Fatty Foods & Diarrhea

No one is a stranger to diarrhea, also notoriously known as "the runs." Whether you had a meal that did not agree with you or you're suffering a side affect to a drug, there are several common causes of diarrhea. The severity of the case depends on the age and health of the victim. There are several ways you can minimize your chances of getting diarrhea.

Basics

Diarrhea is characterized by the frequency of bowel movements and the consistency of the stool. An individual with diarrhea has at least three loose and watery bowel movements per day, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports. Acute diarrhea generally lasts for up to two days and passes on its own, while chronic diarrhea persists for more than four weeks. Individuals suffering from chronic cases of diarrhea are at risk for becoming dehydrated, because they can lose a significant amount of water and electrolytes in their stool.

Causes

There are number of causes for diarrhea including bacterial and viral infections, side effects to drugs, parasites and an intolerant diet. Food poisoning also causes diarrhea and typically lasts less than 24 hours. There are several disorders that result in diarrhea, such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease and lactose intolerance. Diarrhea poses a greater threat to children since they are more at risk of becoming severely hydrated, the NDDIC warns.

Diarrhea and Diet

Many people are intolerant to certain foods and suffer from diarrhea when they eat them. Lactose, a sugar found in milk, is a prevalent cause of diarrhea in many parts of the world, the NDDIC reports. For others, fatty and greasy foods, like French fries, may trigger diarrhea. The body may not be able to fully digest the excess fat in these foods, which ultimately causes diarrhea. For this reason, eat foods high in fat in moderation.

Identification

You can help identify foods that may increase you chances of getting diarrhea by keeping a record of what you eat. By monitoring which foods cause certain symptoms that make you sick, you can help trace exactly which foods you need to avoid. Traveling to under-developed countries or to the mountains may also increase your chances of getting diarrhea, the NDDIC warns, so take necessary health precautions by drinking and eating foods prepared in clean and safe water.

Treatment

When suffering from diarrhea, limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol, the NDDIC instructs, because these will further dehydrate your body. Avoid high-fat foods and insoluble fiber, which may worsen diarrhea. Consume plenty of water, as well as soup, fruit juices and soft fruits and vegetables, like apples and peaches, to replace lost electrolytes. Once better, you should slowly add sources of insoluble fibers, like whole-grain breads, into your diet. For severe cases of diarrhea, consult your doctor for the appropriate treatment.