Most people have experienced diarrhea at some point in their lives. While it is usually not a serious medical condition, it can be accompanied by discomfort and pain. Loose, liquid-like bowel movements are not attributed to any one single cause. The reason for diarrhea can be as simple as an upset stomach, or may by a symptom for a more complex health problem. In most cases, loose stools will stop after a couple of days. When diarrhea persists, it is important to contact a doctor. Treatment for an underlying condition may be necessary.
There are a few things you can do to treat loose bowel movements at home. First, it is important to drink a sufficient amount of water to replace fluids that are lost. It is advisable to drink one quart per hour for one to three hours. You should also change your diet to consume mild foods until stools become thicker. Most physicians will also recommend avoiding milk, or foods containing dairy because they can further upset the stomach.
If necessary, it is safe to take non-prescription anti-diarrheal medicine to relieve gas and quicken healing. Over-the-counter medicines include ingredients such as Loperamide or Bismuth Subsalicylate. Loperamide helps your intestines absorb more fluid to prevent watery stools. Bismuth Subsalicylate balances fluid and relieves inflammation. Both should be used sparingly outside of a doctor’s recommendation.
The best treatment for loose stool is to learn what is causing the problem in the first place. By addressing the underlying causes, you can avoid the uncomfortable experience of diarrhea altogether. In general, there are eight major causes of diarrhea in the human body.
1. Stomach Viruses
Stomach flus are one of the most common causes of diarrhea. The medical term for this condition is called Viral Gastroenteritis. A stomach flu can be caused by drinking or eating a contaminated substance, or through contact with an infected person. Unlike a normal flu, Gastroenteritis solely affects the intestines and stomach.
There are numerous symptoms associated with Gastroenteritis. It may start with a headache or body pain. You may also notice the development of a slight fever. Soon, you’ll be afflicted by watery bowel movements. These symptoms may be accompanied by abdominal cramping and nausea. In more severe cases it is not uncommon to experience vomiting. However, blood in the stool is not normal and should be immediately discussed with a health care professional.
In most cases Gastroenteritis does not require a doctor visit. Yet, there are some populations that may need to seek medical help as a precaution. Seniors and small children should consult a doctor at the onset of Gastroenteritis. People who suffer from a weakened immune system should do the same. A normal, healthy person only needs to get medical advice if the fever exceeds 104 degrees, or the condition lasts for more than 10 days. As mentioned above, another worrisome symptom is blood in the stool. This symptom should also be communicated to your doctor regardless of your health status.
2. Alcohol Abuse
Drinking alcohol has an immediate effect on your intestines. Alcohol acts as an irritant that can trigger loose, water bowel movements. Alcohol also has the undesirable effect of killing off beneficial bacteria that aids in proper digestion.
Alcohol-induced diarrhea is more commonly associated with drinking on an empty stomach. When the stomach is empty the alcohol quickly makes its way to the small intestine. Here, it is readily absorbed by the intestinal surface. After absorption occurs the body attempts to excrete the alcohol through bowel movements or urine. The chemical composition of alcohol causes the colon muscles to react in a sporadic manner. This affects the intestines’ ability to absorb water that passes through. The excess water is excreted with the stool to create diarrhea.
To avoid problems, be sure to eat properly before or during alcohol consumption. Make sure to avoid greasy or spicy foods. Also, ensure you don’t make the mistake of eating foods you are allergic to.
3. Food Allergies
An allergic reaction to certain foods can spur a bout with diarrhea. It is well known that food allergens affect the body’s natural digestive process. Some of the most common culprits include shellfish, milk, peanuts, fish and eggs. Nuts and soy products also cause allergic reactions in a large number of people.
Your immune system is responsible for causing an allergic reaction to food. The immune system perceives these food products as harmful invaders. It reacts by prompting the release of Immunoglobulin E antibodies. This, in turn, causes the release of histamines that can lead to diarrhea and associated symptoms. Aside from producing watery stools, food allergens can be fatal. It is best to learn what foods you are allergic to, and avoid them at all costs!
4. Diabetes
Typically, diabetics experience frequent episodes of loose stool. It is estimated that over 20% of diabetics have some sort of complication involving diarrhea. People with diabetes may also swing back and forth between watery bowel movements and constipation. The medical community has not been able to pinpoint the association between diarrhea and diabetes, but there are a few theories.
The chemical Sorbitrol may be one of the causes for frequent diarrhea. This substance is used by diabetics as a sugar replacement. Scientific studies have found that the sweetener has a laxative effect on the body. This holds true even for small doses. Since diabetics consume a lot more of this product, it makes sense it would afflict them with recurring diarrhea. Other intestinal problems that affect diabetics could also be at fault, such as excess levels of sugar or an exorbitant amount of bacteria.
5. Intestinal Diseases
Intestinal disorders are present in many patients who suffer from constant diarrhea. One common condition is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS). This disorder causes inflammation in the intestines and may occur as Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis. Both conditions cause flare-ups that induce bloody stools, severe cramping and appetite loss. These conditions also create an urgent, irresistible urge to have a bowel movement.
Celiac disease is another digestive disorder known to cause diarrhea. People who cannot process gluten based products are usually diagnosed with this disease. As with food allergies, the immune system attacks Gluten (or more specifically Gliadin) as an unknown threat. This disease is caused by genetic factors, and may lead to other conditions such as the malabsorption of nutrients.
6. Food Sensitivity
Food intolerance causes diarrhea in a similar fashion to allergies. The reactions to either are so similar that it can be hard to distinguish which is occurring. The symptoms of food sensitivity include headaches, heartburn or cramps. Unlike with allergies, these symptoms usually surface in a gradual manner. You may also experience psychological problems such as nervousness or irritable moods.
The most prevalent form of food intolerance involves the sugar Lactose. This sugar is a central component of dairy milk. However, some people lack the enzyme necessary to break down the sugar. Thus, the intestines absorb the only part of the fluid. The liquid that cannot be processed is pushed back into the intestinal passage where it becomes part of the stool. When a bowel movement occurs, the stool is released with excess fluid resulting in diarrhea. The only way to deal with food sensitivity is to eliminate offending items from your diet.
7. Medications
Many different types of medications can induce diarrhea. In fact, any given medicine is likely to list watery stools as a side effect of consumption. Some of the likely prospects to cause issues with bowel movements are antibiotics and antacids.
Prescription antibiotics help and hurt the body at the same time. While they assist in killing off bad bacteria, they also destroy good bacteria. Many antibiotics eliminate bacteria in the intestines that is used to aid digestion. This causes an imbalance in the bacterial ecosystem. The overabundance of certain bacteria is the perfect recipe for watery stool.
Other types of medications used to treat disease are equally at fault for loose bowel movements. Cancer drugs, Metformin and anti-inflammatory prescriptions are also causes.
8. Running
It may come as a surprise to many people that running can contribute to frequent, watery stools. This occurrence is referred to as “runner’s diarrhea.” Most runners experience this condition shortly after exercising. There isn’t a direct medical explanation for why this occurs. Most medical researchers agree that the motion involved in running stimulates the organs and changes the hormonal flow in the intestines.
The best way to deal with this issue is to alter your diet. Sweeteners, fiber and energy products should be avoided prior to running. It also helps to fast at least two hours prior to going out on a run. Drinking a sufficient amount of water is also key because it prevents dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, it is more prone to experiencing bowel problems.
