Diarrhea is a common condition with many possible causes. Some cases of diarrhea are due to infections. Sometimes it occurs as a side effect of medication, or as a symptom of other conditions, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
# Sugar and sugar substitutesFructose is a component of table sugar and is also found naturally in fruits.The body can only digest a certain amount of fructose at one time. Consuming more fructose than the body can absorb, may cause diarrhea. Some fruits contain more fructose than others. Some examples of foods high in fructose include:
- apple juice
- grapes
- agave
- soda
# CaffeineDrinks and foods that contain caffeine can cause diarrhea in some people. Caffeine is a stimulant and accelerates the rate that food moves through the intestines.
# High-fat and spicy foodsFried foods and other foods that contain a lot of fat can cause diarrhea because they are difficult for the body to process. Although it is no longer commonly used by the food industry, a fat substitute known as Olestra can cause diarrhea. People should check labels of fat-free products, such as potato chips, to see if it lists Olestra as an ingredient.
# LactosePeople who are lactose intolerant may experience diarrhea, in addition to other symptoms, after they consume dairy products. Lactose intolerance is prevalent among African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans.
# GlutenGluten is the protein in wheat, rye, and barley, and many of the people who have problems digesting it have a serious illness, such as celiac disease. When someone has celiac disease, their immune system reacts to gluten and triggers damage to the small intestine.