Eating too much greasy food isn't good for your health, especially if you develop diarrhea-like symptoms after consuming it. Although the loose stools you experience after eating greasy food isn't considered diarrhea, it is still a concerning sign. If you develop diarrhea often, you need to talk with your doctor for further evaluation. Clinical diarrhea is defined as frequent, loose and watery stools that is caused by another medical condition.
Diarrhea
Everyone experiences diarrhea, which results in many trips to the bathroom with a large volume of water and stool expelled. Diarrhea commonly lasts for a few days but can remain for up to two weeks. Any diarrhea longer than two weeks needs to be assessed by a medical doctor. The condition causes the body to lose large amounts of salt and water, which can be dangerous for the body. Most diarrhea will subside without medical intervention through diet changes and time.
Causes
Loose stools from eating greasy food are caused by too much oil for the gut to digest. If the digestive system acquires a lot of grease, it is not able to properly digest it, and the body will expel it as fast as it can. Other common causes of diarrhea include food poisoning, medications and viral infections. Diarrhea is a symptom of another condition. Food poisoning occurs when you eat or drink something that's contaminated with bacteria or a virus. Some medications cause diarrhea as a side effect. A viral infection, such as the stomach flu, will cause diarrhea until the virus is eliminated from the body.
Treatment
Treating diarrhea from eating greasy foods begins with drinking plenty of water and eating small, bland meals until the symptoms subside. Foods that are good for the gut when you have diarrhea include: toast, crackers, bread, rice, bananas, apples, cooked carrots, boiled potatoes and chicken without the skin. Avoid foods that are high in fiber or fat or that contain a lot of spice. Avoid eating any more greasy food. Do not change your diet without first talking with your physician.
Complications
Dehydration is a common complication from diarrhea and needs to be taken seriously. Untreated dehydration can lead to further complications, such as brain damage and death. If you feel faint, tired and lethargic and suspect that you're dehydrated, call 911.
