Diarrhea can cause embarrassment and discomfort, and determining the precise cause of the condition can be difficult. In some cases, a sensitivity to certain foods leads to diarrhea, and gluten is a common culprit. If you suspect that you might be sensitive to gluten, talk to your doctor about your symptoms, including any episodes of diarrhea you might have had, to determine whether this is a likely cause and if you should go on a gluten-free diet to relieve your gastrointestinal distress.
Gluten
The protein gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye, as well as in products made from these grains, such as breads, cake, breading and fillers. In some cases, gluten can be a hidden ingredient, such as when it is included as a filler in processed meat products. Some people are sensitive to gluten and experience a variety of gastrointestinal problems whenever they eat foods containing gluten. In severe cases, an intolerance to gluten may be diagnosed as celiac disease, a disorder in which the lining of the intestines is attacked by the immune system in response to gluten in the diet.
Diarrhea and Gluten Sensitivity
Diarrhea commonly appears as a symptom of gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Children and adolescents are more likely to experience chronic diarrhea as a result of gluten intolerance, but it can occur at any age. Diarrhea is defined as having loose and watery stools that occur more frequently than your normal bowel movements. When diarrhea lasts for more than four weeks, it is considered chronic.
Other Symptoms
People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity often experience other symptoms in addition to diarrhea. Common gastrointestinal complaints include abdominal bloating, cramping, pale or fatty stool, vomiting and weight loss. Adult sufferers are more likely to experience fatigue, anemia, bone and joint pain, depression, anxiety or an itchy skin rash. More serious complications stemming from gluten intolerance can include seizures, osteoporosis, infertility and arthritis.
Gluten-Free Diets
People who experience diarrhea as a symptom of gluten sensitivity often find relief when they follow a gluten-free diet. This type of diet eliminates all sources of gluten, including products made with gluten-containing flours, cereals, processed dairy products containing gluten, breaded meats or vegetables, soups and stews thickened with flour and many packaged foods.
Other Possibilities
If a gluten-free diet doesn't seem to affect the incidence of diarrhea, you might be suffering from a different food intolerance or sensitivity. Lactose intolerance and fructose malabsorption can cause diarrhea. Other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease can also lead to diarrhea. If the diarrhea is temporary and not chronic, a viral infection or food poisoning is a more likely origin than gluten sensitivity.
