Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stool. For some, diarrhea is mild and will go away within a few days. For others, it may last longer. It can make you lose too much fluid (dehydrated) and feel weak. It can also lead to unhealthy weight loss.
A stomach or intestinal illness is a common cause of diarrhea. Medical treatments, such as antibiotics and some cancer treatments can also cause diarrhea. Many other medicines can also cause diarrhea.
Dealing with diarrhea is never fun. The uncomfortable stomach cramps, urgent bathroom trips, and disruption to your daily routine can really take a toll. During bouts of diarrhea, paying close attention to your diet is crucial. While some foods can help soothe your upset stomach, others may make diarrhea worse. So what about salmon? Is this popular fatty fish OK to eat when you have diarrhea, or should you avoid it?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll take a close look at the pros and cons of eating salmon with diarrhea. We’ll also provide tips on preparation methods portion sizes, and healthy alternatives to determine if salmon is the right choice for your sensitive stomach.
How Fatty Foods Like Salmon Can Impact Diarrhea
Salmon is packed with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However all that healthy fat content can be tough on your digestive system when you already have diarrhea. Fat takes longer to digest, so foods high in fat can cause your digestive system to work overtime. This can aggravate diarrhea symptoms.
Greasy, fried preparations of salmon are especially hard on a sensitive stomach. The added oils and fats create an even heavier meal to digest. Even poached, baked, or grilled salmon contains high amounts of fat that could irritate your gastrointestinal tract when you’re experiencing diarrhea.
Balancing Salmon’s Benefits and Drawbacks
Despite the high fat content, salmon does provide some valuable nutrients that your body needs. Key nutrients in salmon include:
- Protein to maintain and repair tissues
- Vitamin B12 for red blood cell formation
- Vitamin D for bone health
- Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation
So while the high fat and protein content can be tough to digest, salmon does offer nutrients that help promote healing and recovery. This makes the decision on whether to eat it during diarrhea complicated.
Tips for Consuming Salmon With Diarrhea
If you decide that the nutritional benefits of salmon may be worth dealing with the fat, here are some tips to make it easier on your stomach:
-
Choose leaner cuts like fillets instead of fattier belly or rib sections.
-
Grill, bake, or poach instead of frying in oil.
-
Eat smaller 3-4 oz portions.
-
Avoid added sauces or oils.
-
Pair with easily digestible carbs like rice or pasta.
-
Drink plenty of fluids like broths, teas, or diluted juices.
Consuming salmon in moderation and prepared plainly may allow you to gain some nutrition without excess irritation to your GI tract.
Healthy Alternatives to Salmon for Diarrhea Sufferers
If you find that eating salmon while having diarrhea just doesn’t sit well with your stomach, not to worry. You can focus on other nutrient-dense foods that are easier to digest:
-
Chicken – Try boiled or baked without skin.
-
Eggs – Scrambled or boiled are gentle options.
-
Yogurt – Opt for low-fat varieties.
-
Oatmeal – Goes down easily.
-
White rice – Provides carbs without irritating stomach.
-
Bananas – Provide potassium lost through diarrhea.
-
Soup broths – Replenish fluids and salts.
-
Chamomile tea – Soothes stomach.
-
Probiotic foods – Aid healthy gut bacteria.
Avoiding high-fat foods like salmon helps ease strain on your digestive system. Turn to bland, low-fiber choices that won’t overwork your GI tract.
When to Avoid Salmon Entirely
While some find they can tolerate salmon in small amounts when having diarrhea, there are certain situations when it’s best avoided altogether:
-
Salmonella risk – If your diarrhea is caused by salmonella bacteria, do not consume any salmon products.
-
Oily preparations – Greasy, fried salmon fillets or patties are too heavy.
-
Raw fish – Sushi or other raw salmon prep methods may contain harmful bacteria.
-
Queasy stomach – If fish makes you feel nauseated, skip it.
-
Ongoing diarrhea – Avoid during chronic diarrhea episodes lasting over 48 hours.
