Diarrhea caused by osmosis: signs, reasons, and additional information
Osmotic diarrhea, a type of diarrhea caused by undigested material in the bowels preventing normal absorption of water and electrolytes, can be triggered by certain foods and compounds that are poorly absorbed in the intestine. These triggers frequently involve poorly absorbed carbohydrates and related compounds, such as lactose, fructose, sugar alcohols, and FODMAP-containing foods.
FODMAPs, which are short-chain carbohydrates including fructose, lactose, fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides, and polyols, are a well-recognized cause of osmotic diarrhea, especially in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). People with lactose intolerance, who lack the enzyme lactase to break down lactose in dairy products, are also at risk of osmotic diarrhea due to lactose's poor absorption.
Commonly found as artificial sweeteners in certain foods and sugar-free products, sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol, mannitol) can pull water into the colon and cause diarrhea. Artificially sweetened foods and beverages containing fructose can also be difficult to digest and may cause diarrhea, bloating, and gas.
Certain high-cellulose foods, like corn, contain cellulose, a fiber that humans cannot fully digest, which can contribute to malabsorption and osmotic diarrhea in sensitive individuals. Dairy products, especially full-fat dairy, may also be harder to digest in some people, contributing to osmotic diarrhea, particularly if lactose intolerance is present. Low-fat dairy is sometimes better tolerated.
To manage osmotic diarrhea, avoiding triggers such as lactose or taking lactase supplements can be helpful for those with lactose intolerance. In some cases, treatment may involve addressing the underlying condition, such as celiac disease, or changing medication dosage with a doctor's approval.
It's important to note that immediate medical attention is required for adults with diarrhea lasting over 2 days, experiencing severe abdominal or rectal pain, dehydration, a fever of at least 102°F (38.8°C), at least six loose stools within 24 hours, stool containing blood or pus, vomiting, severe rectal or abdominal pain in children, black or tarry-looking stool, or diarrhea lasting over 24 hours in children.
Symptoms of diarrhea can include large volumes of stool, passing stool very frequently, mushy or watery stool, discolored stool, and in the case of osmotic diarrhea, undigested food in the stool. Osmotic diarrhea results in watery stool.
In conclusion, understanding the common dietary triggers of osmotic diarrhea and seeking medical attention when necessary can help manage this condition and prevent complications.
- ['Science' and 'nutrition'] research has identified FODMAPs, a group of short-chain carbohydrates, as a well-recognized cause of osmotic diarrhea, particularly in individuals with medical-conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- ['Medicare' and 'health-and-wellness'] advise that people with lactose intolerance, who lack the enzyme lactase, should avoid dairy products to prevent osmotic diarrhea caused by lactose's poor absorption.
- ['Fitness-and-exercise' and 'skin-care'] may not directly impact osmotic diarrhea, but maintaining overall health can boost the immune system and help the body better cope with conditions like diarrhea.
- ['Therapies-and-treatments' and 'fitness-and-exercise'] such as yoga or meditation can help reduce stress levels, which in turn can alleviate symptoms of diarrhea, including abdominal pain.
- In severely prolonged cases of osmotic diarrhea resulting in ['dehydration'], prompt medical intervention is essential to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, a vital component of Medicare's coverage for various medical-conditions.
