"Understanding Diarrhea: Causes, Triggers, and Treatments"
Diarrhea is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a signal that something in your body needs attention. Medically, diarrhea is defined as loose stools occurring more than 25% of the time. Chronic functional diarrhea is characterized by loose or watery stools for at least three months, with symptoms starting six months before diagnosis, and occurs without abdominal pain.
What Causes Diarrhea?
Diarrhea can stem from a variety of underlying issues, making it challenging to pinpoint the root cause on your own. Common triggers include Bacterial or parasitic infections, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Food intolerances or sensitivities and Stress
Bacterial and Parasitic Infections
Certain infections are notorious for triggering diarrhea. These can come from contaminated food, water, or undercooked meals:
E. coli: Often contracted through contaminated food or water.
Salmonella: The leading cause of foodborne illnesses worldwide.
Giardia: A parasitic infection from drinking contaminated water.
Campylobacter: Found in undercooked poultry, meat, or eggs.
Food Triggers
Food sensitivities and intolerances are major contributors to diarrhea:
Lactose Intolerance: Affects up to 70–100% of East Asians and a significant percentage of other populations. This condition leads to diarrhea when the body cannot properly digest lactose in dairy products.
Gluten Sensitivity: For individuals with celiac disease, the immune system reacts to gluten, causing inflammation and autoimmunity in the gut. Even those without celiac disease may experience diarrhea and discomfort due to gluten sensitivity.
Lectins and Nightshades: Foods like seeds, nuts, legumes, tomatoes, and peppers contain compounds that can irritate an inflamed digestive system.
Excess Fats: High-fat diets can pull excess water into the colon, worsening loose stools.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D) & Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBS-D (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhea) is often triggered by Food sensitivities, allergies and chronic stress, which impacts gut motility. Meanwhile, IBD is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of either the large intestines (ulcerative colitis), or the a combination of the small and intestines and large intestines (Crohn’s disease). Both of these conditions can cause frequent diarrhea.
Stress
Stress has a profound effect on gut health and is a frequent trigger for diarrhea. Under normal conditions, the muscles of the intestines move in a coordinated, rhythmic pattern to facilitate digestion. However, chronic stress disrupts this harmony. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to erratic intestinal contractions, causing spasms and loose stools. Stress also promotes the release of pro-inflammatory molecules known as cytokines, which irritate the gut lining and exacerbate symptoms. Over time, this imbalance can lead to dysbiosis, a state where the gut’s microbial community becomes unbalanced, further contributing to digestive distress.
How to Reduce Stress-Related Diarrhea:
Practice relaxation techniques like box breathing just 3 minutes twice a day to slowly ease into a breathwork practice.
Build consistent sleep habits to allow your body and gut time to recover.
Seek ways to address chronic stress triggers in your life.
How to Manage and Treat Diarrhea
The treatment plan for diarrhea should focus on addressing its root cause. Below are some general and targeted strategies:
Dietary Adjustments
Increase Fiber:
Insoluble fiber (vegetables, salads) helps bulk up stool.
Soluble fiber (nuts, seeds, oatmeal) binds loose stools.
Eliminate Food Sensitivities: Remove known irritants like gluten, dairy, or processed foods.
Reduce Fats: High-fat diets can worsen diarrhea by drawing too much water into the colon.
Targeted Treatments
Antibacterial Herbs: For diarrhea caused by pathogenic bacteria or an imbalance of gut flora, the following can help:
Oregano oil
Berberine
Garlic Extract
Mastic Gum
Hydration and Electrolytes: Replenish lost fluids and minerals with water, oral rehydration solutions, or coconut water.
Probiotics: Support gut balance by introducing beneficial bacteria.
When to Seek Help
If diarrhea persists, it’s time to seek professional help. A proper investigation is essential to tailor an effective treatment plan.
Testing for Root Causes:
Stool tests can identify bacterial, parasitic, or fungal imbalances.
Food sensitivity testing can help pinpoint triggers.
Inflammatory markers can rule in conditions like IBD or dysbiosis.
Let’s Find the Root Cause Together
Diarrhea can disrupt your life, but it doesn’t have to define it. Together, we’ll uncover your triggers and create a personalized protocol to restore balance to your digestive system.
Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re the right fit. Let’s work toward better gut health and overall well-being.
- Dr. Michael Burstein, ND