Diarrhea is a common digestive disturbance characterized by the frequent passage of loose or watery stools. It is often a symptom of an underlying issue, such as an infection, medication side effect, or food intolerance, leading to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes. Buttermilk is frequently cited as a traditional remedy for digestive upset. This article examines buttermilk’s components and their interaction with an acutely upset digestive system to determine if it is a recommended dietary choice.
Buttermilk’s Nutritional Profile and Probiotic Content
Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product created either as the liquid residue after churning butter (traditional) or, more commonly today, by adding specific lactic acid bacteria cultures to pasteurized low-fat or skim milk (cultured). The fermentation process is carried out by bacteria such as Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which convert the milk sugar, lactose, into lactic acid. This production of lactic acid gives buttermilk its characteristic tangy flavor and lower pH level, making it more acidic than regular milk.
The presence of live cultures in cultured buttermilk makes it a source of probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms that support a balanced gut microbiome. Probiotics help maintain the balance between helpful and harmful bacteria in the gut, a state often disrupted during diarrhea. Buttermilk is also low in fat and provides a good source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins, including riboflavin and vitamin B12. Although fermentation reduces the overall lactose content compared to unfermented milk, some residual lactose remains in the final product.
How Buttermilk Interacts with an Upset Digestive System
Buttermilk’s potential benefit in managing diarrhea stems directly from its probiotic content. Introducing live bacteria strains may help restore the microbial balance in the gut, which can be disrupted by infections or antibiotic use, potentially shortening the duration of diarrheal illness. Furthermore, the lactic acid in buttermilk may aid in digestion and has been traditionally associated with soothing the digestive tract.
However, the dairy base of buttermilk presents a significant risk during an acute diarrheal episode. Diarrhea frequently causes temporary damage to the small intestine lining, reducing the production of the enzyme lactase. Since lactase is needed to break down lactose, this temporary condition results in secondary lactose intolerance. Consuming buttermilk when lactase activity is low means the undigested sugar ferments in the colon, causing gas, bloating, cramping, and worsening osmotic diarrhea. Therefore, despite the helpful probiotics, the residual lactose and potential for temporary intolerance make buttermilk a non-recommended choice for managing acute diarrhea.
Safe Dietary Strategies for Managing Diarrhea
Dietary management during diarrhea focuses on preventing dehydration and introducing bland foods that firm up stool without irritating the digestive tract. Maintaining hydration is paramount, requiring the replacement of lost water and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. Oral rehydration solutions, broths, and diluted sports drinks are effective choices, as are potassium-rich foods like bananas.
Focusing on binding, low-fiber, easy-to-digest foods helps to reduce the frequency and looseness of stools. These foods contain soluble fiber, which absorbs water in the gut, adding bulk to the stool. The traditional approach includes bland options such as:
- White rice
- Unsweetened applesauce
- White toast
- Peeled boiled potatoes
Foods to avoid during acute episodes include high-fat, greasy, or spicy items, which stimulate bowel movements. Highly sugary drinks and most dairy products, apart from some low-lactose fermented options like plain yogurt, should also be limited due to their potential to exacerbate diarrhea.