🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 50 (from laksa170)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa050.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellhealth.com/loose-stool-causes-89204\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellhealth.com/loose-stool-causes-89204\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/loose-stool-causes-89204","crawl_time":1776037186,"first_indexed_time":1525953347,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,verywellhealth!www,\/loose-stool-causes-89204 s443","src_root_hash":"5681562863987870850","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Causes of Loose Stools: How to Treat at Home","meta_descriptions":["Loose stools can be caused by diet but can also be caused by viruses, medication, or chronic conditions. Learn more about the causes and fixes of loose stool."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nCertain foods like fructose and sugar alcohols can cause loose stool, so avoid them if you have symptoms.\nIf medications are causing loose stool, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives.\nIf you have lactose intolerance, limit dairy or use lactase supplements to avoid diarrhea.\nLoose stool can be distressing if it happens suddenly and you don't know what caused it. The first thing you might assume is that it was something you ate. While certain foods can definitely cause\ndiarrhea\n, abdominal cramping, bloating, and gas, these symptoms could also be due to medications you are taking or an undiagnosed medical condition.\nVerywell \/ Joshua Seong\nFood and Drink That Can Cause Loose Stool\nCertain food and drinks can cause loose stools. Some can also ferment in the intestines and produce excessive gas, leading to stomach cramps, bloating, and flatulence (\"wind\").\nFructose\nFructose is a natural sugar. Consuming a lot of fructose or if your body struggles to process it can lead to loose stools, diarrhea, gas, or belly pain. This is known as fructose intolerance\nfructose intolerance\n.\n1\nIf you have fructose intolerance, you will want to limit certain foods like:\n1\nFruit, especially apples, grapes, and watermelon\nCertain vegetables, such as asparagus, peas, and zucchini\nFruit juice\nHoney\nAgave syrup\nMolasses\nTable sugar\nPalm or c\noconut sugar\nHigh-fructose corn syrup\nSugar Alcohols\nSugar alcohols\n, or polyols, naturally occur in some fruits and are also used as sweeteners and bulk agents. They contain fewer calories than regular sugar but aren't well-absorbed by the body, which can have a\nlaxative effect\nif you consume too much.\n2\nThese include:\nXylitol\nMannitol\nSorbitol\nErythritol\nAllulose\nSugar alcohols are often used in sugar-free candy and diet drinks, Some are also found naturally in food like berries, peaches, apples, apricots, pears, plums, cherries, and prunes.\n2\nTo fix the problem, limit your intake of artificial sweeteners and avoid overeating fruits or fruit juices that are high in polyols.\nCoffee\nCaffeine can boost the normal wave-like movements in the intestines, known as\nperistalsis\n. Consuming too much caffeine can speed up these movements, allowing less time for water absorption as stools move through the digestive tract. The result is a looser, more watery stool.\n3\nSome coffee drinkers are more vulnerable to this and may develop diarrhea after just a couple of cups. Caffeine in tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and energy drinks can have the same effect.\nIf you have diarrhea after drinking coffee, try darker roasts (like French roasts) that have less caffeine than lighter roasts. You should also skip the milk, cream, excess sugar, and artificial sweeteners that also cause loose stools.\nGreasy Foods\nA high-fat diet often leads to diarrhea. However, even one large serving of fried or greasy food can cause loose stools in some individuals.\n3\nFried or fatty foods are not well-absorbed. As they move through the intestines, they are broken down into fatty acids, which cause the intestines to secrete excess fluids, leading to diarrhea. The fatty acids also irritate the intestines, causing stools to move faster through the system than normal.\n4\nTo prevent this, avoid fatty or greasy food like fries, burgers, fried chicken, potato chips, pizzas, onion rings, doughnuts, and even fatty cuts of red meat.\nSpicy Foods\nHot and spicy foods can irritate the intestinal lining and cause loose stools. That's because some compounds in spicy food aren't absorbed and can irritate the lining of the intestines, triggering the\ngastrocolic reflex\n. This is the body's response to food that signals when and how fast the intestines need to move.\n4\nNot everyone who eats spicy food has loose stools. If it happens to you, limit your intake of spicy food. Eating yogurt, rice, or bread may help offset some of the intestinal irritation.\nAlcohol\nEthanol in alcohol speeds up peristalsis, moving stools through your body faster. With less time to absorb water, stools will become looser and more watery. Certain alcoholic beverages are also more irritating to the intestines, including fermented beverages like beers.\n3\nIf you notice that drinking causes loose stools, try drinking beverages that are lower in alcohol (like wine or hard cider). Cutting back on your overall intake will almost certainly help.\nFood Poisoning\nAlso known as bacterial gastroenteritis,\nfood poisoning\nis caused by eating food that has been contaminated with bacteria like\nClostridium perfringens\n,\nSalmonella\n,\nE.coli\n. This can happen when food hasn't been cooked properly or has been kept for too long at room temperature.\n5\nTo avoid food poisoning:\n5\nWash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food.\nSeparate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from ready-to-eat foods.\nCook food to a safe internal temperature, using a food thermometer.\nKeep your refrigerator set at 40 F or below.\nRefrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking or within one hour if the food has been exposed to temperatures over 90 F (such as after a picnic).\nWhat Medications Cause Loose Stool?\nCertain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies can cause loose stools. Some do this by affecting peristalsis, while others affect the absorption of food or directly irritate the intestines.\n6\nOthers affect the normal bacterial flora of the intestines. With antibiotics especially, the elimination of helpful bacteria can lead to the rise of harmful ones like\nClostridioides difficile\n.\nC. difficile\n(or\nC. diff\n) is a common cause of watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and cramping.\n7\nMedications or supplements that can cause diarrhea include:\n6\nAntacids\nAntibiotics\nChemotherapy\nHigh-dose vitamin C supplement\nImmunosuppressants\nlike mycophenolate\nLicorice root\nMetformin\nMagnesium supplements\nMultivitamin supplements\nNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)\nProton pump inhibitors\nSenna\nIf a medication or supplement you're taking is causing loose stools, talk to your healthcare provider. A different drug or formulation might be better for you.\nSome research suggests\nprobiotics\ncan help prevent or manage\nantibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD)\n. A 2016 review of studies published in\nNutrition in Clinical Practice\nfound that probiotics containing\nLactobacillus rhamnosus\nwere especially useful in reducing the risk of AAD.\n8\nMedical Conditions That Can Cause Loose Stool\nLoose stools may not be caused by something you ate but rather by something you have. These include medical conditions that affect the normal breakdown of foods, trigger an abnormal immune response, or increase peristalsis.\nLactose Intolerance\nLactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products like milk and cheese. Many adults have a low level of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose. If your body doesn't digest lactose well, eating or drinking dairy products may give you diarrhea. This is called\nlactose intolerance\n.\n9\nYou can avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance by limiting your intake of dairy products. You can also choose lactose-reduced milk products, including ice cream, or add a liquid or powder lactase enzyme to milk to break down lactose.\nThere are also lactase tablets you can take before eating or drinking milk products.\nIrritable Bowel Syndrome\nIrritable bowel syndrome\n(IBS) is a poorly understood disorder that causes abdominal pain, gas, bloating diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some have loose stools or diarrhea, while others have constipation or both.\n10\nIBS is diagnosed when no other causes of your symptoms can be found.\nDifferent foods can trigger IBS symptoms in different people. Because of this, you may need to work with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to pinpoint your individual triggers. IBS attacks can often be prevented with a high-fiber diet and the avoidance of fermentable foods called\nFODMAPs\n.\nCeliac Disease\nCeliac disease\n(CD) is an\nautoimmune disorder\nin which the immune system responds abnormally to food containing\ngluten\n, attacking the cells of the intestine as if they were intruders. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramping.\nIf left untreated, CD can severely damage the intestines and lead to extreme weight loss.\nCD is treated by avoiding gluten found in products made with wheat, barley, rye, or triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). This includes processed foods like bread, pasta, cereal, and pizza. You can also find gluten in whiskey since components of rye are involved in fermentation.\nDumping Syndrome\nPeople who have had abdominal surgery can sometimes develop\ndumping syndrome\n. This is when food moves out of the stomach too quickly, causing diarrhea, cramping, nausea, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat.\n11\nDumping syndrome can occur with surgeries involving the intestines, gallbladder, appendix, pancreas, stomach, and liver as well as bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.\nDumping syndrome is treated with changes in eating habits, such as:\n11\nEating smaller portions\nEating several smaller meals rather than three big ones\nEating slowly and chewing your food more thoroughly\nEating softer or pureed foods\nChoosing lean protein, healthy fats, and foods high in fiber\nAvoiding processed foods and foods that are high in sugar\nDrinking water 30 to 60 minutes before and after eating\nOther Chronic Health Conditions\nLoose stools go hand in hand with these conditions:\nBile acid diarrhea\nCrohn's disease\nHyperthyroidism\nUlcerative colitis\nParasitic infections\nBacterial infections \nSmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)\nIf you have diarrhea that doesn't go away, see a healthcare provider. Many of these conditions can be treated or managed.\nWhen to See a Healthcare Provider\nSometimes, a loose stool is caused by something you ate. In these cases, your stool will usually return to normal within two to three days. If diarrhea persists, it may be due to something more serious.\nIrrespective of the cause, it's important to seek treatment for persistent or severe diarrhea. If left untreated, severe diarrhea can lead to extreme dehydration, a steep drop in blood pressure, and\nshock\n.\nWhen to Seek Medical Treatment\nSeek immediate medical care if you have:\n4\nDiarrhea that persists for more than two days without improvement\nBlood in the stool\nLightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting\nDry mouth, extreme thirst, and sunken eyes\nLittle or no urine\nRapid or irregular heart rate\nSummary\nA loose stool is one that's softer or more like liquid than normal. Having three or more loose stools in a day means you have diarrhea.