Pancakes and Diarrhea

There’s nothing like a warm, fluffy stack of pancakes with butter and syrup to usher in the day — but for many people, eating flapjacks can be a less-than-desirable experience. The ingredients in some pancakes can be difficult for individuals with digestive issues to tolerate, often causing intestinal distress and diarrhea. The good news is that if you suffer from a GI complaint, you probably don't have to give up pancakes completely to avoid those side effects. In the following situations, a few simple tweaks to the recipe or the prep can make a major difference.

Gluten Intolerance

Sweetener Intolerance

Lactose Intolerance

Greasy Pan

Even if you don't have a digestive disorder, there's another thing about pancakes that can cause diarrhea: the grease. It can take up to a half-stick of butter to cook an entire batch of pancakes, and thicker batter can absorb much of that fat due to the longer, slower cooking time. The traditional butter-laden cooking method results in what are essentially fried cakes, so it's no wonder that your intestines end up as lubricated as the pan — especially if you overindulge. Use cooking spray instead, or choose premade frozen pancakes that need only be toasted or microwaved.

The Takeaway

• If you frequently experience digestive issues such as diarrhea after eating pancakes, consider whether gluten intolerance might be the culprit. You may want to try gluten-free alternatives, such as buckwheat or rice flour.
• People who are sensitive to the artificial sweeteners in many processed pancake mixes may find that using homemade batter with natural sweeteners such as sugar or maple syrup is gentler on their gut.
• Lactose intolerance can also cause digestive problems. Using lactose-free milk or milk alternatives could make a noticeable difference for people who live with this condition.
• Whipping up pancakes with cooking spray instead of butter may help to prevent the intestinal distress associated with greasy foods.