Cramps, then a strong need to use the bathroom, followed by loose stools is not uncommon and happens now and then. However, when diarrhea becomes a part of your daily life, lasting longer than a week, then there is probably a problem.
While your physician can reach a conclusive diagnosis and prescribe you the treatment you need, there are things you should avoid in the dietary department if diarrhea is a constant in your life.
Dairy
Many studies and experts say that dairy is often the culprit where chronic diarrhea is concerned as lactose intolerance is very prevalent. If you are experiencing long-term diarrhea, avoiding dairy may alleviate your symptoms. Most experts also recommend avoiding gluten if you have celiac disease as it may cause cramps and bloating.
Fatty/Fried Foods
Greasy foods, as delicious as they often are, cause bloating by slowing down digestion. They can also be harsh on the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea.
Medications
Many medications have adverse side effects, and nausea and diarrhea are two of most common ones in most medicines. Most antibiotics, antacids, and drugs like ibuprofen may cause diarrhea, for instance.
Caffeine & Alcohol
Alcohol and caffeine may cause watery stools even if you do not have a gastrointestinal disease or suffer from diarrhea often. Keeping alcohol and coffee to a minimum is best if you are experiencing long-term diarrhea.
Spicy Foods
Overly spicy foods that come with hot pepper, chili sauce, salsa, or curry naturally loosen the stool and are some of the worst foods to eat when you have diarrhea.
Other Conditions
Some more severe conditions cause diarrhea, which may be the underlying cause of chronic diarrhea. These are IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and diabetes. Symptoms of IBS deteriorate with stress, which consequently may intensify chronic diarrhea. Diabetes, on the other hand, has an impact on the stomach nerves. Some cancer treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy can also cause diarrhea.
Having diarrhea for longer than two weeks is a good sign that you should consult a doctor. If diarrhea is accompanied by sudden weight loss, fever, or blood in your stool, the sooner you see a doctor, the better.
Featured Image: depositphotos/LanaSweet
Posted on May 5, 2023