Diarrhea: Six Foods That Cause It
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Diarrhea is a common condition with several probable causes. Some cases of diarrhea are due to contaminations. Sometimes it happens as a side effect of medication, or as a indication of other conditions.
Six foods that may contribute to diarrhea
Sugar and sugar substitutes
Foods that are rich in sugar can cause diarrhea. When people consume foods that cover a lot of sugar, water enters their intestines, which can result very loose stools.
Fructose is an element of table sugar and is also found obviously in fruits. Some fruits comprise more fructose than others. Some examples of foods rich in fructose include:
- apple juice
- grapes
- agave
- soda
The body can only digest a definite quantity of fructose at one time. Ingesting more fructose than the body can captivate, may cause diarrhea.
Sugar alcohols, including sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and erythritol, are usually used to sweeten foods branded “sugar-free” or “no sugar added.” These sugar alcohols are not well engrossed by the body and can cause diarrhea in some people, particularly if consumed in large quantities.
Caffeine
Drinks and foods that comprise caffeine can cause diarrhea in some people. Caffeine is a stimulant and increases the degree that food moves through the intestines.
Common dietary sources of caffeine contain:
- chocolate
- coffee
- soda
- tea
High-fat and spicy foods
Fried foods and other foods that comprise a lot of fat can cause diarrhea. This is because they are hard for the body to process.
Though it is no longer usually used by the food industry, a fat substitute known as Olestra can cause diarrhea. People should check labels of fat-free products, such as potato chips, to see if it contains Olestra as an ingredient.
Spicy foods, such as those that comprise hot peppers, are another usual cause of diarrhea.
Lactose
People who are lactose intolerant may experience diarrhea, in addition to other symptoms, after they ingest dairy products.
Some people with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small quantities of dairy products. These products contain yogurt, kefir, and hard cheeses.
FODMAPs
Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols are a group of carbohydrates called FODMAPs. High-FODMAP foods are hard for some people to digest and may cause diarrhea.
The list of high-FODMAP foods is wide, but a few other examples contain:
- artichokes
- beans
- garlic
- onions
A low-FODMAP diet can be perplexing to follow due to a large number of constrained foods. If someone thinks that FODMAPs may be the cause of their diarrhea, a registered dietitian can offer education and direction.
Gluten
Gluten is the protein in wheat, rye, and barley. And many of the people who have difficulties digesting it have a serious illness, such as celiac disease. When someone has celiac disease, their immune system responds to gluten and activates harm to the small intestine.
People that do not have celiac disease may still have problems enduring gluten. If someone suspects that gluten may be accountable for their diarrhea, it is essential that they see a doctor for proper testing before starting a gluten-free diet.
How to tell if diarrhea is due to food
Diarrhea could be food-related if a person has lately made changes to what they consume. It could also be associated to food if a person notices that a specific food or type of food, such as dairy products, causes diarrhea.
Before accrediting diarrhea to food, it is also essential to check recent medication changes. Diarrhea is a usual side effect of many drugs, such as antibiotics and medicines that contain magnesium.
Diarrhea is unlikely to be linked to food intolerance if it:
- contains blood or pus
- is accompanied by a fever
- occurs for an extended period
These are signs that may indicate a more serious condition.
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