DIARRHOEA

posted 14th January 2025
Establishing Cause And Cure - Managing Diarrhoea And Loose Stools
Last year, I noticed a sudden increase in the number of people seeking help for diarrhoea and loose stools. The distress and inconvenience of having to plan your life around unpredictable bowel movements can take a significant toll on both physical and emotional well-being.
For many, symptoms can be worse in the morning and are sometimes linked to foods consumed the previous evening. Prolonged diarrhoea can lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients, including fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, and phosphate can also be depleted. This makes staying hydrated and maintaining adequate water intake critical, as diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration.
Whether you experience frequent diarrhoea or occasional loose stools, addressing the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.
Identifying the Cause
Diarrhoea can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including but not limited to:
• Infections and Imbalances:
o Food poisoning, parasites, or bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, or C. difficile)
o Viruses such as norovirus
o Dysbiosis or overgrowth of yeast (Candida)
• Diet and Intolerances:
o Trigger foods: peanuts, soya, eggs, cow's milk, excess fibre
o Fructose intolerance or certain high-fibre fruits and vegetables
o Fatty, spicy, or processed foods
• Medical Conditions:
o Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
o Ulcerative Colitis
o Coeliac Disease
o Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
• External Factors:
o Antibiotic use and antibiotic-induced colitis
o Medications or supplements (as was the case for one of my patients)
o Caffeine, alcohol, or excessive sugar intake
o Emotional stress or anxiety
• Other Causes:
o Electrolyte imbalances
o Vitamin B12 deficiency
If diarrhoea persists for more than seven days, it is essential to consult a doctor to rule out more serious underlying conditions.
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A Patient Success Story
One of my patients had been struggling with diarrhoea multiple times daily for over two years. It had progressively worsened, significantly disrupting his life. During our follow-up consultation, we uncovered a key detail: he had been taking a supplement regularly for just over two years. Upon my recommendation, he stopped taking the supplement, and his symptoms resolved entirely. This highlights the importance of a thorough review of all potential triggers, including medications and supplements.
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Strategies for Managing Diarrhoea
Once the underlying cause is identified, targeted strategies can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. Consider the following:
Foods to Avoid:
• Trigger foods: Dairy products, fatty and spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine (reduce caffeine gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms).
• Gas-producing foods: The brassica family (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) can worsen bloating and discomfort.
• Processed foods: These can aggravate symptoms due to additives and unhealthy fats.
Gut-Friendly Foods
Incorporating gentle, easy-to-digest foods can help soothe the gut during diarrhoea episodes:
• Potatoes (without skins)
• Bananas
• Dry crispbreads or crackers
• Applesauce
• White rice
• Bone broth
Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
Maintaining hydration is crucial. In addition to water, electrolyte-replenishing drinks or home-made oral rehydration solutions can help restore balance.
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Healing the Gut
Addressing diarrhoea isn't just about symptom relief; it's also about long-term gut health. Supporting the microbiome with:
• Probiotics: Foods like yogurt (if tolerated) or supplements can help restore healthy gut bacteria.
• Prebiotics: Fibre-rich foods (introduced gradually) support beneficial bacteria growth.
• Targeted Supplements: Depending on individual deficiencies or imbalances, personalized supplementation may aid recovery.
Diarrhoea and loose stools are symptoms, not stand-alone conditions. To truly resolve the issue, it is vital to identify and address the root cause. Whether it is a dietary trigger, an infection, or a reaction to a medication, a targeted approach is key.
If you are struggling with chronic or severe diarrhoea, seek professional advice to develop a tailored treatment plan. With the right steps, you can regain control of your health and your life.
© Ann Shaw Clinic Of Nutritional Medicine 2025