acute diarrhea. The body struggles to retain fluids and electrolytes, and introducing a substance that pulls more water into the bowel intensifies this struggle. Health experts strongly advise against consuming high-sugar products, including marshmallows, during a bout of diarrhea.
Evidence-Based Dietary Management for Diarrhea
The appropriate management of diarrhea focuses on two main pillars: replacing lost fluids and consuming bland, easily digestible foods. The most important step is to prevent dehydration by replenishing the water and electrolytes lost through watery stools. Plain water is often insufficient because it lacks the necessary balance of sodium, potassium, and chloride.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are specifically formulated to have the correct balance of salts and sugars to promote fluid absorption in the small intestine. Electrolyte-rich beverages or diluted fruit juices can also help restore mineral balance, though some fruit juices may worsen symptoms. Continuing to eat is recommended because proper nutrition supports intestinal recovery and overall well-being.
Bland foods that help to bind the stool are the best dietary choices. These include foods like rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast, which are low in fat and fiber. These simple carbohydrates are easy for a distressed digestive system to process and help to add bulk to the stool. Conversely, temporarily avoid foods that are fatty, highly seasoned, or high in dietary fiber, as these can stimulate the gut and worsen symptoms.
Dairy products can also be problematic due to temporary lactose intolerance that sometimes accompanies an intestinal infection. If diarrhea persists, or if you experience signs of severe dehydration, such as reduced urination, extreme thirst, or dizziness, it is important to seek medical attention. Other warning signs include a high fever or the presence of blood in the stool.