Diarrhea is a condition where you experience frequent, watery and loose stools that can lead to dehydration. Once the digestive tract begins to empty because of diarrhea, much of the food you've eaten goes undigested. Excessive diarrhea can lead to malnourishment and excessive weight loss because the nutrition from the foods is not adequately absorbed. If you experience diarrhea for more than two days, talk with your doctor.
Causes
Diarrhea can be the result of various conditions. The most common causes of diarrhea include the use of antibiotics, traveling, food poisoning and the stomach flu, according to MedlinePlus. Antibiotics kill the good bacteria in the gut that helps maintain regularity and therefore can cause loose stools. When you travel you're exposed to new and different bacteria and parasites that can cause diarrhea. Food poisoning occurs when you consume a food or beverages that are contaminated with a virus or toxins. The stomach flu is a viral infection that causes vomiting, nausea and diarrhea for one to three days.
Effect
The effects of undigested food while you have diarrhea are malnourishment, weight loss and dehydration. Because the food isn't properly digested, you may lack the proper nutrition to function normally. Dehydration is a common complication from diarrhea because the body eliminates water without using it to flush the body, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. If you develop symptoms such as dry mouth, extreme thirst, lightheadedness and dark urine, call your doctor. Dehydration is a medical condition that needs attention. In some cases, dehydration can cause death if not treated properly.
Treatment
Talk with your doctor before using any treatment for diarrhea, especially if you are experiencing any complications. Do not use over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications without talking with your doctor. Eat small portions of foods that are easy to digest and help stop the diarrhea. These foods include toast, bananas, rice, boiled potatoes, cooked carrots and white bread. Avoid foods that could aggravate the digestive tract, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods and fatty foods.
Warning
If you develop blood or pus in your stools, you notice that your stools are black or have severe abdominal pain that's not alleviated after a bowel movement, you need to see your doctor. Other reasons for a doctor's assessment include a fever above 101 degrees, starting a new medication or stools that are foul-smelling or appear oily.
