Loose stools that last for more than three days may be a sign of a more serious condition and needs to be discussed with your doctor. Loose stools are not a condition, but rather a symptom of a condition that will need to be determined by your doctor. Sometimes, if you're eating a diet that is high in fat and highly processed foods, you may develop loose stools because of eating too much fat and too many foods that are difficult to digest. Changing what you eat by avoiding problem foods may help avoid loose stools. Talk with your doctor before eliminating any foods from your diet.
General Avoidance
Some foods can further complicate your symptoms. Avoid eating foods that are high in fiber, high in fat, are highly processed, such as hot dogs and greasy foods, according to Virginia Tech. Keep your diet simple and bland until you see an improvement in your stool's consistency. Avoid all dairy products except for plain, low-fat yogurt. Yogurt contains live and active cultures that may actually help regulate your bowel movements and promote solid stools. Avoid spicy foods, such as dishes that contain curry, chili powder or black pepper. These foods may further irritate the lining of your digestive system and cause bouts of diarrhea.
Allergies and Intolerances
If you have any known food allergies or intolerances, avoid those foods. Food allergies and intolerances are different conditions that are commonly confused with one another. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology explains that food allergies are the result of a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in certain foods, such as peanuts, wheat or milk. Food intolerances are the inability to properly digest certain sugars and proteins in some foods. Food allergies can cause digestive complications, such as pain, nausea and diarrhea along with other symptoms in your body. Food intolerances typically only cause digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea, bloating and gas. Eating foods that trigger an allergic reaction or intolerance symptoms can worsen your condition.
Beverages
Some beverages are irritants that can aggravate your digestive tract and promote loose stools and diarrhea. Avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or dairy. Stay away from coffee, tea, chocolate, protein shakes, specialty drinks and decaffeinated coffee and tea.
Warning
If you develop chronic diarrhea, you need to talk to your doctor. Loose stools can lead to dehydration that may cause further complications. Common symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, dry lips, dry skin, fatigue and extreme thirst.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diarrhea
- Virginia Teach Health Center: Upset Stomach and Diarrhea
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Allergy or Food Intolerance
- American College of Gastroenterology: Food Intolerance
- American Academy of Allergy and Immunology: Food Allergy
Member Comments