Jeffrey Salazar
Diarrhea is a common condition characterised by loose, watery stools, which can be caused by various factors, including diet. Certain dietary components, such as fatty, greasy, or fried foods, can trigger diarrhea due to their high fat content, which is challenging for the body to break down. Additionally, foods containing gluten, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol can also contribute to diarrhea. Keeping a food diary can help individuals identify specific triggers and make informed dietary choices to alleviate symptoms. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for persistent or severe diarrhea, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss or stomach pain.
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What You'll Learn
Sugary, fatty, spicy, or fried foods
Consuming too much sugar can cause diarrhoea. Sugary foods stimulate the gut to release water and electrolytes, which loosen bowel movements. Fructose, a component of table sugar, is one of the biggest offenders. It is found naturally in fruits such as peaches, pears, cherries, and apples, or added to foods and drinks such as applesauce, soda, and juice beverages. Many people who ingest more than 40 to 80 grams of fructose per day will get diarrhoea.
Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and erythritol can also cause diarrhoea. These sugar alcohols are poorly absorbed by the body and can lead to diarrhoea, especially when consumed in large amounts.
Fatty, greasy, or fried foods are high in fat, which can cause diarrhoea or worsen symptoms because fats are difficult for the body to break down. When fatty foods are not absorbed normally, they go to the colon, where they are broken down into fatty acids, causing the colon to secrete fluid and trigger diarrhoea.
Spicy foods can also cause diarrhoea. Spicy sauces may mask high-fat content, especially in Tex-Mex dishes or curries. If you eat a lot of spicy foods, you may experience burning in the rectum.
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Dairy and gluten intolerance
Dairy foods contain lactose, a type of sugar that some people have difficulty digesting. Lactose intolerance can cause stomach aches, gas, bloating, and diarrhoea. The degree of intolerance varies from person to person, with some people experiencing symptoms after consuming only a small amount of lactose, while others can tolerate larger amounts. Lactose intolerance is not an allergy, as those with a dairy allergy will react to even the smallest amount of dairy.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the absorption of gluten, a protein found in wheat and wheat products. When people with celiac disease ingest gluten, it triggers an autoimmune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage can lead to a secondary lactose intolerance as the body loses its ability to produce the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose. However, once a gluten-free diet is followed and the intestine heals, some people may be able to tolerate lactose again.
Some people may also have a separate dairy sensitivity, which can cause symptoms similar to lactose intolerance. This can occur even if someone is following a gluten-free diet.
If you suspect that dairy or gluten intolerance is causing your diarrhoea, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice and to consider trying an elimination diet to identify any food triggers.
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Food poisoning, IBS, or celiac disease
Diarrhea is a common symptom of food poisoning, which can be caused by consuming contaminated food or water. It is important to practice good hygiene and food safety measures to prevent food poisoning.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can cause diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both. It affects approximately 10-15% of people worldwide and is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. Dietary changes, such as avoiding trigger foods and increasing fiber intake, can help manage IBS symptoms.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting about 1% of the population. It causes an inflammatory response to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. Symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, stomach cramps, gas, bloating, and weight loss. A doctor can perform tests such as blood tests, endoscopies, and bone density tests to diagnose celiac disease and rule out other conditions.
If you are experiencing sudden diarrhea, it is important to identify any potential causes and make dietary and lifestyle changes as needed. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your health.
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Antibiotics or other medications
Antibiotics are a common cause of diarrhoea. This occurs when antibiotics disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing toxin-producing bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), to multiply out of control. C. difficile infections are more common among recently hospitalised patients, the elderly, and those with debilitating illnesses. Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea usually begins about a week after starting antibiotic treatment, but sometimes symptoms don't appear until days or weeks after treatment ends.
Other medications that may cause diarrhoea include lithium, chemotherapy drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), metformin, colchicine, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and over-the-counter heartburn medicines containing magnesium or calcium. Herbal teas containing senna or other natural laxatives, as well as vitamins, minerals, or supplements, can also have a laxative effect.
If you suspect that your diarrhoea is caused by a medication, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your medication or recommend ways to reduce the risk of diarrhoea, such as taking supplements containing healthy bacteria (probiotics) or eating yoghurt during and after your antibiotic treatment.
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Age and digestive sensitivity
Ageing brings on digestive problems for many people. The process of digestion changes as we age, and older people may experience a decrease in their ability to digest what they eat.
One of the most common issues is constipation. This is caused by a slowdown in the muscle contractions that push food along the digestive tract. As people age, food moves more slowly through the colon, and more water is absorbed from food waste, resulting in constipation. Constipation can also be caused by certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers, which are often taken by older adults.
Another common issue is acid reflux, which can be caused or worsened by eating the wrong types of food, such as fast food and fried food, or by taking certain medications. Obesity, which can be a result of ageing, also increases the risk of acid reflux.
Older people may also experience a decreased absorption of some vitamins and a reduced ability to process nutrients due to tooth decay and gum disease. Poor dental health can lead to indigestion as food is not chewed well enough to be broken down into small enough pieces to be absorbed by the digestive tract.
To maintain good digestive health as we age, it is important to stay active. The CDC recommends that adults aged 65 and older get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking or dancing, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking or running. Strength training is also important, with the CDC suggesting at least two days a week of muscle-building activities.
A healthy diet that includes plenty of fibre and fluids can also help to prevent constipation and other digestive issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Dairy foods contain lactose, which some people have a hard time digesting. Avoiding dairy until your diarrhea clears up is a good idea.
Fatty foods are difficult to break down and can cause diarrhea. When fatty foods are not absorbed normally, they go to the colon, where they are broken down to fatty acids, causing the colon to secrete fluid and trigger diarrhea.
Sugars stimulate the gut to put out water and electrolytes, which loosen bowel movements. If you ingest a lot of sugar, you may develop diarrhea.
