Have You Ever Felt This Happen to You All of a Sudden?
No one wants to have diarrhea and even less want to talk about it. Yet, you could end up with no other choice than to give the whole day to it when it suddenly appears. It may have been brought on by the tacos after a hectic week or it might have been something else. Were we suffering from food poisoning? Anxiety? Have you got a more significant problem? Many people find themselves asking “Why did I have diarrhea?” and this article explores the topic in more detail. Based on information from the CDC, 179 million cases of acute diarrhea are reported in the U.S. every year. This is not only about bad nachos — it has become a serious concern with plenty of incorrect beliefs.
Not every issue is caused by a burrito.
Yes, food poisoning is often responsible for these problems. There can be other reasons for diarrhea besides having suspect food. Norovirus and rotavirus are viruses that commonly cause gastroenteritis and, during their peak season, easily pass from one area to another, especially in schools and offices. Treatment also involves the use of medications. Antibiotics are famous for causing a change in the gut flora that leads to runny stools. The Cleveland Clinic says that diarrhea affects as many as 30% of people using antibiotics. This could also be the result of consuming apparently harmless things like magnesium supplements or artificial sweeteners.
However, let’s discuss a different side of the story: stress. Dr. Emeran Mayer is a UCLA gastroenterologist who has spent years researching the relationship between the gut and the brain. He adds, “The ‘second brain’ in your gut can be easily upset by emotions such as stress or anxiety.” While studying, I met Hannah, a copywriter, who would get diarrhea when she faced stressful work demands. Following therapy, she started to notice that the episodes became less frequent. Sometimes, the food is not the main factor. Sometimes, the problem you’re facing leaves you upset or preoccupied.
Messages You Can Get from Your Stool
You may not discuss your poop over dinner, yet it can show you what is happening in your body. To determine stool consistency, gastroenterologists commonly use the Bristol Stool Chart and if diarrhea is watery, greasy or smells bad, it could be due to different problems.
- Watery diarrhea? Consider viral diseases, old bacterial infections or the chemical changes caused by stress.
- Does the color indicate greasiness or paleness? It is possible that the lack of fat in your stool is because your body is unable to absorb fat, caused by celiac disease or a gallbladder problem.
- Is your stool blood-colored or looks like black tar? If you notice that, it’s important to consider it might be due to stomach bleeding or an inflammatory illness like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology published one study that points out chronic diarrhea can be due to both unrecognized IBS and SIBO in 12% of cases and 7% of cases respectively. The point? The analysis of your stool provides information similar to that of data. Try to pay attention to it.
Case Study: Ignoring What Was Happening Could Have Killed Him
Greg is a 46-year-old teacher at a high school in Oregon. He often blamed his problem of diarrhea after lunch meals on eating too much spicy food. He decided to see a doctor after experiencing tiredness and some blood in his waste. The diagnosis? Stage II in the development of colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society reports that there has been a 9% uptick in colorectal cancer cases among young adults since 2018. This situation proves that strong diarrhea, especially if it has blood, leads to weight loss or makes anyone tired, can’t be overlooked.
Expert Insight: You’re Not Just What You Eat
According to Megan Rossi (PhD, RD), there is more to gut health problems today than just what people eat. In Eat Yourself Healthy, she clarifies that besides food, sleeping, moving, using drugs and experiencing stress all play a role in keeping gut bacteria healthy. The research also suggested that consuming various forms of fiber from different plants each week can help reduce stress in the gut, allowing for improved bowel regularity.
In addition, she advises eating fermented foods and taking probiotics — just with some extra care. Harvec says that many people use probiotics without knowing exactly what the problem is. “It’s possible for diarrhea to result from dysbiosis, but it could also be caused by parasites, allergies or autoimmune problems.”
Ultimately, Your Belly Doesn’t Digest Everything You Eat — Show it Deserving Attention
Everyone experiences diarrhea every now and then. However, if you dust off the anti-diarrheal pills all the time or if they constantly eat into your daily routines, it may be wise to hear what your body is telling you. Not everyone will get better, so don’t overlook it. Occasionally, the issue is caused by a stomach bug. Somehow, it can also be an urgent blinking sign.
If your car’s check engine light is glowing, would you keep driving with it on for months? Probably not. So, why should we neglect our instincts when they are obviously having trouble?
How your digestive system works impacts your body’s defense system, how you feel mentally, your moods and the energy you have. Respect it. Record everything you eat, learn to manage your stress and feel comfortable talking to a specialist. Sometimes what your gut is urging you to do has been blocked from your mind.