If you experience diarrhea after eating, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to the food or you may not be able to tolerate the fat in the food. A food allergy and diarrhea from eating fatty foods are two different conditions that need to be evaluated and diagnosed by a medical doctor. If you have a food allergy, you will develop other symptoms aside from just diarrhea, according to MayoClinic.com. If you only experience diarrhea after consuming a specific food, you may have another condition related to the fat found in certain foods.
Food Allergy
A food allergy is an overreaction to the proteins found in certain foods. The most common foods that cause an allergic reaction are milk, eggs, soy, nuts, peanuts, fish and wheat, according to MedlinePlus. The immune system mistakes the proteins in the food as a dangerous substance, and your body begins to build a defense against the foods. As a result of a chemical reaction in the body, you will experience symptoms such as skin rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, asthma and nasal congestion.
Gallbladder Consideration
If you experience excessive diarrhea, nausea and vomiting after eating fatty foods, you may have gallbladder disease. The gallbladder is a small sack located behind the liver that stores extra bile that is commonly triggered for use after eating fatty food. If you develop stones in the gallbladder or it becomes inflamed and infected, it causes severe gastrointestinal complications. Removal of the gallbladder is the most effective treatment, according to MayoClinc.com.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition of the colon or lower bowel that causes excessive gas, diarrhea and cramping. The condition is more common in women than in men, and researchers are still looking for the cause, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Irritable bowel syndrome is triggered by various elements, such as fatty foods. Talk with your doctor about any other symptoms you experience after eating fatty foods for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
The most common treatment for diarrhea is increased liquid intake, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Talk to your doctor before taking any medication to stop the diarrhea, as this may complicate the issue. Avoid caffeine, fatty foods, milk products, sweets and foods that are high in fiber. If the diarrhea subsides, begin to eat bland foods, such as white rice, bananas and applesauce.
Warning
If you have a severe allergic reaction that causes vomiting, hives, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure and mental confusion, call 911 immediately for emergency medical attention. A severe allergic reaction to a food can be deadly if not treated properly.
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