How Does Fat in the Diet Affect the Stools
Is Your Diet Giving You Diarrhea?
If you have diarrhea, your diet could be to blame. Learn which foods commonly trigger diarrhea so you know what to avoid.
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If you're experiencing diarrhea, spicy foods are one potential culprit.
Start With a Food Diary
Some people can eat cabbage, broccoli, and other vegetables without side effects like excessive gas and diarrhea — and some can't, especially those living with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Dairy products such as milk and cheese cause diarrhea for some people, while others react badly to wheat and high-fiber foods. A little detective work can help you determine the cause of your diarrhea and identify any food intolerances you may have. Start by keeping a food diary and gradually eliminating triggers. Here are some top suspects that commonly lead to diarrhea.
High-Fiber Foods
Wait — isn't fiber supposed to be good for digestive health? Yes, but if you eat too much fiber you can develop excessive gas and diarrhea. Add fiber to your diet slowly so you don't cause digestive problems, says Lawrence Schiller, MD, program director of the gastroenterology fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. When diarrhea is already a problem, you should eliminate high-fiber foods from your diet for a few weeks and see if that helps. Fruits to skip include pears, apples, most berries, figs, prunes, dates, and raisins. High-fiber vegetables include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, artichokes, and peas. Watch out for nuts and legumes (meaning all types of beans as well as seeds such as sunflower kernels) and keep whole cereals and grains such as barley, bran, brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn, and whole-wheat bread on your radar, too.
Dairy Products
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. People who are lactose intolerant may experience diarrhea if they eat or drink dairy products such as milk, cheese, and ice cream; however, some people find they can tolerate dairy foods that have lower amounts of lactose, such as yogurt and hard cheeses (i.e., Swiss cheese and aged cheddar). Lactase enzyme tablets or drops taken before eating may also help prevent diarrhea problems. Another option is to try products that are lactose-free.
Gluten and Wheat
Some people have a food intolerance to gluten, a protein that is found in wheat, rye, and barley products. This condition is a common autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease. People with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet every day. If you have celiac disease, always check food labels because it may not be obvious when a product contains wheat, rye, or barley. With growing awareness of celiac disease and wheat allergies, more gluten-free products are now available on grocery and health food store shelves.
Spicy Foods
Some people may experience diarrhea and stomach pain when they eat spicy foods such as Buffalo wings, chili, or curry. Spicy foods can irritate the lining of the stomach, causing diarrhea, Dr. Schiller says. The solution is simple: If you can't digest spicy food well, stay away from them and don't order menu items marked "extra hot." Be careful when trying cuisines that are traditionally spicy, such as Indian, Thai, and Mexican foods.
Fatty Foods
More potential diarrhea culprits are rich foods, including fatty meats, heavy sauces, and that huge scoop of sour cream topping your nachos. Adding lots of oil, butter, or margarine to your food can also cause diarrhea. Some people have difficulty absorbing fat, and unabsorbed fat can cause the small intestines and the colon to secrete more water, resulting in watery stools. If you eat a diet of rich, fatty foods, they may pass through your system more rapidly and give you diarrhea.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, particularly mannitol and sorbitol, can cause diarrhea in some people. Mannitol and sorbitol linger in the stomach, Schiller says, which can result in bloating and diarrhea. These sweeteners are found in hard and soft candies, jam and jelly, chewing gum, cough drops, and other sugar-free products. The best way to avoid diarrhea-inducing sweeteners is to read food labels. The FDA requires foods with over 50 grams of mannitol or sorbitol to list a possible laxative effect on the label.
Alcohol, Caffeine, and Soda
When you have diarrhea, the beverages you drink can worsen your condition. Alcohol can affect your cells' ability to absorb water, leading to dehydration, which is already a concern for someone with diarrhea. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some energy drinks, is a stimulant that can speed digestion and cause diarrhea. Soda contains gas, and if you have diarrhea that's one symptom you're trying to avoid. Instead, stick to clear liquids. You may find warm, flat ginger ale is tolerable, and ginger has been shown to have a soothing effect on the stomach.
How Does Fat in the Diet Affect the Stools
Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/diarrhea-management-photos/diarrhea-and-diet.aspx
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