\nLoose stools and diarrhea can be a temporary problem. That's especially true if they were caused by something you ate or a medication you took. They can also be caused by illness, infection, or a long-term health condition.\nIf your symptoms don't get better in a few days, check with a healthcare provider to find the exact cause. Some of the conditions that cause loose stools can be serious, but many can be treated successfully.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/loose-stool-causes-89204#skip-to-content)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n  - [Colorectal Cancer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/colon-cancer-4014742)\n  - [Arthritis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/arthritis-overview-4582013)\n  - [Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/type-2-diabetes-overview-4581874)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/digestive-health-4141198)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/multiple-sclerosis-overview-4581925)\n  - [Skin Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/skin-health-4014649)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Prevention & Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prevention-and-treatment-4158390)\n  - [Diet & Nutrition](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/nutrition-diet-and-healthy-eating-5202128)\n  - 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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\n# What Are the Causes and Fixes of Loose Stool?\nBy [Team Verywell Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/team-verywell-health-5197784)\n\nUpdated on March 30, 2026\n\nMedically reviewed by  [Kumkum S. Patel, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/kumkum-patel-7971230)\n\nTable of Contents\n\nView All\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Food Causes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/loose-stool-causes-89204#toc-food-and-drink-that-can-cause-loose-stool)\n- [Medications](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/loose-stool-causes-89204#toc-what-medications-cause-loose-stool)\n- [Conditions](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/loose-stool-causes-89204#toc-medical-conditions-that-can-cause-loose-stool)\n- [When to See a Provider](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/loose-stool-causes-89204#toc-when-to-see-a-healthcare-provider)\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Certain foods like fructose and sugar alcohols can cause loose stool, so avoid them if you have symptoms.\n- If medications are causing loose stool, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives.\n- If you have lactose intolerance, limit dairy or use lactase supplements to avoid diarrhea.\n\nLoose stool can be distressing if it happens suddenly and you don't know what caused it. The first thing you might assume is that it was something you ate. While certain foods can definitely cause [diarrhea](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/diarrhea-causes-1324505), abdominal cramping, bloating, and gas, these symptoms could also be due to medications you are taking or an undiagnosed medical condition.\n\n![causes of loos stool include food or medications and various health conditions](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/wLiAMOvsLdrjSXCst1PQFjSlFKQ=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/89204-loose-stool-causes-5b2fe528fa6bcc00363abf2a.png)\n\n![causes of loos stool include food or medications and various health conditions](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/wLiAMOvsLdrjSXCst1PQFjSlFKQ=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/89204-loose-stool-causes-5b2fe528fa6bcc00363abf2a.png)\n\nVerywell \/ Joshua Seong\n## Food and Drink That Can Cause Loose Stool\nCertain food and drinks can cause loose stools. Some can also ferment in the intestines and produce excessive gas, leading to stomach cramps, bloating, and flatulence (\"wind\").\n\n### Fructose\nFructose is a natural sugar. Consuming a lot of fructose or if your body struggles to process it can lead to loose stools, diarrhea, gas, or belly pain. This is known as fructose intolerance [fructose intolerance](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/fructose-intolerance-5220668).1\n\nIf you have fructose intolerance, you will want to limit certain foods like:1\n\n- Fruit, especially apples, grapes, and watermelon\n- Certain vegetables, such as asparagus, peas, and zucchini\n- Fruit juice\n- Honey\n- Agave syrup\n- Molasses\n- Table sugar\n- Palm or c[oconut sugar](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/coconut-sugar-8407729)\n- High-fructose corn syrup\n### Sugar Alcohols\n[Sugar alcohols](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sugar-replacements-for-diabetics-1087191), or polyols, naturally occur in some fruits and are also used as sweeteners and bulk agents. They contain fewer calories than regular sugar but aren't well-absorbed by the body, which can have a [laxative effect](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/laxatives-for-constipation-8664011) if you consume too much.2\n\nThese include:\n\n- [Xylitol](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/xylitol-8734863)\n- Mannitol\n- Sorbitol\n- Erythritol\n- Allulose\n\nSugar alcohols are often used in sugar-free candy and diet drinks, Some are also found naturally in food like berries, peaches, apples, apricots, pears, plums, cherries, and prunes.2\n\nTo fix the problem, limit your intake of artificial sweeteners and avoid overeating fruits or fruit juices that are high in polyols.\n\n### Coffee\nCaffeine can boost the normal wave-like movements in the intestines, known as [peristalsis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/gastrointestinal-motility-disorders-1741817). Consuming too much caffeine can speed up these movements, allowing less time for water absorption as stools move through the digestive tract. The result is a looser, more watery stool.3\n\nSome coffee drinkers are more vulnerable to this and may develop diarrhea after just a couple of cups. Caffeine in tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and energy drinks can have the same effect.\n\nIf you have diarrhea after drinking coffee, try darker roasts (like French roasts) that have less caffeine than lighter roasts. You should also skip the milk, cream, excess sugar, and artificial sweeteners that also cause loose stools.\n\n### Greasy Foods\nA high-fat diet often leads to diarrhea. However, even one large serving of fried or greasy food can cause loose stools in some individuals.3\n\nFried or fatty foods are not well-absorbed. As they move through the intestines, they are broken down into fatty acids, which cause the intestines to secrete excess fluids, leading to diarrhea. The fatty acids also irritate the intestines, causing stools to move faster through the system than normal.4\n\nTo prevent this, avoid fatty or greasy food like fries, burgers, fried chicken, potato chips, pizzas, onion rings, doughnuts, and even fatty cuts of red meat.\n\n### Spicy Foods\nHot and spicy foods can irritate the intestinal lining and cause loose stools. That's because some compounds in spicy food aren't absorbed and can irritate the lining of the intestines, triggering the [gastrocolic reflex](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/gastrocolic-reflex-5224821). This is the body's response to food that signals when and how fast the intestines need to move.4\n\nNot everyone who eats spicy food has loose stools. If it happens to you, limit your intake of spicy food. Eating yogurt, rice, or bread may help offset some of the intestinal irritation.\n\n### Alcohol\nEthanol in alcohol speeds up peristalsis, moving stools through your body faster. With less time to absorb water, stools will become looser and more watery. Certain alcoholic beverages are also more irritating to the intestines, including fermented beverages like beers.3\n\nIf you notice that drinking causes loose stools, try drinking beverages that are lower in alcohol (like wine or hard cider). Cutting back on your overall intake will almost certainly help.\n\n### Food Poisoning\nAlso known as bacterial gastroenteritis, [food poisoning](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/food-poisoning-overview-1958818) is caused by eating food that has been contaminated with bacteria like [*Clostridium perfringens*](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/food-poisoning-overview-1958818), [*Salmonella*](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/salmonella-prevention-1298788),[*E.coli*](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/e-coli-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-4174407). This can happen when food hasn't been cooked properly or has been kept for too long at room temperature.5\n\nTo avoid food poisoning:5\n\n- Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food.\n- Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from ready-to-eat foods.\n- Cook food to a safe internal temperature, using a food thermometer.\n- Keep your refrigerator set at 40 F or below.\n- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking or within one hour if the food has been exposed to temperatures over 90 F (such as after a picnic).\n## What Medications Cause Loose Stool?\nCertain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies can cause loose stools. Some do this by affecting peristalsis, while others affect the absorption of food or directly irritate the intestines.6\n\nOthers affect the normal bacterial flora of the intestines. With antibiotics especially, the elimination of helpful bacteria can lead to the rise of harmful ones like [*Clostridioides difficile*](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/c-diff-treatment-5218347). *C. difficile* (or *C. diff*) is a common cause of watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and cramping.7\n\nMedications or supplements that can cause diarrhea include:6\n\n- Antacids\n- Antibiotics\n- [Chemotherapy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/chemotherapy-4014085)\n- High-dose vitamin C supplement\n- [Immunosuppressants](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/biologics-for-crohns-5195391) like mycophenolate\n- [Licorice root](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/the-benefits-of-licorice-root-89727)\n- [Metformin](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/metformin-how-to-prevent-side-effects-1087301)\n- Magnesium supplements\n- Multivitamin supplements\n- [Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/best-anti-inflammatory-medication-2548734)\n- [Proton pump inhibitors](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/side-effects-of-proton-pump-inhibitors-1742874)\n- [Senna](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/types-of-laxatives-for-constipation-1944793)\n\nIf a medication or supplement you're taking is causing loose stools, talk to your healthcare provider. A different drug or formulation might be better for you.\n\nSome research suggests [probiotics](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/probiotics-7488911) can help prevent or manage [antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/c-diff-treatment-5218347). A 2016 review of studies published in *Nutrition in Clinical Practice* found that probiotics containing *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* were especially useful in reducing the risk of AAD.8\n\n## Medical Conditions That Can Cause Loose Stool\nLoose stools may not be caused by something you ate but rather by something you have. These include medical conditions that affect the normal breakdown of foods, trigger an abnormal immune response, or increase peristalsis.