-
Dehydration – Fat intake may worsen dehydration and fluid loss.
Listen to your body, and when in doubt, stick to simple boiled chicken, broths, and bland carbs.
Signs It’s Time to Seek Medical Care
Diarrhea often resolves on its own, but contact your doctor if you experience:
-
Diarrhea lasting over 48 hours
-
Bloody or black stool
-
High fever
-
Signs of dehydration like dizziness or dry mouth
-
Severe pain or cramping
-
Diarrhea following recent antibiotic use
Seek immediate help for infants or children showing diarrhea symptoms along with:
-
Strong vomiting
-
No wet diapers for 3+ hours
-
Extreme sleepiness
-
Fever over 102°F (38.9°C)
-
Bloody or black stool
Don’t hesitate to call your provider when diarrhea is severe or accompanied by concerning symptoms.
The Takeaway on Eating Salmon With Diarrhea
Diarrhea and stomach upset can zap your energy and appetite. The high fat content of salmon may be difficult for your GI system to tolerate. But with careful prep methods and attention to portion size, the nutritional benefits may outweigh the risks for some individuals. Pay attention to your body’s signals, and opt for blander, lower-fiber choices if salmon seems to make diarrhea worse. Focus on staying hydrated and getting adequate rest until your digestion stabilizes.
Eating When you Have Diarrhea
You can bake or broil beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey. Cooked eggs are also OK. Use low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt.
You might have to stop eating or drinking dairy for a few days if you have very bad diarrhea.
Eat bread products made from refined, white flour. Pasta, white rice, and cereals such as cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, and cornflakes are OK. You may also try pancakes and waffles made with white flour, and cornbread. But dont add too much honey or syrup.
You should eat vegetables, including carrots, green beans, mushrooms, beets, asparagus tips, acorn squash, and peeled zucchini. Cook them first. Baked potatoes are OK. In general, removing seeds and skins is best.
You can include desserts and snacks such as fruit-flavored gelatin, fruit-flavored ice pops, cakes, cookies, or sherbet.
How to Relieve Diarrhea
These things may help you feel better if you have diarrhea:
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of clear fluids every day. Water is best.
- To get rid of loose stools, you should drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water.
- Instead of three big meals, eat several small ones throughout the day.
- Eat some salty things, like soup, pretzels, and sports drinks.
- Eat some foods that are high in potassium, like potatoes, bananas, and fruit juices.
To improve your nutrition, talk to your doctor about whether you should take a multivitamin or drink sports drinks. Also ask about taking a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil, to add bulk to your stools.
Your provider may also recommend a medicine to slow down your diarrhea. Take this medicine as you have been told to take it.
9 FOODS To Bring You Back To Life When You Have Diarrhea
FAQ
Can I eat salmon if I have Diarrhoea?
Is salmon good for upset stomach?
Is salmon OK for BRAT diet?
What should I eat if I have diarrhea?
When you have diarrhea, get lots of rest and start introducing BRAT foods after a few hours. And always remember to rehydrate to replenish lost fluids. Eating bland foods low in fiber can help your diarrhea go away faster. After a day or 2 of bland, soft foods, you can add in foods like lean ground chicken and scrambled eggs.
Is eating salmon everyday good or bad for consumption?
Eating salmon every day could be good or bad depending on the person. Salmon is a fish with a high content of polyunsaturated fats and omega 3 with benefits for cardiovascular health. Therefore, its daily consumption would be healthy in most cases, except if raw salmon or with added salt.
Can you eat a lot if you have acute diarrhea?
Most likely, you aren’t going to feel like eating much, especially if you have stomach cramping or pain. With acute diarrhea, the key is getting over whatever caused the problem in the first place, which usually means waiting things out. In this case, “food isn’t the solution,” says Katz. Once you are ready to try food, go easy.
Can you eat dairy if you have diarrhea?
You should avoid most dairy products if you have diarrhea. Even if you don’t have lactose intolerance, you may still have trouble digesting them. That is because dairy products contain a sugar called lactose that your body digests with an enzyme called lactase.