Diarrhea refers to loose, watery stools that typically occur three or more times per day. Mild diarrhea may dissipate without medical care within several days. Severe cases can lead to dehydration or may indicate serious disease. Because diarrhea initiates in the digestive tract, it is likely to occur after eating. Causes of diarrhea include bacterial infections, Crohn's disease, and intolerance to certain foods. If your diarrhea symptoms are severe or long-lasting, seek medical attention.
Bacterial Infections
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), bacterial infections are a common cause of diarrhea. When a person consumes food contaminated with certain bacteria, the body attempts to rid the body of the problem-causing bacteria, often through diarrhea. Examples of such bacteria include campylobacter, salmonella, shigella, or escherichia coli (E. coli). In such cases, diarrhea usually occurs immediately or within several hours after consuming the contaminated food. Additional symptoms of bacterial infection may include nausea, fever, body or head aches, and vomiting. Mild cases of bacterial infections may dissipate naturally over the course of several days. More serious cases may require medical care or hospitalization. If you experience symptoms of a bacterial infection, seek guidance from your doctor promptly.
Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease, are known to cause diarrhea. People with Crohn's disease experience inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract, which can trigger bouts of diarrhea after eating, as well as recurrent abdominal pain and malnutrition. According to the Mayo Clinic, diarrhea is the most common symptom of Crohn's disease and occurs when the inflamed area of the intestine secretes excessive amounts of water and salt. Because the colon can't absorb the large amount of fluid, it is excreted through diarrhea. Severe cramping in the intestinal tract can also trigger diarrhea, often exacerbated by digestion of food. Crohn's disease is treatable, often through medications, lifestyle remedies and, in some cases, surgery. If you experience symptoms of Crohn's disease, seek proper testing and guidance from your doctor.
Food Intolerances
If you are intolerant to a particular food, you may experience diarrhea after ingesting it. According to the NDDIC, lactose intolerance---an intolerance to the lactose, the naturally occurring sugar found in milk---is a common food intolerance that may trigger diarrhea. Additional food intolerance culprits include gluten (a protein found in wheat), fructose (a simple sugar found in a variety of foods and artificial sweeteners), and yeast (a rising agent found in breads and beer). In some cases, food allergies and other more serious disorders are mistaken for food intolerances, which are generally less severe. For that reason, proper testing and diagnosis are key. If you suspect a food intolerance, discuss your symptoms with a qualified medical professional who can determine whether testing and/or avoidance of particular foods is in order.