\n\n### Lactose Intolerance\nLactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products like milk and cheese. Many adults have a low level of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose. If your body doesn't digest lactose well, eating or drinking dairy products may give you diarrhea. This is called [lactose intolerance](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/natural-remedies-for-lactose-intolerance-89286).9\n\nYou can avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance by limiting your intake of dairy products. You can also choose lactose-reduced milk products, including ice cream, or add a liquid or powder lactase enzyme to milk to break down lactose.\n\nThere are also lactase tablets you can take before eating or drinking milk products.\n\n### Irritable Bowel Syndrome\n[Irritable bowel syndrome](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-7111848) (IBS) is a poorly understood disorder that causes abdominal pain, gas, bloating diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some have loose stools or diarrhea, while others have constipation or both.10\n\nIBS is diagnosed when no other causes of your symptoms can be found.\n\nDifferent foods can trigger IBS symptoms in different people. Because of this, you may need to work with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to pinpoint your individual triggers. IBS attacks can often be prevented with a high-fiber diet and the avoidance of fermentable foods called [FODMAPs](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/foods-on-the-low-fodmap-diet-1944679).\n\n### Celiac Disease\n[Celiac disease](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/celiac-disease-symptoms-4014337) (CD) is an [autoimmune disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/autoimmune-disease-symptoms-3232847) in which the immune system responds abnormally to food containing [gluten](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/gluten-7549831), attacking the cells of the intestine as if they were intruders. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramping.\n\nIf left untreated, CD can severely damage the intestines and lead to extreme weight loss.\n\nCD is treated by avoiding gluten found in products made with wheat, barley, rye, or triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). This includes processed foods like bread, pasta, cereal, and pizza. You can also find gluten in whiskey since components of rye are involved in fermentation.\n\n### Dumping Syndrome\nPeople who have had abdominal surgery can sometimes develop [dumping syndrome](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/undigested-food-in-stool-8634035). This is when food moves out of the stomach too quickly, causing diarrhea, cramping, nausea, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat.11\n\nDumping syndrome can occur with surgeries involving the intestines, gallbladder, appendix, pancreas, stomach, and liver as well as bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.\n\nDumping syndrome is treated with changes in eating habits, such as:11\n\n- Eating smaller portions\n- Eating several smaller meals rather than three big ones\n- Eating slowly and chewing your food more thoroughly\n- Eating softer or pureed foods\n- Choosing lean protein, healthy fats, and foods high in fiber\n- Avoiding processed foods and foods that are high in sugar\n- Drinking water 30 to 60 minutes before and after eating\n### Other Chronic Health Conditions\nLoose stools go hand in hand with these conditions:\n\n- [Bile acid diarrhea](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/bile-acid-diarrhea-1945221)\n- [Crohn's disease](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/crohns-disease-7109663)\n- [Hyperthyroidism](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/symptoms-of-hyperthyroidism-3231722)\n- [Ulcerative colitis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/overview-of-ulcerative-colitis-4160958)\n- Parasitic infections\n- Bacterial infections\n- [Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/facts-about-sibo-5649647)\n\nIf you have diarrhea that doesn't go away, see a healthcare provider. Many of these conditions can be treated or managed.\n\n## When to See a Healthcare Provider\nSometimes, a loose stool is caused by something you ate. In these cases, your stool will usually return to normal within two to three days. If diarrhea persists, it may be due to something more serious.\n\nIrrespective of the cause, it's important to seek treatment for persistent or severe diarrhea. If left untreated, severe diarrhea can lead to extreme dehydration, a steep drop in blood pressure, and [shock](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/shock-8400758).\n\n### When to Seek Medical Treatment\nSeek immediate medical care if you have:4\n\n- Diarrhea that persists for more than two days without improvement\n- Blood in the stool\n- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting\n- Dry mouth, extreme thirst, and sunken eyes\n- Little or no urine\n- Rapid or irregular heart rate\n## Summary\nA loose stool is one that's softer or more like liquid than normal. Having three or more loose stools in a day means you have diarrhea.\n\nLoose stools and diarrhea can be a temporary problem. That's especially true if they were caused by something you ate or a medication you took. They can also be caused by illness, infection, or a long-term health condition.\n\nIf your symptoms don't get better in a few days, check with a healthcare provider to find the exact cause. Some of the conditions that cause loose stools can be serious, but many can be treated successfully.\n\nRead more:\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/digestive-health-4141198)\n\n11 Sources\n\nVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.\n\n1. Dinicolantonio JJ, Lucan SC. [Is fructose malabsorption a cause of irritable bowel syndrome](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.mehy.2015.05.019)? *Med Hypotheses*. 2015;85(3):295-7. doi:10.1016\/j.mehy.2015.05.019\n2. Mäkinen KK. [Gastrointestinal disturbances associated with the consumption of sugar alcohols with special consideration of xylitol: scientific review and instructions for dentists and other health-care professionals](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1155\/2016\/5967907). *Int J Dent*. 2016;2016:5967907. doi:10.1155\/2016\/5967907\n3. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. [Common causes of chronic diarrhea.](https:\/\/iffgd.org\/gi-disorders\/lower-gi-disorders\/diarrhea\/common-causes\/)\n4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Symptoms & causes of diarrhea](https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/diarrhea\/symptoms-causes).\n5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Symptoms of food poisoning](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/food-safety\/signs-symptoms\/).\n6. MedlinePlus. [Drug-induced diarrhea](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000293.htm).\n7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [About C. diff](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/c-diff\/about\/index.html).\n8. Jafarnejad S, Shab-Bidar S, Speakman JR, Parastui K, Daneshi-Maskooni M, Djafarian K. [Probiotics reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults (18-64 years) but not the elderly (\\>65 years): a meta-analysis](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0884533616639399). *Nutr Clin Pract*. 2016;31(4):502-13. doi:10.1177\/0884533616639399.\n9. Szilagyi A, Ishayek N. [Lactose intolerance, dairy avoidance, and treatment options](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390%2Fnu10121994). *Nutrients*. 2018;10(12):1994. doi:10.3390\/nu10121994\n10. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Symptoms & causes of irritable bowel syndrome](https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/irritable-bowel-syndrome\/symptoms-causes).\n11. Van Furth AM, de Heide LJM, Emous M, et al. [Dumping syndrome and postbariatric hypoglycemia: supporting evidence for a common etiology](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.soard.2021.05.020). *Surg Obes Relat Dis.* 2021;17(11):1912-8. doi:10.1016\/j.soard.2021.05.020\n\nAdditional Reading\n\n- Su G, Ko C, Bercik, P, ET al. [AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Role of Probiotics in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1053\/j.gastro.2020.05.059). *Gastroenterology*. doi:10.1053\/j.gastro.2020.05.059\n\n[See Our Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n\n[Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nShare Feedback\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nWhat is your feedback?\n\nHelpful\n\nReport an Error\n\nOther\n\nRelated Articles\n\n[![A closeup of a toilet flush handle ](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/FdvdO7bGcudB4LxzPqktLCm1QMk=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/VWH-GettyImages-1331985318-3df08885c4e14eff91633b3b18637deb.jpg) ![A closeup of a toilet flush handle ](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/FdvdO7bGcudB4LxzPqktLCm1QMk=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/VWH-GettyImages-1331985318-3df08885c4e14eff91633b3b18637deb.jpg) Ulcerative Colitis Stool: What You Need to Know](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/ulcerative-colitis-stool-5205832)\n\n[![woman with stomach pain](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/JQ3QcfoRadBB9REOF1X5lu3hYqA=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1265684688-4165df3a4fc341d48f9a47d351c59b16.jpg) ![woman with stomach pain](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/JQ3QcfoRadBB9REOF1X5lu3hYqA=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1265684688-4165df3a4fc341d48f9a47d351c59b16.jpg) What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-7111848)\n\n[![Woman running with gas pain](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/GHb4r9hGVYxpXFBiboh0_I_ifso=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/WomanWithGas-b849af8ffbf041cbbb4a258055fda3e3.jpg) ![Woman running with gas pain](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/GHb4r9hGVYxpXFBiboh0_I_ifso=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/WomanWithGas-b849af8ffbf041cbbb4a258055fda3e3.jpg) When Should I Worry About Excessive Gas?](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/when-should-i-worry-about-passing-too-much-gas-796838)\n\n[![A person pressing examining the stomach and abdomen](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/4LEoI5ItDGo5-1ODKtMs79d7yyI=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/VWH-GettyImages-480840704-10ddab8957fa4137a385ecf846137600.jpg) ![A person pressing examining the stomach and abdomen](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/4LEoI5ItDGo5-1ODKtMs79d7yyI=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/VWH-GettyImages-480840704-10ddab8957fa4137a385ecf846137600.jpg) Is it Gas or Appendicitis? 