How to stop diarrhea and what NOT to do | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz

Summary

In this episode of Zoe's Shorts, host Jonathan Wolfe and Dr. Will Bulsiewicz discuss diarrhea, a common but often embarrassing health issue. They explore causes such as spicy foods, high-fat meals, and infections, while also explaining the science behind diarrhea and how our body responds. The conversation covers different treatments, hydration methods, and when it's necessary to seek medical attention. The risks associated with diarrhea, especially dehydration, are highlighted, and the importance of balancing antibiotic use is stressed to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Takeaways

• 💩 Diarrhea is a common issue that people experience, often triggered by food, infections, or other health factors.
• 🌶️ Spicy foods, particularly those containing capsaicin (like chili peppers), can irritate pain receptors in the intestines and cause diarrhea.
• 🍔 High-fat meals can be hard to digest and may pull water into the intestines, leading to diarrhea.
• 🥛 Certain foods and drinks, like non-fermented dairy, caffeine, sugars, and artificial sweeteners, are known triggers for diarrhea.
• 🦠 If diarrhea occurs three or more times in 24 hours, it could indicate an infection like gastroenteritis or stomach flu.
• 🛌 Nighttime diarrhea (nocturnal diarrhea) can signal an infection or inflammation, such as in conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• 💧 Dehydration is a significant risk associated with diarrhea, and symptoms like increased heart rate, dry mouth, and light-headedness may indicate fluid loss.
• 🍌 It's important to stay hydrated with electrolyte-rich fluids like Pedialyte, broth, or bananas, which help restore potassium.
• 🚫 Medications like Imodium can slow bowel movements but may trap infections in the intestines, leading to complications. Pepto-Bismol might be a safer alternative.
• 💊 Antibiotics are generally unnecessary for viral infections but may be prescribed for bacterial infections, though they should be used cautiously due to antibiotic resistance risks.

Q & A

What is diarrhea, and why is it important to discuss?

Diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose, watery stools. It's important to discuss because it's a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and health risks, yet it's often not talked about due to embarrassment.

How does capsaicin in spicy foods lead to diarrhea?

Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, irritates pain receptors in the intestines. This irritation causes the body to try to expel the capsaicin quickly, speeding up bowel movements and leading to diarrhea.

Can capsaicin have any positive health effects?

Yes, in moderate amounts, capsaicin can be beneficial. It is used in some medicines for pain relief, particularly for conditions like arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

How can high-fat meals cause diarrhea?

High-fat meals can be difficult for the body to fully absorb, and the extra fat pulls water into the intestines, leading to diarrhea.

What are some common foods and drinks that can trigger diarrhea?

Dairy products (especially non-fermented types), caffeine, sugars, and artificial sweeteners can all trigger diarrhea. For example, consuming large amounts of Diet Coke may cause diarrhea in some people.

When should you start to worry that diarrhea might be caused by an infection?

If you experience three or more bouts of diarrhea in a 24-hour period, it may be an infection, particularly gastroenteritis. Other signs include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, fever, and waking up at night to have a bowel movement.

What is the difference between viral and bacterial causes of diarrhea?

Viral infections typically last 1-3 days and cause mild symptoms like low-grade fever and mild abdominal discomfort. Bacterial infections are more intense, with higher fever, severe abdominal pain, and possibly blood in the stool.

Why can taking Imodium be dangerous in the case of bacterial diarrhea?

Imodium slows bowel movement, which can trap the bacteria inside the intestines, allowing it to multiply. This can lead to a severe condition called toxic megacolon, which is dangerous for the colon's health.

How should someone stay hydrated when suffering from diarrhea?

To stay hydrated, it's important to replace both water and electrolytes. Drinks like Pedialyte, dioralite (in the UK), or broth can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

Why is it important to avoid overusing antibiotics for diarrhea?

Overusing antibiotics can harm the microbiome, reducing healthy bacteria that protect against infections. It also contributes to antibiotic resistance, which can make future infections harder to treat.