Diarrhea can be caused by a multitude of factors, but if you recently changed your dietary habits, it is possible that your diet may be to blame. You can try experimenting with your diet to see if you can improve the frequency and consistency of your bowel movements, but if things do not improve within a few days, consult with your doctor or a health-care provider to investigate your gastrointestinal problem more in depth.
High-Fat Foods
If you have recently gone on a low-carb, high-fat diet, you are probably eating a lot more fat than you used to. For example, a high-fat diet includes fatty cuts of meat, including bacon, sausages and chicken skin, as well as full-fat dairy products like cheese, Mediterranean-style yogurt, butter and cream. Your high-fat diet probably includes other fats and oils as well, such as coconut oil, olive oil, lard, salad dressings, mayonnaise, avocado, nuts, seeds and their butters.
Lactose Intolerance
One of the possible causes of your diarrhea with a high-fat diet could be lactose intolerance. If your previous way of eating did not include a lot of dairy, you may not have been aware that you had this problem. However, by following a high-fat diet including more cheeses, yogurt and other dairy products, you may now be eating enough lactose to trigger lactose intolerance symptoms, which include not only diarrhea, but also nausea, cramps, bloating and gas pain. The symptoms of lactose intolerance usually appear within 30 minutes to two hours after consuming lactose. Try eliminating dairy products for a few days to see if they are the cause of your diarrhea.
Impaired Fat Digestion
Eating a high-fat diet may be overwhelming your body's ability to digest fat. If your previous diet was low in fat, your body may simply not be used to producing enough of the enzymes and biles necessary to properly digest fat, which could induce diarrhea. Try cutting back slightly on your fat intake to see if your diarrhea resolves. If it does, slowly increase your fat intake, instead of doing it drastically, to ensure your body has time to adjust. Digestive enzymes containing lipase and bile can also help you better digest fat, but consult your pharmacist or doctor for help choosing a supplement that is appropriate for you.
Special Considerations
Suffering from diarrhea can increase your risk of dehydration. Drink plenty of water and replenish your lost electrolytes by taking a multivitamin containing essential minerals, as advised by your doctor or pharmacist. You can also take soluble fiber, which can absorb water and help you have formed stools. Soluble fiber is found in psyllium husks, flaxseeds and oat bran. Stat by adding about 1 tsp. per meal and work your way up to 1 to 2 tbsp. per meal, drinking at least 8 oz. of water at the same time. Consult your pharmacist if taking medications, as soluble fiber may affect their absorption.
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