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pulling toilet tissue from a roll](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/DqNyfXAyptfNe3iRugJOYJW6shM=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-523341924-b6f4d7a8d74e4027bacae97f14e74e09.jpg) Squatty Potty: 5 Benefits of an Angled Pooping Position](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/squatty-potty-8419923)\n\n[![Adding fiber to your diet](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/Km9z78GnL93NMvF-aqQmTbz2F_0=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/DriedBeans-56f6c2c43df78c78418c3b46.jpg) ![Adding fiber to your diet](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/Km9z78GnL93NMvF-aqQmTbz2F_0=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/DriedBeans-56f6c2c43df78c78418c3b46.jpg) Anal Fissure Self-Care and Prevention](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anal-fissures-home-remedies-4783633)\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Prevention & Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prevention-and-treatment-4158390)\n- [Health Care](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-care-4014769)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/news-4846412)\n\n- [Meet Our Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/about-us-5180305)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-privacy)\n- [In the News](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/in-the-news-4778971)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/advertising)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-termsofservice)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/careers)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/about-us-5180305#toc-contact-us)\n\nFollow Us\n\nVerywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\nVerywell Health is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.\n\n![]()","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Certain foods like fructose and sugar alcohols can cause loose stool, so avoid them if you have symptoms.\n- If medications are causing loose stool, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives.\n- If you have lactose intolerance, limit dairy or use lactase supplements to avoid diarrhea.\n\nLoose stool can be distressing if it happens suddenly and you don't know what caused it. The first thing you might assume is that it was something you ate. While certain foods can definitely cause [diarrhea](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/diarrhea-causes-1324505), abdominal cramping, bloating, and gas, these symptoms could also be due to medications you are taking or an undiagnosed medical condition.\n\nVerywell \/ Joshua Seong\n\n## Food and Drink That Can Cause Loose Stool\nCertain food and drinks can cause loose stools. Some can also ferment in the intestines and produce excessive gas, leading to stomach cramps, bloating, and flatulence (\"wind\").\n\n### Fructose\nFructose is a natural sugar. Consuming a lot of fructose or if your body struggles to process it can lead to loose stools, diarrhea, gas, or belly pain. This is known as fructose intolerance [fructose intolerance](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/fructose-intolerance-5220668).1\n\nIf you have fructose intolerance, you will want to limit certain foods like:1\n\n- Fruit, especially apples, grapes, and watermelon\n- Certain vegetables, such as asparagus, peas, and zucchini\n- Fruit juice\n- Honey\n- Agave syrup\n- Molasses\n- Table sugar\n- Palm or c[oconut sugar](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/coconut-sugar-8407729)\n- High-fructose corn syrup\n### Sugar Alcohols\n[Sugar alcohols](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sugar-replacements-for-diabetics-1087191), or polyols, naturally occur in some fruits and are also used as sweeteners and bulk agents. They contain fewer calories than regular sugar but aren't well-absorbed by the body, which can have a [laxative effect](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/laxatives-for-constipation-8664011) if you consume too much.2\n\nThese include:\n\n- [Xylitol](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/xylitol-8734863)\n- Mannitol\n- Sorbitol\n- Erythritol\n- Allulose\n\nSugar alcohols are often used in sugar-free candy and diet drinks, Some are also found naturally in food like berries, peaches, apples, apricots, pears, plums, cherries, and prunes.2\n\nTo fix the problem, limit your intake of artificial sweeteners and avoid overeating fruits or fruit juices that are high in polyols.\n\n### Coffee\nCaffeine can boost the normal wave-like movements in the intestines, known as [peristalsis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/gastrointestinal-motility-disorders-1741817). Consuming too much caffeine can speed up these movements, allowing less time for water absorption as stools move through the digestive tract. The result is a looser, more watery stool.3\n\nSome coffee drinkers are more vulnerable to this and may develop diarrhea after just a couple of cups. Caffeine in tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and energy drinks can have the same effect.\n\nIf you have diarrhea after drinking coffee, try darker roasts (like French roasts) that have less caffeine than lighter roasts. You should also skip the milk, cream, excess sugar, and artificial sweeteners that also cause loose stools.\n\n### Greasy Foods\nA high-fat diet often leads to diarrhea. However, even one large serving of fried or greasy food can cause loose stools in some individuals.3\n\nFried or fatty foods are not well-absorbed. As they move through the intestines, they are broken down into fatty acids, which cause the intestines to secrete excess fluids, leading to diarrhea. The fatty acids also irritate the intestines, causing stools to move faster through the system than normal.4\n\nTo prevent this, avoid fatty or greasy food like fries, burgers, fried chicken, potato chips, pizzas, onion rings, doughnuts, and even fatty cuts of red meat.\n\n### Spicy Foods\nHot and spicy foods can irritate the intestinal lining and cause loose stools. That's because some compounds in spicy food aren't absorbed and can irritate the lining of the intestines, triggering the [gastrocolic reflex](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/gastrocolic-reflex-5224821). This is the body's response to food that signals when and how fast the intestines need to move.4\n\nNot everyone who eats spicy food has loose stools. If it happens to you, limit your intake of spicy food. Eating yogurt, rice, or bread may help offset some of the intestinal irritation.\n\n### Alcohol\nEthanol in alcohol speeds up peristalsis, moving stools through your body faster. With less time to absorb water, stools will become looser and more watery. Certain alcoholic beverages are also more irritating to the intestines, including fermented beverages like beers.3\n\nIf you notice that drinking causes loose stools, try drinking beverages that are lower in alcohol (like wine or hard cider). Cutting back on your overall intake will almost certainly help.\n\n### Food Poisoning\nAlso known as bacterial gastroenteritis, [food poisoning](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/food-poisoning-overview-1958818) is caused by eating food that has been contaminated with bacteria like [*Clostridium perfringens*](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/food-poisoning-overview-1958818), [*Salmonella*](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/salmonella-prevention-1298788),[*E.coli*](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/e-coli-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-4174407). This can happen when food hasn't been cooked properly or has been kept for too long at room temperature.5\n\nTo avoid food poisoning:5\n\n- Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food.\n- Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from ready-to-eat foods.\n- Cook food to a safe internal temperature, using a food thermometer.\n- Keep your refrigerator set at 40 F or below.\n- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking or within one hour if the food has been exposed to temperatures over 90 F (such as after a picnic).\n## What Medications Cause Loose Stool?\nCertain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies can cause loose stools. Some do this by affecting peristalsis, while others affect the absorption of food or directly irritate the intestines.6\n\nOthers affect the normal bacterial flora of the intestines. With antibiotics especially, the elimination of helpful bacteria can lead to the rise of harmful ones like [*Clostridioides difficile*](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/c-diff-treatment-5218347). *C. difficile* (or *C. diff*) is a common cause of watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and cramping.7\n\nMedications or supplements that can cause diarrhea include:6\n\n- Antacids\n- Antibiotics\n- [Chemotherapy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/chemotherapy-4014085)\n- High-dose vitamin C supplement\n- [Immunosuppressants](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/biologics-for-crohns-5195391) like mycophenolate\n- [Licorice root](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/the-benefits-of-licorice-root-89727)\n- [Metformin](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/metformin-how-to-prevent-side-effects-1087301)\n- Magnesium supplements\n- Multivitamin supplements\n- [Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/best-anti-inflammatory-medication-2548734)\n- [Proton pump inhibitors](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/side-effects-of-proton-pump-inhibitors-1742874)\n- [Senna](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/types-of-laxatives-for-constipation-1944793)\n\nIf a medication or supplement you're taking is causing loose stools, talk to your healthcare provider. A different drug or formulation might be better for you.\n\nSome research suggests [probiotics](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/probiotics-7488911) can help prevent or manage [antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/c-diff-treatment-5218347). A 2016 review of studies published in *Nutrition in Clinical Practice* found that probiotics containing *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* were especially useful in reducing the risk of AAD.8\n\n## Medical Conditions That Can Cause Loose Stool\nLoose stools may not be caused by something you ate but rather by something you have. These include medical conditions that affect the normal breakdown of foods, trigger an abnormal immune response, or increase peristalsis.\n\n### Lactose Intolerance\nLactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products like milk and cheese. Many adults have a low level of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose. If your body doesn't digest lactose well, eating or drinking dairy products may give you diarrhea. This is called [lactose intolerance](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/natural-remedies-for-lactose-intolerance-89286).9\n\nYou can avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance by limiting your intake of dairy products. You can also choose lactose-reduced milk products, including ice cream, or add a liquid or powder lactase enzyme to milk to break down lactose.\n\nThere are also lactase tablets you can take before eating or drinking milk products.\n\n### Irritable Bowel Syndrome\n[Irritable bowel syndrome](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-7111848) (IBS) is a poorly understood disorder that causes abdominal pain, gas, bloating diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some have loose stools or diarrhea, while others have constipation or both.10\n\nIBS is diagnosed when no other causes of your symptoms can be found.\n\nDifferent foods can trigger IBS symptoms in different people. Because of this, you may need to work with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to pinpoint your individual triggers. IBS attacks can often be prevented with a high-fiber diet and the avoidance of fermentable foods called [FODMAPs](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/foods-on-the-low-fodmap-diet-1944679).