

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in the gut. People should check with their doctor to determine if a store-bought medication is appropriate. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help treat diarrhea.

If someone suspects that gluten may be responsible for their diarrhea, they should contact a doctor for proper testing before starting a gluten-free diet. People that do not have celiac disease may still have issues tolerating gluten. People with celiac disease have a severe reaction to gluten where their immune system reacts trigger damage to the small intestine.

Many people may be gluten intolerant to varying degrees. Gluten is the protein in wheat, rye, and barley. If someone thinks that FODMAPs may cause diarrhea, a registered dietitian can provide education and guidance. However, a few other examples include:Ī low FODMAP diet can be challenging due to its various food restrictions. The list of high-FODMAP foods is extensive. Some categories in this article, such as fructose, lactose, and sugar alcohols, are FODMAPs. High-FODMAP foods are difficult for some people to digest and may cause diarrhea.Ī 2021 study of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients with diarrhea found that following a low FODMAP diet improved diarrhea symptoms and increased quality of life. FODMAPsįermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are a category of carbohydrates. These products include yogurt, kefir, and hard cheeses. Some people with lactose intolerance may tolerate small amounts of dairy products that are aged or lower in lactose. However, it is most prevalent in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan African communities. Lactose intolerance and malabsorption are common globally. People who are lactose intolerant may experience diarrhea after they consume dairy products. It is a potent chemical that can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines.Īvoiding foods high in capsaicin may help reduce symptoms and frequency of diarrhea. Spicy foods containing hot peppers are another cause of diarrhea.Ĭapsaicin is the compound that makes chili peppers taste spicy. The combination of these factors can lead to digestive dysfunction and diarrhea. The body has difficulty breaking down and processing high fat foodstuffs.ĭietary fat also promotes bile production and increases water levels in the small bowel. Caffeine is a stimulant and accelerates the rate that food moves through the intestines.Ĭommon dietary sources of caffeine include:įoods that contain a lot of fat can cause digestive difficulties.

Caffeineĭrinks and foods that contain caffeine can cause diarrhea and loose stools in some people. The body does not absorb these sugar alcohols well, and they can cause diarrhea in some people, especially if consumed in large amounts. Sugar alcohols, including sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and erythritol, are common sweeteners. Some examples of foods high in fructose include: Some fruits contain more fructose than others. One source estimates that approximately 30–40% of people have trouble absorbing significant amounts of fructose. Consuming more fructose than the body may cause diarrhea. The body can only digest a certain amount of fructose at one time. Some sugars and artificial sweeteners can have a laxative effect.įructose is a component of table sugar and occurs naturally in fruits. Some foodstuffs, and food types, that can cause diarrhea include: 1.
