What do runny poop mean

Loose stools are abnormally watery bowel movements that can have a range of different causes. They are very common and are not usually associated with any severe health risks. Loose stools often occur after eating, but can also happen at other points in the day. When loose stools occur consecutively on multiple occasions throughout a day, this is described as diarrhea. However, loose stools can occur chronically and may require treatment.

This article will outline potential causes and treatments for loose stools. Certain foods, drinks, or supplements can increase the likelihood of loose stools or diarrhea occurring. Sometimes, the body can have problems digesting certain types of sugars, such as sugar alcohols and lactose. Sugar alcohols are found in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and artificial flavorings.

The small intestine cannot digest large amounts of sugar alcohols efficiently, which can cause diarrhea. Diets high in lactose, a sugar found in milk-based products, can also cause loose stools. People with lactose intolerances may experience diarrhea following the consumption of any milk-based products.

Viruses, bacteria or parasites can cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines. This can cause loose stools and diarrhea, along with other symptoms including:.

Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is a chronic condition affecting the digestive system. Diarrhea and loose stools are a common symptom of IBS. Other symptoms can include:. Ulcerative colitis UC is a chronic condition causing inflammation in the colon and rectum. People with UC often experience loose stools and diarrhea. Other symptoms of UC include:.

It can cause diarrhea and loose stools. Celiac disease is a common condition in which the consumption of gluten causes an inflammation of the small intestine. People who have consumed gluten may experience loose stools and diarrhea. Other symptoms include:. Several disorders of the liver and gallbladder can impair the action of bile, preventing the proper breakdown of fats in the intestine.

Sorbitol, for instance, is found in peaches, apples, pears, and prunes. Sugar alcohols are not well absorbed. As a result, consuming excessive amounts causes the sugar alcohols to pull water from the bloodstream into the intestines, resulting in diarrhea and loose stools.

Consume sugar alcohols in moderation. If you rely on artificial sweeteners to manage diabetes or other health conditions, talk with your healthcare provider about using a variety of sweeteners and consuming them in moderation. Drinking coffee can stimulate the contraction and relaxation of intestinal muscles called peristalsis , promoting bowel movements. Aside from the bowel-stimulating quality, coffee can also result in looser stools because as stool moves through the colon quickly, there is less time for water to be reabsorbed by the body and stool to firm up.

Try darker roasts, like French roast, which tend to have less caffeine than lighter roasts. Also skip the milk or cream, excess sugar, and sweeteners such as sorbitol, which can also trigger loose stools. A greasy meal or a higher fat diet such as the keto diet can trigger bowel movements and loose stools in some people.

Called the gastrocolic reflex , these contractions in the large intestine may lead to a bowel movement a short time after eating. Certain conditions like chronic pancreatitis can also result in oily loose stools or diarrhea. Although a fatty meal can trigger loose stools, speak with your healthcare provider if it's a regular occurrence. Hot and spicy foods can irritate the intestinal lining and cause loose stools.

It normally happens after a spicy meal and returns to normal shortly afterward. Compounds in spicy food aren't absorbed by the body and make their way into your intestines. Although not everyone who eats spicy food has loose stools, if it happens to you, try limiting your intake of spicy food. Eating yogurt, rice, or bread may help offset some of the effects of spicy food on the intestines. Ethanol in alcohol speeds up the contractions in the colon, which means that waste is moved through the intestines faster and there's less time for the colon to absorb water, which can lead to watery stool.

If you notice that drinking affects your stools, try seeing whether wine and spirits give you less digestive trouble than beer or malt liquor. Cutting back on your overall intake will also help. The use of certain herbal remedies or medications may lead to the passage of loose stools. Some of the medications and supplements include:. Research suggests that probiotics may help prevent diarrhea that can occur after taking antibiotics. The American Gastroenterology Association released a consensus on the use of probiotics after a systematic review of previously published studies.

Regardless of age, the majority of gastroenterologists agreed there is benefit in taking a probiotic for the prevention of C. Their analysis revealed that probiotics were associated with a reduced risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults but not in those over the age of According to another study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is the most effective strain for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Loose stools may also be seen in a variety of health conditions. A naturally occurring sugar, lactose is found in milk, ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products. Many adults have a low level of lactase, an enzyme that breaks lactose down.

Consuming milk or dairy can lead to loose stools and diarrhea in people with lactose intolerance. A condition that affects the large intestine, irritable bowel syndrome IBS can cause cramping, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Some people have loose stools or diarrhea, while others have constipation or alternate between the two.

Gluten products like bread, pasta, and baked goods are a problem for people with celiac disease. One of the symptoms can be diarrhea or loose stools. The condition can cause low energy, unintended weight loss, and a lack of growth. If the condition is untreated, it may be hard to link gluten-containing foods to symptoms because of damage to the intestinal lining. A condition is seen most often seen in people who have had bariatric weight loss , esophageal, or gastric surgery, dumping syndrome is when the food you eat moves too quickly from your stomach into your small intestine, causing loose stools.

Loose stools may be seen in these conditions:. These conditions can be diagnosed or managed, so it's best to work with your healthcare provider if you suspect having them or have been diagnosed.

The stomach flu can cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, fever, and headache. Also known as viral gastroenteritis, it's highly contagious. You can help protect your infant from rotavirus, the most common cause of viral diarrhea in children, with one of two approved vaccines. Ask your baby's doctor about having your baby vaccinated. Diarrhea commonly affects people who travel to countries where there's inadequate sanitation and contaminated food.

To reduce your risk:. Watch what you drink. Drink bottled water, soda, beer or wine served in its original container. Avoid tap water and ice cubes. Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth. Keep your mouth closed while you shower. Beverages made with boiled water, such as coffee and tea, are probably safe. Remember that alcohol and caffeine can aggravate diarrhea and worsen dehydration.

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