\n\n### Celiac Disease\n[Celiac disease](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/celiac-disease-symptoms-4014337) (CD) is an [autoimmune disorder](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/autoimmune-disease-symptoms-3232847) in which the immune system responds abnormally to food containing [gluten](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/gluten-7549831), attacking the cells of the intestine as if they were intruders. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramping.\n\nIf left untreated, CD can severely damage the intestines and lead to extreme weight loss.\n\nCD is treated by avoiding gluten found in products made with wheat, barley, rye, or triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). This includes processed foods like bread, pasta, cereal, and pizza. You can also find gluten in whiskey since components of rye are involved in fermentation.\n\n### Dumping Syndrome\nPeople who have had abdominal surgery can sometimes develop [dumping syndrome](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/undigested-food-in-stool-8634035). This is when food moves out of the stomach too quickly, causing diarrhea, cramping, nausea, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat.11\n\nDumping syndrome can occur with surgeries involving the intestines, gallbladder, appendix, pancreas, stomach, and liver as well as bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.\n\nDumping syndrome is treated with changes in eating habits, such as:11\n\n- Eating smaller portions\n- Eating several smaller meals rather than three big ones\n- Eating slowly and chewing your food more thoroughly\n- Eating softer or pureed foods\n- Choosing lean protein, healthy fats, and foods high in fiber\n- Avoiding processed foods and foods that are high in sugar\n- Drinking water 30 to 60 minutes before and after eating\n### Other Chronic Health Conditions\nLoose stools go hand in hand with these conditions:\n\n- [Bile acid diarrhea](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/bile-acid-diarrhea-1945221)\n- [Crohn's disease](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/crohns-disease-7109663)\n- [Hyperthyroidism](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/symptoms-of-hyperthyroidism-3231722)\n- [Ulcerative colitis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/overview-of-ulcerative-colitis-4160958)\n- Parasitic infections\n- Bacterial infections\n- [Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/facts-about-sibo-5649647)\n\nIf you have diarrhea that doesn't go away, see a healthcare provider. Many of these conditions can be treated or managed.\n\n## When to See a Healthcare Provider\nSometimes, a loose stool is caused by something you ate. In these cases, your stool will usually return to normal within two to three days. If diarrhea persists, it may be due to something more serious.\n\nIrrespective of the cause, it's important to seek treatment for persistent or severe diarrhea. If left untreated, severe diarrhea can lead to extreme dehydration, a steep drop in blood pressure, and [shock](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/shock-8400758).\n\n### When to Seek Medical Treatment\nSeek immediate medical care if you have:4\n\n- Diarrhea that persists for more than two days without improvement\n- Blood in the stool\n- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting\n- Dry mouth, extreme thirst, and sunken eyes\n- Little or no urine\n- Rapid or irregular heart rate\n## Summary\nA loose stool is one that's softer or more like liquid than normal. Having three or more loose stools in a day means you have diarrhea.\n\nLoose stools and diarrhea can be a temporary problem. That's especially true if they were caused by something you ate or a medication you took. They can also be caused by illness, infection, or a long-term health condition.\n\nIf your symptoms don't get better in a few days, check with a healthcare provider to find the exact cause. Some of the conditions that cause loose stools can be serious, but many can be treated successfully.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Causes of Loose Stools: How to Treat at Home
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Boilerpipe Text	Key Takeaways Certain foods like fructose and sugar alcohols can cause loose stool, so avoid them if you have symptoms. If medications are causing loose stool, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives. If you have lactose intolerance, limit dairy or use lactase supplements to avoid diarrhea. Loose stool can be distressing if it happens suddenly and you don't know what caused it. The first thing you might assume is that it was something you ate. While certain foods can definitely cause diarrhea , abdominal cramping, bloating, and gas, these symptoms could also be due to medications you are taking or an undiagnosed medical condition. Verywell / Joshua Seong Food and Drink That Can Cause Loose Stool Certain food and drinks can cause loose stools. Some can also ferment in the intestines and produce excessive gas, leading to stomach cramps, bloating, and flatulence ("wind"). Fructose Fructose is a natural sugar. Consuming a lot of fructose or if your body struggles to process it can lead to loose stools, diarrhea, gas, or belly pain. This is known as fructose intolerance fructose intolerance . 1 If you have fructose intolerance, you will want to limit certain foods like: 1 Fruit, especially apples, grapes, and watermelon Certain vegetables, such as asparagus, peas, and zucchini Fruit juice Honey Agave syrup Molasses Table sugar Palm or c oconut sugar High-fructose corn syrup Sugar Alcohols Sugar alcohols , or polyols, naturally occur in some fruits and are also used as sweeteners and bulk agents. They contain fewer calories than regular sugar but aren't well-absorbed by the body, which can have a laxative effect if you consume too much. 2 These include: Xylitol Mannitol Sorbitol Erythritol Allulose Sugar alcohols are often used in sugar-free candy and diet drinks, Some are also found naturally in food like berries, peaches, apples, apricots, pears, plums, cherries, and prunes. 2 To fix the problem, limit your intake of artificial sweeteners and avoid overeating fruits or fruit juices that are high in polyols. Coffee Caffeine can boost the normal wave-like movements in the intestines, known as peristalsis . Consuming too much caffeine can speed up these movements, allowing less time for water absorption as stools move through the digestive tract. The result is a looser, more watery stool. 3 Some coffee drinkers are more vulnerable to this and may develop diarrhea after just a couple of cups. Caffeine in tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and energy drinks can have the same effect. If you have diarrhea after drinking coffee, try darker roasts (like French roasts) that have less caffeine than lighter roasts. You should also skip the milk, cream, excess sugar, and artificial sweeteners that also cause loose stools. Greasy Foods A high-fat diet often leads to diarrhea. However, even one large serving of fried or greasy food can cause loose stools in some individuals. 3 Fried or fatty foods are not well-absorbed. As they move through the intestines, they are broken down into fatty acids, which cause the intestines to secrete excess fluids, leading to diarrhea. The fatty acids also irritate the intestines, causing stools to move faster through the system than normal. 4 To prevent this, avoid fatty or greasy food like fries, burgers, fried chicken, potato chips, pizzas, onion rings, doughnuts, and even fatty cuts of red meat. Spicy Foods Hot and spicy foods can irritate the intestinal lining and cause loose stools. That's because some compounds in spicy food aren't absorbed and can irritate the lining of the intestines, triggering the gastrocolic reflex . This is the body's response to food that signals when and how fast the intestines need to move. 4 Not everyone who eats spicy food has loose stools. If it happens to you, limit your intake of spicy food. Eating yogurt, rice, or bread may help offset some of the intestinal irritation. Alcohol Ethanol in alcohol speeds up peristalsis, moving stools through your body faster. With less time to absorb water, stools will become looser and more watery. Certain alcoholic beverages are also more irritating to the intestines, including fermented beverages like beers. 3 If you notice that drinking causes loose stools, try drinking beverages that are lower in alcohol (like wine or hard cider). Cutting back on your overall intake will almost certainly help. Food Poisoning Also known as bacterial gastroenteritis, food poisoning is caused by eating food that has been contaminated with bacteria like Clostridium perfringens , Salmonella , E.coli . This can happen when food hasn't been cooked properly or has been kept for too long at room temperature. 5 To avoid food poisoning: 5 Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food. Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from ready-to-eat foods. Cook food to a safe internal temperature, using a food thermometer. Keep your refrigerator set at 40 F or below. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking or within one hour if the food has been exposed to temperatures over 90 F (such as after a picnic). What Medications Cause Loose Stool? Certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies can cause loose stools. Some do this by affecting peristalsis, while others affect the absorption of food or directly irritate the intestines. 6 Others affect the normal bacterial flora of the intestines. With antibiotics especially, the elimination of helpful bacteria can lead to the rise of harmful ones like Clostridioides difficile . C. difficile (or C. diff ) is a common cause of watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and cramping. 7 Medications or supplements that can cause diarrhea include: 6 Antacids Antibiotics Chemotherapy High-dose vitamin C supplement Immunosuppressants like mycophenolate Licorice root Metformin Magnesium supplements Multivitamin supplements Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Proton pump inhibitors Senna If a medication or supplement you're taking is causing loose stools, talk to your healthcare provider. A different drug or formulation might be better for you. Some research suggests probiotics can help prevent or manage antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) . A 2016 review of studies published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice found that probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus were especially useful in reducing the risk of AAD. 8 Medical Conditions That Can Cause Loose Stool Loose stools may not be caused by something you ate but rather by something you have. These include medical conditions that affect the normal breakdown of foods, trigger an abnormal immune response, or increase peristalsis. Lactose Intolerance Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products like milk and cheese. Many adults have a low level of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose. If your body doesn't digest lactose well, eating or drinking dairy products may give you diarrhea. This is called lactose intolerance . 9 You can avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance by limiting your intake of dairy products. You can also choose lactose-reduced milk products, including ice cream, or add a liquid or powder lactase enzyme to milk to break down lactose. There are also lactase tablets you can take before eating or drinking milk products. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a poorly understood disorder that causes abdominal pain, gas, bloating diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some have loose stools or diarrhea, while others have constipation or both. 10 IBS is diagnosed when no other causes of your symptoms can be found. Different foods can trigger IBS symptoms in different people. Because of this, you may need to work with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to pinpoint your individual triggers. IBS attacks can often be prevented with a high-fiber diet and the avoidance of fermentable foods called FODMAPs . Celiac Disease Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system responds abnormally to food containing gluten , attacking the cells of the intestine as if they were intruders. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramping. If left untreated, CD can severely damage the intestines and lead to extreme weight loss. CD is treated by avoiding gluten found in products made with wheat, barley, rye, or triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). This includes processed foods like bread, pasta, cereal, and pizza. You can also find gluten in whiskey since components of rye are involved in fermentation. Dumping Syndrome People who have had abdominal surgery can sometimes develop dumping syndrome . This is when food moves out of the stomach too quickly, causing diarrhea, cramping, nausea, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat. 11 Dumping syndrome can occur with surgeries involving the intestines, gallbladder, appendix, pancreas, stomach, and liver as well as bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. Dumping syndrome is treated with changes in eating habits, such as: 11 Eating smaller portions Eating several smaller meals rather than three big ones Eating slowly and chewing your food more thoroughly Eating softer or pureed foods Choosing lean protein, healthy fats, and foods high in fiber Avoiding processed foods and foods that are high in sugar Drinking water 30 to 60 minutes before and after eating Other Chronic Health Conditions Loose stools go hand in hand with these conditions: Bile acid diarrhea Crohn's disease Hyperthyroidism Ulcerative colitis Parasitic infections Bacterial infections Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) If you have diarrhea that doesn't go away, see a healthcare provider. Many of these conditions can be treated or managed. When to See a Healthcare Provider Sometimes, a loose stool is caused by something you ate. In these cases, your stool will usually return to normal within two to three days. If diarrhea persists, it may be due to something more serious. Irrespective of the cause, it's important to seek treatment for persistent or severe diarrhea. If left untreated, severe diarrhea can lead to extreme dehydration, a steep drop in blood pressure, and shock . When to Seek Medical Treatment Seek immediate medical care if you have: 4 Diarrhea that persists for more than two days without improvement Blood in the stool Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting Dry mouth, extreme thirst, and sunken eyes Little or no urine Rapid or irregular heart rate Summary A loose stool is one that's softer or more like liquid than normal. Having three or more loose stools in a day means you have diarrhea. Loose stools and diarrhea can be a temporary problem. That's especially true if they were caused by something you ate or a medication you took. They can also be caused by illness, infection, or a long-term health condition. If your symptoms don't get better in a few days, check with a healthcare provider to find the exact cause. Some of the conditions that cause loose stools can be serious, but many can be treated successfully.
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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved # What Are the Causes and Fixes of Loose Stool? By [Team Verywell Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/team-verywell-health-5197784) Updated on March 30, 2026 Medically reviewed by [Kumkum S. Patel, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/kumkum-patel-7971230) Table of Contents View All Table of Contents - [Food Causes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/loose-stool-causes-89204#toc-food-and-drink-that-can-cause-loose-stool) - [Medications](https://www.verywellhealth.com/loose-stool-causes-89204#toc-what-medications-cause-loose-stool) - [Conditions](https://www.verywellhealth.com/loose-stool-causes-89204#toc-medical-conditions-that-can-cause-loose-stool) - [When to See a Provider](https://www.verywellhealth.com/loose-stool-causes-89204#toc-when-to-see-a-healthcare-provider) ### Key Takeaways - Certain foods like fructose and sugar alcohols can cause loose stool, so avoid them if you have symptoms. - If medications are causing loose stool, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives. - If you have lactose intolerance, limit dairy or use lactase supplements to avoid diarrhea. Loose stool can be distressing if it happens suddenly and you don't know what caused it. The first thing you might assume is that it was something you ate. While certain foods can definitely cause [diarrhea](https://www.verywellhealth.com/diarrhea-causes-1324505), abdominal cramping, bloating, and gas, these symptoms could also be due to medications you are taking or an undiagnosed medical condition. ![causes of loos stool include food or medications and various health conditions](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/wLiAMOvsLdrjSXCst1PQFjSlFKQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/89204-loose-stool-causes-5b2fe528fa6bcc00363abf2a.png) ![causes of loos stool include food or medications and various health conditions](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/wLiAMOvsLdrjSXCst1PQFjSlFKQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/89204-loose-stool-causes-5b2fe528fa6bcc00363abf2a.png) Verywell / Joshua Seong ## Food and Drink That Can Cause Loose Stool Certain food and drinks can cause loose stools. Some can also ferment in the intestines and produce excessive gas, leading to stomach cramps, bloating, and flatulence ("wind"). ### Fructose Fructose is a natural sugar. Consuming a lot of fructose or if your body struggles to process it can lead to loose stools, diarrhea, gas, or belly pain. This is known as fructose intolerance [fructose intolerance](https://www.verywellhealth.com/fructose-intolerance-5220668).1 If you have fructose intolerance, you will want to limit certain foods like:1 - Fruit, especially apples, grapes, and watermelon - Certain vegetables, such as asparagus, peas, and zucchini - Fruit juice - Honey - Agave syrup - Molasses - Table sugar - Palm or c[oconut sugar](https://www.verywellhealth.com/coconut-sugar-8407729) - High-fructose corn syrup ### Sugar Alcohols [Sugar alcohols](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sugar-replacements-for-diabetics-1087191), or polyols, naturally occur in some fruits and are also used as sweeteners and bulk agents. They contain fewer calories than regular sugar but aren't well-absorbed by the body, which can have a [laxative effect](https://www.verywellhealth.com/laxatives-for-constipation-8664011) if you consume too much.2 These include: - [Xylitol](https://www.verywellhealth.com/xylitol-8734863) - Mannitol - Sorbitol - Erythritol - Allulose Sugar alcohols are often used in sugar-free candy and diet drinks, Some are also found naturally in food like berries, peaches, apples, apricots, pears, plums, cherries, and prunes.2 To fix the problem, limit your intake of artificial sweeteners and avoid overeating fruits or fruit juices that are high in polyols. ### Coffee Caffeine can boost the normal wave-like movements in the intestines, known as [peristalsis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/gastrointestinal-motility-disorders-1741817). Consuming too much caffeine can speed up these movements, allowing less time for water absorption as stools move through the digestive tract. The result is a looser, more watery stool.3 Some coffee drinkers are more vulnerable to this and may develop diarrhea after just a couple of cups. Caffeine in tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and energy drinks can have the same effect. If you have diarrhea after drinking coffee, try darker roasts (like French roasts) that have less caffeine than lighter roasts. You should also skip the milk, cream, excess sugar, and artificial sweeteners that also cause loose stools. ### Greasy Foods A high-fat diet often leads to diarrhea. However, even one large serving of fried or greasy food can cause loose stools in some individuals.3 Fried or fatty foods are not well-absorbed. As they move through the intestines, they are broken down into fatty acids, which cause the intestines to secrete excess fluids, leading to diarrhea. The fatty acids also irritate the intestines, causing stools to move faster through the system than normal.4 To prevent this, avoid fatty or greasy food like fries, burgers, fried chicken, potato chips, pizzas, onion rings, doughnuts, and even fatty cuts of red meat. ### Spicy Foods Hot and spicy foods can irritate the intestinal lining and cause loose stools. That's because some compounds in spicy food aren't absorbed and can irritate the lining of the intestines, triggering the [gastrocolic reflex](https://www.verywellhealth.com/gastrocolic-reflex-5224821). This is the body's response to food that signals when and how fast the intestines need to move.4 Not everyone who eats spicy food has loose stools. If it happens to you, limit your intake of spicy food. Eating yogurt, rice, or bread may help offset some of the intestinal irritation. ### Alcohol Ethanol in alcohol speeds up peristalsis, moving stools through your body faster. With less time to absorb water, stools will become looser and more watery. Certain alcoholic beverages are also more irritating to the intestines, including fermented beverages like beers.3 If you notice that drinking causes loose stools, try drinking beverages that are lower in alcohol (like wine or hard cider). Cutting back on your overall intake will almost certainly help. ### Food Poisoning Also known as bacterial gastroenteritis, [food poisoning](https://www.verywellhealth.com/food-poisoning-overview-1958818) is caused by eating food that has been contaminated with bacteria like [Clostridium perfringens](https://www.verywellhealth.com/food-poisoning-overview-1958818), [Salmonella](https://www.verywellhealth.com/salmonella-prevention-1298788),[E.coli](https://www.verywellhealth.com/e-coli-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-4174407). This can happen when food hasn't been cooked properly or has been kept for too long at room temperature.5 To avoid food poisoning:5 - Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food. - Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from ready-to-eat foods. - Cook food to a safe internal temperature, using a food thermometer. - Keep your refrigerator set at 40 F or below. - Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking or within one hour if the food has been exposed to temperatures over 90 F (such as after a picnic). ## What Medications Cause Loose Stool? Certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies can cause loose stools. Some do this by affecting peristalsis, while others affect the absorption of food or directly irritate the intestines.6 Others affect the normal bacterial flora of the intestines. With antibiotics especially, the elimination of helpful bacteria can lead to the rise of harmful ones like [Clostridioides difficile](https://www.verywellhealth.com/c-diff-treatment-5218347). C. difficile (or C. diff) is a common cause of watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and cramping.7 Medications or supplements that can cause diarrhea include:6 - Antacids - Antibiotics - [Chemotherapy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/chemotherapy-4014085) - High-dose vitamin C supplement - [Immunosuppressants](https://www.verywellhealth.com/biologics-for-crohns-5195391) like mycophenolate - [Licorice root](https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-licorice-root-89727) - [Metformin](https://www.verywellhealth.com/metformin-how-to-prevent-side-effects-1087301) - Magnesium supplements - Multivitamin supplements - [Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-anti-inflammatory-medication-2548734) - [Proton pump inhibitors](https://www.verywellhealth.com/side-effects-of-proton-pump-inhibitors-1742874) - [Senna](https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-laxatives-for-constipation-1944793) If a medication or supplement you're taking is causing loose stools, talk to your healthcare provider. A different drug or formulation might be better for you. Some research suggests [probiotics](https://www.verywellhealth.com/probiotics-7488911) can help prevent or manage [antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/c-diff-treatment-5218347). A 2016 review of studies published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice found that probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus were especially useful in reducing the risk of AAD.8 ## Medical Conditions That Can Cause Loose Stool Loose stools may not be caused by something you ate but rather by something you have. These include medical conditions that affect the normal breakdown of foods, trigger an abnormal immune response, or increase peristalsis. ### Lactose Intolerance Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products like milk and cheese. Many adults have a low level of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose. If your body doesn't digest lactose well, eating or drinking dairy products may give you diarrhea. This is called [lactose intolerance](https://www.verywellhealth.com/natural-remedies-for-lactose-intolerance-89286).9 You can avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance by limiting your intake of dairy products. You can also choose lactose-reduced milk products, including ice cream, or add a liquid or powder lactase enzyme to milk to break down lactose. There are also lactase tablets you can take before eating or drinking milk products. ### Irritable Bowel Syndrome [Irritable bowel syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-7111848) (IBS) is a poorly understood disorder that causes abdominal pain, gas, bloating diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some have loose stools or diarrhea, while others have constipation or both.10 IBS is diagnosed when no other causes of your symptoms can be found. Different foods can trigger IBS symptoms in different people. Because of this, you may need to work with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to pinpoint your individual triggers. IBS attacks can often be prevented with a high-fiber diet and the avoidance of fermentable foods called [FODMAPs](https://www.verywellhealth.com/foods-on-the-low-fodmap-diet-1944679). ### Celiac Disease [Celiac disease](https://www.verywellhealth.com/celiac-disease-symptoms-4014337) (CD) is an [autoimmune disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/autoimmune-disease-symptoms-3232847) in which the immune system responds abnormally to food containing [gluten](https://www.verywellhealth.com/gluten-7549831), attacking the cells of the intestine as if they were intruders. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramping. If left untreated, CD can severely damage the intestines and lead to extreme weight loss. CD is treated by avoiding gluten found in products made with wheat, barley, rye, or triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). This includes processed foods like bread, pasta, cereal, and pizza. You can also find gluten in whiskey since components of rye are involved in fermentation. ### Dumping Syndrome People who have had abdominal surgery can sometimes develop [dumping syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/undigested-food-in-stool-8634035). This is when food moves out of the stomach too quickly, causing diarrhea, cramping, nausea, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat.11 Dumping syndrome can occur with surgeries involving the intestines, gallbladder, appendix, pancreas, stomach, and liver as well as bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. Dumping syndrome is treated with changes in eating habits, such as:11 - Eating smaller portions - Eating several smaller meals rather than three big ones - Eating slowly and chewing your food more thoroughly - Eating softer or pureed foods - Choosing lean protein, healthy fats, and foods high in fiber - Avoiding processed foods and foods that are high in sugar - Drinking water 30 to 60 minutes before and after eating ### Other Chronic Health Conditions Loose stools go hand in hand with these conditions: - [Bile acid diarrhea](https://www.verywellhealth.com/bile-acid-diarrhea-1945221) - [Crohn's disease](https://www.verywellhealth.com/crohns-disease-7109663) - [Hyperthyroidism](https://www.verywellhealth.com/symptoms-of-hyperthyroidism-3231722) - [Ulcerative colitis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/overview-of-ulcerative-colitis-4160958) - Parasitic infections - Bacterial infections - [Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/facts-about-sibo-5649647) If you have diarrhea that doesn't go away, see a healthcare provider. Many of these conditions can be treated or managed. ## When to See a Healthcare Provider Sometimes, a loose stool is caused by something you ate. In these cases, your stool will usually return to normal within two to three days. If diarrhea persists, it may be due to something more serious. Irrespective of the cause, it's important to seek treatment for persistent or severe diarrhea. If left untreated, severe diarrhea can lead to extreme dehydration, a steep drop in blood pressure, and [shock](https://www.verywellhealth.com/shock-8400758). ### When to Seek Medical Treatment Seek immediate medical care if you have:4 - Diarrhea that persists for more than two days without improvement - Blood in the stool - Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting - Dry mouth, extreme thirst, and sunken eyes - Little or no urine - Rapid or irregular heart rate ## Summary A loose stool is one that's softer or more like liquid than normal. Having three or more loose stools in a day means you have diarrhea. Loose stools and diarrhea can be a temporary problem. That's especially true if they were caused by something you ate or a medication you took. They can also be caused by illness, infection, or a long-term health condition. If your symptoms don't get better in a few days, check with a healthcare provider to find the exact cause. Some of the conditions that cause loose stools can be serious, but many can be treated successfully. Read more: - [Health A-Z](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Digestive Health](https://www.verywellhealth.com/digestive-health-4141198) 11 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. Dinicolantonio JJ, Lucan SC. [Is fructose malabsorption a cause of irritable bowel syndrome](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2015.05.019)? Med Hypotheses. 2015;85(3):295-7. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2015.05.019 2. Mäkinen KK. [Gastrointestinal disturbances associated with the consumption of sugar alcohols with special consideration of xylitol: scientific review and instructions for dentists and other health-care professionals](https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5967907). Int J Dent. 2016;2016:5967907. doi:10.1155/2016/5967907 3. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. [Common causes of chronic diarrhea.](https://iffgd.org/gi-disorders/lower-gi-disorders/diarrhea/common-causes/) 4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Symptoms & causes of diarrhea](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/symptoms-causes). 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Symptoms of food poisoning](https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/signs-symptoms/). 6. MedlinePlus. [Drug-induced diarrhea](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000293.htm). 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [About C. diff](https://www.cdc.gov/c-diff/about/index.html). 8. Jafarnejad S, Shab-Bidar S, Speakman JR, Parastui K, Daneshi-Maskooni M, Djafarian K. [Probiotics reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults (18-64 years) but not the elderly (\>65 years): a meta-analysis](https://doi.org/10.1177/0884533616639399). Nutr Clin Pract. 2016;31(4):502-13. doi:10.1177/0884533616639399. 9. Szilagyi A, Ishayek N. [Lactose intolerance, dairy avoidance, and treatment options](https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fnu10121994). Nutrients. 2018;10(12):1994. doi:10.3390/nu10121994 10. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Symptoms & causes of irritable bowel syndrome](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes). 11. Van Furth AM, de Heide LJM, Emous M, et al. [Dumping syndrome and postbariatric hypoglycemia: supporting evidence for a common etiology](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2021.05.020). Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2021;17(11):1912-8. doi:10.1016/j.soard.2021.05.020 Additional Reading - Su G, Ko C, Bercik, P, ET al. [AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Role of Probiotics in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders](https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059). Gastroenterology. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.059 [See Our Editorial Process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) [Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https://www.verywellhealth.com/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003) Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! What is your feedback? 