Understanding Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Care

Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools occurring more frequently than normal. While many episodes are short-lived and resolve on their own, persistent or recurrent diarrhea can interfere with daily life and may signal an underlying digestive imbalance or medical condition.

For some individuals, diarrhea is mild and temporary. For others, it can lead to dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and significant discomfort if not properly evaluated.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Diarrhea can result from a wide range of factors, including infections, diet, medications, and chronic gastrointestinal conditions. Common causes include:

• Dietary triggers – Excess caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners (sorbitol, xylitol), greasy or spicy foods
• Food intolerances – Lactose or fructose intolerance can cause diarrhea, gas, and cramping
• Infections – Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections (food poisoning, traveler’s diarrhea)
• Medications – Antibiotics, magnesium-containing supplements, metformin, and some laxatives
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) – Chronic diarrhea associated with abdominal pain or urgency
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Malabsorption disorders – Celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, bile acid diarrhea
• Stress and anxiety – Can speed up gut motility and worsen symptoms

Symptoms That May Accompany Diarrhea

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity. Common associated symptoms include:

• Loose or watery stools
• Increased stool frequency or urgency
• Abdominal cramping or pain
• Bloating or excessive gas
• Nausea
• Fatigue or weakness
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine)
  
  

Seek medical attention promptly if diarrhea is accompanied by:

• Blood or black stools
• Fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Symptoms lasting longer than 2–3 weeks

Foods to Eat During Diarrhea

Choosing gentle, easy-to-digest foods can help slow stool output and support recovery.

Helpful foods include:

• BRAT foods – Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast
• Lean proteins – Chicken, turkey, eggs, fish
• Low-fiber foods – White rice, pasta, potatoes
• Probiotics – Yogurt with live cultures (if tolerated)
• Hydration – Water, oral rehydration solutions, broths

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Certain foods can worsen diarrhea or prolong symptoms:

• Dairy products (if lactose intolerant)
• Fatty, fried, or greasy foods
• High-sugar foods and fruit juices
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners
• Raw vegetables and high-fiber foods during acute episodes

Evaluation and Treatment for Diarrhea

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. At Gastrointestinal & Liver Consultants, we may recommend:

• Dietary modification – Trigger identification, low-FODMAP or elimination diets
• Stool testing – To evaluate for infections or inflammation
• Blood tests – To assess for celiac disease, anemia, or inflammation
• Breath testing – For lactose intolerance or SIBO
• Medications – Anti-diarrheal agents, bile acid binders, antibiotics, or targeted therapies
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy – If inflammatory or structural disease is suspected

Tips to Help Prevent Diarrhea

• Wash hands thoroughly and practice food safety
• Eat balanced meals and avoid known trigger foods
• Introduce new foods gradually
• Manage stress and anxiety
• Stay hydrated, especially during illness
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use

We’re Here to Support Your Digestive Health

At Gastrointestinal & Liver Consultants, our board-certified gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic diarrhea, IBS, IBD, malabsorption disorders, and more.

If you’re experiencing ongoing diarrhea, urgency, or digestive discomfort, don’t ignore the symptoms. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and get you back to feeling your best.