Madeleine Hull
Diarrhea is often caused by diet, with sugary, fatty, spicy, or fried foods being common triggers. Dairy foods and foods containing gluten can also cause loose stools. Food intolerances, infections, and conditions like IBS can also cause diarrhea. In most cases, diarrhea will eventually stop, but it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If diarrhea lasts for more than a few days or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. There are several dietary strategies that can help to alleviate diarrhea, including the BRAT diet, a FODMAP-free diet, and a bland diet. Staying hydrated is also crucial when experiencing diarrhea, as the condition can lead to dehydration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration of diarrhea | Diarrhea may last for a few days. Acute diarrhea lasts less than 2 weeks, while chronic diarrhea lasts longer. |
| Dietary triggers | Sugary, fatty, spicy, or fried foods, dairy, gluten, and high-FODMAP foods can cause or worsen diarrhea. |
| Treatment | BRAT diet, bland diet, probiotics, oral rehydration solutions, and zinc can help treat diarrhea. |
| Medical attention | Seek medical attention if diarrhea persists for more than 2 days, is accompanied by severe symptoms, or causes dehydration. |
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What You'll Learn
Dietary triggers
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of dietary triggers. These can include food intolerances, infections, or conditions like IBS. It is important to identify the specific triggers to manage this issue.
One way to identify triggers is by keeping a food diary. Dairy foods, for example, contain lactose, which some people have a hard time digesting. Lactose intolerance is common globally and those with this condition may experience diarrhea after consuming dairy products. However, some people with lactose intolerance may tolerate small amounts of aged or lower-lactose dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, and hard cheeses.
Sugary foods can also cause diarrhea. Sugars stimulate the gut to put out water and electrolytes, which loosen bowel movements. Fructose, which is found naturally in fruits such as peaches, pears, cherries, and apples, is one of the biggest offenders. Many people who ingest more than 40 to 80 grams of fructose per day will get diarrhea. Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, which are found in sugar-free gum, candy, and medications, can also cause diarrhea.
Foods that are high in fat or spicy can also trigger diarrhea. Gluten, a protein found in wheat products, can cause damage to the intestines of people with IBS.
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BRAT diet
Diarrhea may be acute, beginning suddenly and resolving over a few days with dietary changes, or chronic, an ongoing process. Causes of diarrhea lasting more than three days should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, is a diet that was once recommended to help with diarrhea. It is no longer recommended due to its restrictiveness and low nutritional value. The diet consists of bland, low-fibre foods that are gentle on the stomach and help to bind loose stools. Bananas, in particular, contain pectin, a type of starch that is beneficial for the digestive tract.
In addition to the core foods, there are other foods that can be included in the BRAT diet. These include other soft fruits like avocado, pumpkin, canned fruit (packed in water), and melons; steamed or boiled vegetables like carrots, green beans, potatoes, and squash; and low-fiber starches like white bread, saltine crackers, cream of wheat, instant oatmeal, and noodles.
To maximise the benefits of the BRAT diet, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Water is good, but adding broth, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution can help replace lost electrolytes.
After recovering from diarrhea, it is recommended to progress to a regular diet, continuing to eat small meals every few hours.
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Probiotics
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of factors, including diet, underlying medical conditions, side effects of medication, and food allergies. Sugary, fatty, spicy, or fried foods can cause loose stools or make them worse. Dairy foods and foods with gluten can also be triggers.
If you have started a new diet and are experiencing diarrhea, it is important to identify the foods and drinks that may be triggering it. Keeping a food journal can be a helpful way to do this. If food is the culprit, following a FODMAP-free diet may get rid of diarrhea in one to two weeks.
However, it is important to note that a sudden increase in probiotics can cause temporary diarrhea and increased bloating and gas during digestion. Probiotics may also have adverse effects on immunocompromised individuals, including causing serious systemic infections, excessive immune system stimulation, abdominal cramping, and nausea. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before adding any supplement to your diet.
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Oral rehydration solutions
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of factors, including diet, medication, underlying conditions, and stress. While it is a common condition, it can be unpleasant and may lead to dehydration if fluids are not replenished. In some cases, diarrhea can be indicative of an underlying medical condition, so it is important to seek medical advice if symptoms persist or are accompanied by dehydration.
ORT was developed in the 1940s using electrolyte solutions with or without glucose. However, it did not come into common use until the 1960s when it was discovered that glucose promoted the absorption of sodium and water during cholera. The original ORS formulation, introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1979, consisted of glucose and other electrolytes with an osmolarity of 310 mOsm per liter. While this formulation improved signs of dehydration, it did not reduce stool volume loss or the duration of diarrhea. Since 2004, the WHO has recommended low-osmolarity glucose-based ORS.
ORT is suitable for people who are not severely dehydrated and those with mild to moderate dehydration. Those with severe dehydration should seek immediate medical attention and receive intravenous rehydration. The degree of dehydration should be assessed before initiating ORT. ORT may also be used for older people, individuals with medical conditions, and children, who are at a higher risk of dehydration.
ORS can be bought over the counter or with a prescription. It is important to note that ORS should generally only be used when prescribed by a doctor, as improper use can lead to salt toxicity. Homemade ORS is not recommended due to insufficient research on its safety and effectiveness.
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When to seek medical attention
Diarrhea is usually short-lived and clears up without medical intervention. However, it can become severe or chronic, in which case it is advisable to seek medical attention.
If you have had diarrhea for a few days without improvement, or if it is accompanied by dehydration, it is recommended that you seek medical attention. Dehydration can lead to low blood pressure and, in extreme cases, hypovolemic shock, which can be life-threatening.
If your diarrhea is persistent, it could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or celiac disease. It could also be a side effect of medication or a symptom of a bacterial or parasitic infection. If you are experiencing severe stomach pain with diarrhea, this could be a sign of a serious condition such as appendicitis, so it is important to seek medical attention.
Your doctor may recommend a blood test, stool test, or colonoscopy to determine the cause of your diarrhea and prescribe an appropriate treatment. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet modification or fiber supplementation, to help reduce diarrhea.
If you are experiencing chronic diarrhea, it is important to consult a doctor so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and an effective treatment plan can be recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
The duration of diarrhea depends on its underlying cause. Diarrhea caused by a diet change can be treated by identifying and eliminating the trigger foods. A FODMAP-free diet, for instance, can get rid of diarrhea in one to two weeks. Acute diarrhea lasts less than 2 weeks, while chronic diarrhea persists for longer. If diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days, or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical advice.
Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including food intolerances, infections, IBS, lactose intolerance, food poisoning, and celiac disease. Dietary triggers include sugary, fatty, spicy, or fried foods, as well as dairy and gluten.
It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids or clear liquids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or electrolyte-enhanced drinks. The BRAT diet, consisting of bland, low-fiber foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help firm up stools and ease diarrhea.
Keeping a food and symptom diary can help identify any trigger foods or underlying conditions causing diarrhea.
If your diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days, is accompanied by blood in your stool, severe stomach pain, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can become life-threatening if left untreated.
