Whether it’s associated with eating something that “didn’t agree with us” or comes on completely out of the blue, at some point in our lives we’ve all experienced diarrhea. On average, most adults get diarrhea once a year, while children get it twice a year.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296bc503a5-43de-4f19-bfbd-f58c28d3ffbf In most cases, there’s an identifiable cause behind those bathroom woes, whether it’s dietary choices, infections, or hygiene practices. That’s good news, because it means there are best practices and precautions that can help stop diarrhea before it starts. Keep reading to find out the most common causes of diarrhea, as well as how to reduce the risk of both occasional and chronic episodes.
Causes and Prevention What Causes Diarrhea, and How Can It Be Prevented? Technically, diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose or watery stools in a day. There are three categories of diarrhea: Acute Diarrhea The most common type of diarrhea, it typically lasts one or two days and goes away on its own. Persistent Diarrhea This lasts between two and four weeks. Chronic Diarrhea This type of diarrhea lasts at least four weeks, and it may be continual or come and go during that period.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291b4c1e3d-e601-43ae-b887-af88b28b2dde While chronic diarrhea often isn’t serious and usually resolves on its own, it can indicate a more serious underlying issue. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629396d28de-e856-455c-bb68-fb53aa970d68 Diarrhea that lasts several days without improvement Excessive thirst, dry mouth or skin, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate dehydration Severe abdominal or rectal pain Bloody or black stools A fever of more than 102 degrees The causes of diarrhea can be broadly categorized into the following groups: Diet What we eat and drink plays a crucial role in preventing diarrhea. People with celiac disease or lactose intolerance, for example, may find that eating gluten or lactose will lead to chronic diarrhea. Consuming unusual foods or foods that upset our digestive system can also cause diarrhea. This can be very personal, varying greatly among different individuals, however there are some foods that more commonly cause diarrhea.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292f2d559c-6009-4e39-aaf6-a4039ba72bed Foods to Help Avoid Diarrhea Opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299a379844-95ba-4bc1-902e-ea7bb9568555 Foods That May Worsen Diarrhea Dairy products like cheese and ice cream, spicy foods such as Tex-Mex or curries, and fried or fatty foods can sometimes trigger or worsen diarrhea. Best Foods for Diarrhea Prevention If you are in the middle of an acute bout of diarrhea, it’s best to stick to plain foods, like those in the BRAT diet. However, for long-term gut health and diarrhea prevention, try eating a variety of whole foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Incorporate natural probiotics into your diet by eating foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762951d8dec8-cbd7-4d2a-992e-c72aeb3c84fe Probiotic supplements may help gut barrier function and help some patients with lingering gastrointestinal symptoms after a diarrheal illness.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299a379844-95ba-4bc1-902e-ea7bb9568555 Hygiene Good hygiene is essential for preventing diarrhea, especially while traveling. Poor sanitation practices can lead to infections that can come with gastrointestinal upset. Prevention Strategy Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom. If that’s not available, use hand sanitizer. Make sure that any areas where you prepare food are clean and that your cooking utensils are also cleaned properly.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299a379844-95ba-4bc1-902e-ea7bb9568555 Travel Traveling can expose you to unfamiliar foods and water sources, increasing the risk of travelers’ diarrhea. It’s the most common travel-related illness, affecting up to 70 percent of tourists. Prevention Strategy Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, and salads. The exception: If you can peel the fruit yourself, it’s not likely to make you sick. Stay away from undercooked meats, fish, and shellfish. Keep in mind that eating foods from street vendors is riskier than restaurant-prepared foods. Drink bottled water in areas where the tap water is unsafe, and stay away from ice that’s not made from bottled water.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762985dc79aa-9a65-4d05-891e-2de94dcb60f2 Illness The top reason that people get diarrhea is due to an infection in the gut (gastroenteritis). It may also commonly be referred to as a stomach bug or the stomach flu. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can also cause infections that trigger acute diarrhea.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762922eaa610-c638-4803-b272-4064758bea0d Norovirus is a common pathogen that is the most common cause of diarrhea in adults, while rotavirus is the most common cause in children.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299a379844-95ba-4bc1-902e-ea7bb9568555 Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, can also be a symptom of COVID-19.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293e043167-9937-4551-898f-6aa759bb5439 Prevention Strategy Handwashing and hand sanitizer can help eliminate some of the germs that cause illness. Getting vaccinated can also help. The rotavirus vaccine helps prevent rotavirus, which is a top cause of diarrhea. The COVID vaccine reduces your chances of getting COVID-19, which sometimes causes diarrhea as a symptom.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299a379844-95ba-4bc1-902e-ea7bb9568555 Underlying Conditions People with chronic conditions such as food intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome may experience recurrent diarrhea.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d32299f5-3c03-4467-8619-11992ced2982 Prevention Strategy If you suspect you have a food intolerance or have ongoing digestive issues, seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. There may be both over-the-counter and prescription medications or supplements that can manage your symptoms. Antidiarrheal medicines such as loperamide (Imodium A-D) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may help control symptoms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293dfbf045-7c1d-4673-8a2e-a5789fef5ad7
Risks and Treatment Diarrhea Risks and Treatment While diarrhea is usually not serious, it can lead to dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly. Here are some coping strategies if diarrhea does strike: Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of electrolyte solutions (not just water) to prevent dehydration. What to Eat Stick to bland foods such as crackers or toast until your symptoms improve, and advance your diet slowly. Avoid dairy products, fatty foods, and highly seasoned foods. Rest Allow your body to recover. Consider taking a break from solid foods for a few hours if needed. Ask Your Provider About Antidiarrheal Medicines Over-the-counter medications may help reduce your symptoms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292e286df0-b23f-41cc-a5ac-58c3938c60e5
The Takeaway Although it is unpleasant, diarrhea is extremely common, and most adults have at least one bout a year. Diarrhea can stem from diet, infections, traveling, and underlying conditions. Prevention strategies such as avoiding certain foods, practicing good hygiene, and staying up to date on your vaccines can help prevent diarrhea. Although it usually isn’t serious, diarrhea can lead to dehydration if not managed properly. Contact your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea for several days without improvement.
Resources We Trust Cleveland Clinic: DiarrheaMayo Clinic: DiarrheaCenters for Disease Control and Prevention: Travelers’ Diarrhea World Health Organization: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Interventions to Prevent DiarrheaCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Hand‐washing Promotion for Preventing Diarrhea
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