Summary of ZOE Science And Nutrition Podcast Episode: Chronic diarrhea? Here's what to do | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
— Description —
Chronic diarrhea is characterized by three or more loose stools per day for at least four weeks, accompanied by symptoms like anal irritation, abdominal discomfort, and urgent restroom needs Seeking medical care is crucial, especially if red flag signs such as rectal bleeding, intense abdominal pain, or low iron levels are present Diagnostic tests may include stool and blood tests, as well as procedures like sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy
Specific diagnoses for chronic diarrhea can include inflammatory or infectious causes, as well as absorption-related issues like celiac disease or lactose intolerance Dr Will Bolcevich emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying cause of diarrhea and suggests dietary strategies, hydration, and specific supplements for management
He also highlights the potential link between diarrhea and cholecystectomy Overall, testing and dietary strategies are essential for diagnosis and symptom improvement, with a focus on improving individuals' well-being and encouraging them to seek support for gastrointestinal issues.
Chronic diarrhea? Here's what to do | Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
Key Takeaways
- Chronic diarrhea is defined as three or more loose or watery stools per day for at least four weeks.
- Symptoms include anal irritation, loss of bowel control, abdominal discomfort, and urgent need to use the restroom.
- Medical care should be sought, especially if there are red flag signs like rectal bleeding, intense abdominal pain, fever, low iron levels, or family history of certain conditions.
- Tests for chronic diarrhea may include stool tests, blood tests for celiac disease, and procedures like sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to diagnose specific conditions.
- Specific diagnoses for chronic diarrhea can include inflammatory causes like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and microscopic colitis, as well as infectious causes like C. diff.
- Chronic daytime diarrhea may indicate absorption-related issues like celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
- Dietary strategies and staying hydrated are suggested to manage chronic diarrhea, and the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) can help improve symptoms.
- Supplements like Saccharomyces boulardii and prebiotic fiber supplements may also help with chronic diarrhea.
- Dr. Will Bolcevich emphasizes the importance of understanding the cause of diarrhea and highlights the potential link between diarrhea and cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal).
- Improving people's well-being and seeking help and support for gastrointestinal issues are also emphasized.
Seek Medical Care for Chronic Diarrhea
- Chronic diarrhea is defined as loose or watery stools happening three or more times within 24 hours for at least four weeks.
- Symptoms of chronic diarrhea include anal irritation, loss of bowel control, abdominal discomfort, and urgent need to use the restroom.
- Seek medical care for chronic diarrhea, especially if there are red flag signs like rectal bleeding, intense abdominal pain, fever, low iron levels, or family history of certain conditions.
- Tests for chronic diarrhea may include stool tests, blood tests for celiac disease, and procedures like sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to diagnose specific conditions.
- Chronic diarrhea can have various specific diagnoses, but the common factor is the imbalance in water absorption or retention in the intestine, which can be related to sleep patterns.
Understanding the Cause of Diarrhea
- Dr. Will Bolcevich emphasizes the importance of understanding the cause of diarrhea, including waking up at night to poop, which can rule out IBS and point to something infectious or inflammatory.
- Inflammatory causes like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and microscopic colitis can be diagnosed with colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, while infectious causes like C. diff can be diagnosed with a stool test.
- It's not advisable to take anti-diarrhea medicine for infectious causes, and chronic daytime diarrhea may indicate absorption-related issues like celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
- IBS is a common cause of daytime diarrhea, and it's a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other conditions like celiac disease need to be ruled out.
- Dr. Will Bolcevich also highlights the potential link between diarrhea and cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), and suggests dietary strategies and staying hydrated to manage chronic diarrhea.
BRAT diet for diarrhea relief
- BRAT is a short-term approach to improve diarrhea symptoms - bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast help bind stool and give it more form.
- Consider supplements like Saccharomyces boulardii and prebiotic fiber supplements like partially hydrolyzed guar gum to help with chronic diarrhea.
- Verdict on chronic diarrhea: 3 or more loose stools per day for at least four weeks. Testing and dietary strategies are crucial for diagnosis and symptom improvement.
Prioritize Gut Health for Well-being
- Dr. Will Bolcevich emphasizes the negative impact of gastrointestinal issues on quality of life and his focus on improving people's well-being.
- He acknowledges the silent suffering of many individuals and encourages them to seek help and support.
- Jonathan Wolff promotes Zoe's personalized nutrition program for health improvement.