10 Medical Reasons Why You Keep Getting Diarrhea

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause frequent loose bowel movements, along with cramping and bloating. About 10 to 15 percent of the adult population has IBS, according to David Levinthal, MD, PhD, a gastroenterologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). IBS is more common in women and people under 50. Unfortunately, doctors are still trying to unravel the mystery of what causes IBS. “Ultimately, IBS is diagnosed by the presence of core symptoms of altered bowel movements and abdominal pain, in the absence of alarm signs or symptoms such as weight loss or blood in the stool,” Dr. Levinthal says. “There is a large amount of research being conducted into the underlying disease mechanisms that are at play in a patient with IBS.” He says possible causes include imbalances in gut bacteria, changes in gut motility (meaning food goes right through you), problems with fermentation of sugars, which causes a laxative-like effect, and even problems with the neural pathways that communicate with the GI tract. So if doctors don’t know what causes it, what can you do about it? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests keeping a food diary to see what your triggers are—common culprits are dairy, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and some fruits and veggies. Try to get more fiber in your diet, drink a lot of water to combat dehydration from diarrhea, and avoid eating large meals. Some research has suggested a gluten-free diet may help as well. Does IBS often get mistaken for cancer?