Diarrhea can result for a variety of reasons, and while it typically lasts only a few days, prolonged diarrhea can be the sign of a serious problem. Food intolerances are one common cause of this type of bowel disturbance, as are food-borne illnesses. If you believe that lettuce is causing your diarrhea, talk to your doctor about eliminating this vegetable from your diet. Also make sure that you wash your produce thoroughly before eating it.
Symptoms and Causes of Diarrhea
Diarrhea is defined as watery, loose and frequent bowel movements. It is typically mild, and your bowel movements should return to normal within a few days. The most common cause of this type of diarrhea is an infection in your gastrointestinal tract, known as viral gastroenteritis. Getting a food-borne illness by eating foods contaminated with bacteria or parasites can also cause diarrhea; poor food-handling practices that occur from farm to table can make lettuce prone to such contamination. If you have it for longer than four weeks, however, this is known as chronic diarrhea, and it may be the symptom of an underlying condition such as celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome. You may also have a food intolerance that is causing your symptoms; your doctor can help you determine the cause.
Change Your Diet
Lettuce is high in fiber, and many high-fiber foods can irritate your digestive tract, particularly if you are already having diarrhea or other bowel problems. You may need to eliminate this food from your diet for a few days until your symptoms subside and your intestines have a chance to recover. But if you suspect that lettuce or any other food is the primary cause your diarrhea, tell your doctor about this. You may have to permanently eliminate it from your diet.
Wash Your Produce
Produce such as lettuce passes through many hands between where it is grown and when it lands on your table, all of which heightens the risk of contamination and contracting a food-borne illness. It may be that germs, rather than the lettuce itself, are causing your symptoms. To avoid eating contaminated produce, wash your vegetables and fruits thoroughly before you prepare them. First, wash your hands with soap and water, and then cut off any bruised or damaged parts of the lettuce. Hold the vegetable under running water and scrub away the dirt with your fingers; always throw away the outer leaves of a head of lettuce.
Additional Considerations
Always tell your doctor before changing your diet, if you suspect you have a food intolerance or if your diarrhea does not show signs of improvement after five days. Additionally, if you experience serious symptoms like blood or pus in your stools, have a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, or if you have the symptoms of dehydration, such as light-headedness, seek immediate medical attention. Dehydration is a serious concern during bouts of diarrhea so alert a physician if symptoms linger.
