Pizza is not a suitable choice when experiencing diarrhea. Consuming pizza can worsen digestive symptoms. This article explains why certain pizza components are problematic and suggests beneficial alternatives for recovery.
Why Pizza is Not Recommended
Pizza contains ingredients that can irritate a sensitive digestive system, with high fat content in cheese and greasy toppings being a primary concern. Fatty foods stimulate bowel movements and increase fluid secretion into the intestines, exacerbating diarrhea. The body struggles to break down large amounts of dietary fat, leading to unabsorbed fat in the large intestine.
Dairy, especially cheese, presents another challenge. Many experience temporary lactose intolerance during diarrhea, even if they normally digest dairy. Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine lacks enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, causing symptoms like diarrhea, gas, and bloating. High-fat dairy products can also be difficult to digest.
Acidic ingredients like tomato sauce irritate the digestive tract. Common pizza toppings, such as certain spices, also act as irritants. Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, can irritate the stomach lining and speed up intestinal contractions, worsening diarrhea.
Foods and Drinks to Choose
When experiencing diarrhea, select bland, easily digestible foods for recovery. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is recommended for its low fiber and binding properties. Bananas provide potassium, an electrolyte lost during diarrhea, and their starch helps absorb water. White rice is preferred over brown for easier digestion, and applesauce contains pectin to bind loose stool. Plain white toast is also gentle on the stomach.
Beyond the BRAT diet, incorporate other bland foods. These include boiled potatoes (skinless), plain crackers like saltines, and lean protein sources such as baked chicken (skinless) or lean fish. Cooked cereals like oatmeal or Cream of Wheat are also suitable. Eating small, frequent meals prevents overworking the digestive system.
Maintain proper hydration to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through watery stools. Clear liquids like water, diluted fruit juices (without pulp), and clear broths are recommended. Electrolyte solutions, such as oral rehydration solutions, are beneficial as they restore the body’s balance of essential minerals. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, as they worsen diarrhea and dehydration.
When to Consult a Doctor
Most diarrhea cases resolve within a few days, but certain signs indicate the need for medical attention. Adults should consult a doctor if diarrhea persists over two days without improvement. Other warning signs include severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stools, or a fever above 101°F (38°C). Dehydration symptoms like excessive thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, weakness, or dizziness also warrant medical evaluation.
For infants and young children, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, making prompt medical consultation crucial. Contact a doctor if an infant’s diarrhea does not improve within 24 hours, or if they show dehydration signs like fewer wet diapers, crying without tears, a dry mouth and tongue, or unusual drowsiness. Bloody or black stools, or a fever above 102°F (39°C) in children, are serious indicators.