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Readable Markdown	### Key Takeaways - Certain foods like fructose and sugar alcohols can cause loose stool, so avoid them if you have symptoms. - If medications are causing loose stool, talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives. - If you have lactose intolerance, limit dairy or use lactase supplements to avoid diarrhea. Loose stool can be distressing if it happens suddenly and you don't know what caused it. The first thing you might assume is that it was something you ate. While certain foods can definitely cause [diarrhea](https://www.verywellhealth.com/diarrhea-causes-1324505), abdominal cramping, bloating, and gas, these symptoms could also be due to medications you are taking or an undiagnosed medical condition. Verywell / Joshua Seong ## Food and Drink That Can Cause Loose Stool Certain food and drinks can cause loose stools. Some can also ferment in the intestines and produce excessive gas, leading to stomach cramps, bloating, and flatulence ("wind"). ### Fructose Fructose is a natural sugar. Consuming a lot of fructose or if your body struggles to process it can lead to loose stools, diarrhea, gas, or belly pain. This is known as fructose intolerance [fructose intolerance](https://www.verywellhealth.com/fructose-intolerance-5220668).1 If you have fructose intolerance, you will want to limit certain foods like:1 - Fruit, especially apples, grapes, and watermelon - Certain vegetables, such as asparagus, peas, and zucchini - Fruit juice - Honey - Agave syrup - Molasses - Table sugar - Palm or c[oconut sugar](https://www.verywellhealth.com/coconut-sugar-8407729) - High-fructose corn syrup ### Sugar Alcohols [Sugar alcohols](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sugar-replacements-for-diabetics-1087191), or polyols, naturally occur in some fruits and are also used as sweeteners and bulk agents. They contain fewer calories than regular sugar but aren't well-absorbed by the body, which can have a [laxative effect](https://www.verywellhealth.com/laxatives-for-constipation-8664011) if you consume too much.2 These include: - [Xylitol](https://www.verywellhealth.com/xylitol-8734863) - Mannitol - Sorbitol - Erythritol - Allulose Sugar alcohols are often used in sugar-free candy and diet drinks, Some are also found naturally in food like berries, peaches, apples, apricots, pears, plums, cherries, and prunes.2 To fix the problem, limit your intake of artificial sweeteners and avoid overeating fruits or fruit juices that are high in polyols. ### Coffee Caffeine can boost the normal wave-like movements in the intestines, known as [peristalsis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/gastrointestinal-motility-disorders-1741817). Consuming too much caffeine can speed up these movements, allowing less time for water absorption as stools move through the digestive tract. The result is a looser, more watery stool.3 Some coffee drinkers are more vulnerable to this and may develop diarrhea after just a couple of cups. Caffeine in tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and energy drinks can have the same effect. If you have diarrhea after drinking coffee, try darker roasts (like French roasts) that have less caffeine than lighter roasts. You should also skip the milk, cream, excess sugar, and artificial sweeteners that also cause loose stools. ### Greasy Foods A high-fat diet often leads to diarrhea. However, even one large serving of fried or greasy food can cause loose stools in some individuals.3 Fried or fatty foods are not well-absorbed. As they move through the intestines, they are broken down into fatty acids, which cause the intestines to secrete excess fluids, leading to diarrhea. The fatty acids also irritate the intestines, causing stools to move faster through the system than normal.4 To prevent this, avoid fatty or greasy food like fries, burgers, fried chicken, potato chips, pizzas, onion rings, doughnuts, and even fatty cuts of red meat. ### Spicy Foods Hot and spicy foods can irritate the intestinal lining and cause loose stools. That's because some compounds in spicy food aren't absorbed and can irritate the lining of the intestines, triggering the [gastrocolic reflex](https://www.verywellhealth.com/gastrocolic-reflex-5224821). This is the body's response to food that signals when and how fast the intestines need to move.4 Not everyone who eats spicy food has loose stools. If it happens to you, limit your intake of spicy food. Eating yogurt, rice, or bread may help offset some of the intestinal irritation. ### Alcohol Ethanol in alcohol speeds up peristalsis, moving stools through your body faster. With less time to absorb water, stools will become looser and more watery. Certain alcoholic beverages are also more irritating to the intestines, including fermented beverages like beers.3 If you notice that drinking causes loose stools, try drinking beverages that are lower in alcohol (like wine or hard cider). Cutting back on your overall intake will almost certainly help. ### Food Poisoning Also known as bacterial gastroenteritis, [food poisoning](https://www.verywellhealth.com/food-poisoning-overview-1958818) is caused by eating food that has been contaminated with bacteria like [Clostridium perfringens](https://www.verywellhealth.com/food-poisoning-overview-1958818), [Salmonella](https://www.verywellhealth.com/salmonella-prevention-1298788),[E.coli](https://www.verywellhealth.com/e-coli-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment-4174407). This can happen when food hasn't been cooked properly or has been kept for too long at room temperature.5 To avoid food poisoning:5 - Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food. - Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from ready-to-eat foods. - Cook food to a safe internal temperature, using a food thermometer. - Keep your refrigerator set at 40 F or below. - Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking or within one hour if the food has been exposed to temperatures over 90 F (such as after a picnic). ## What Medications Cause Loose Stool? Certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, and herbal remedies can cause loose stools. Some do this by affecting peristalsis, while others affect the absorption of food or directly irritate the intestines.6 Others affect the normal bacterial flora of the intestines. With antibiotics especially, the elimination of helpful bacteria can lead to the rise of harmful ones like [Clostridioides difficile](https://www.verywellhealth.com/c-diff-treatment-5218347). C. difficile (or C. diff) is a common cause of watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea along with gas, bloating, and cramping.7 Medications or supplements that can cause diarrhea include:6 - Antacids - Antibiotics - [Chemotherapy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/chemotherapy-4014085) - High-dose vitamin C supplement - [Immunosuppressants](https://www.verywellhealth.com/biologics-for-crohns-5195391) like mycophenolate - [Licorice root](https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-licorice-root-89727) - [Metformin](https://www.verywellhealth.com/metformin-how-to-prevent-side-effects-1087301) - Magnesium supplements - Multivitamin supplements - [Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-anti-inflammatory-medication-2548734) - [Proton pump inhibitors](https://www.verywellhealth.com/side-effects-of-proton-pump-inhibitors-1742874) - [Senna](https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-laxatives-for-constipation-1944793) If a medication or supplement you're taking is causing loose stools, talk to your healthcare provider. A different drug or formulation might be better for you. Some research suggests [probiotics](https://www.verywellhealth.com/probiotics-7488911) can help prevent or manage [antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/c-diff-treatment-5218347). A 2016 review of studies published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice found that probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus were especially useful in reducing the risk of AAD.8 ## Medical Conditions That Can Cause Loose Stool Loose stools may not be caused by something you ate but rather by something you have. These include medical conditions that affect the normal breakdown of foods, trigger an abnormal immune response, or increase peristalsis. ### Lactose Intolerance Lactose is a natural sugar found in dairy products like milk and cheese. Many adults have a low level of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose. If your body doesn't digest lactose well, eating or drinking dairy products may give you diarrhea. This is called [lactose intolerance](https://www.verywellhealth.com/natural-remedies-for-lactose-intolerance-89286).9 You can avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance by limiting your intake of dairy products. You can also choose lactose-reduced milk products, including ice cream, or add a liquid or powder lactase enzyme to milk to break down lactose. There are also lactase tablets you can take before eating or drinking milk products. ### Irritable Bowel Syndrome [Irritable bowel syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-7111848) (IBS) is a poorly understood disorder that causes abdominal pain, gas, bloating diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some have loose stools or diarrhea, while others have constipation or both.10 IBS is diagnosed when no other causes of your symptoms can be found. Different foods can trigger IBS symptoms in different people. Because of this, you may need to work with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to pinpoint your individual triggers. IBS attacks can often be prevented with a high-fiber diet and the avoidance of fermentable foods called [FODMAPs](https://www.verywellhealth.com/foods-on-the-low-fodmap-diet-1944679). ### Celiac Disease [Celiac disease](https://www.verywellhealth.com/celiac-disease-symptoms-4014337) (CD) is an [autoimmune disorder](https://www.verywellhealth.com/autoimmune-disease-symptoms-3232847) in which the immune system responds abnormally to food containing [gluten](https://www.verywellhealth.com/gluten-7549831), attacking the cells of the intestine as if they were intruders. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramping. If left untreated, CD can severely damage the intestines and lead to extreme weight loss. CD is treated by avoiding gluten found in products made with wheat, barley, rye, or triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). This includes processed foods like bread, pasta, cereal, and pizza. You can also find gluten in whiskey since components of rye are involved in fermentation. ### Dumping Syndrome People who have had abdominal surgery can sometimes develop [dumping syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/undigested-food-in-stool-8634035). This is when food moves out of the stomach too quickly, causing diarrhea, cramping, nausea, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat.11 Dumping syndrome can occur with surgeries involving the intestines, gallbladder, appendix, pancreas, stomach, and liver as well as bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. Dumping syndrome is treated with changes in eating habits, such as:11 - Eating smaller portions - Eating several smaller meals rather than three big ones - Eating slowly and chewing your food more thoroughly - Eating softer or pureed foods - Choosing lean protein, healthy fats, and foods high in fiber - Avoiding processed foods and foods that are high in sugar - Drinking water 30 to 60 minutes before and after eating ### Other Chronic Health Conditions Loose stools go hand in hand with these conditions: - [Bile acid diarrhea](https://www.verywellhealth.com/bile-acid-diarrhea-1945221) - [Crohn's disease](https://www.verywellhealth.com/crohns-disease-7109663) - [Hyperthyroidism](https://www.verywellhealth.com/symptoms-of-hyperthyroidism-3231722) - [Ulcerative colitis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/overview-of-ulcerative-colitis-4160958) - Parasitic infections - Bacterial infections - [Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/facts-about-sibo-5649647) If you have diarrhea that doesn't go away, see a healthcare provider. Many of these conditions can be treated or managed. ## When to See a Healthcare Provider Sometimes, a loose stool is caused by something you ate. In these cases, your stool will usually return to normal within two to three days. If diarrhea persists, it may be due to something more serious. Irrespective of the cause, it's important to seek treatment for persistent or severe diarrhea. If left untreated, severe diarrhea can lead to extreme dehydration, a steep drop in blood pressure, and [shock](https://www.verywellhealth.com/shock-8400758). ### When to Seek Medical Treatment Seek immediate medical care if you have:4 - Diarrhea that persists for more than two days without improvement - Blood in the stool - Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting - Dry mouth, extreme thirst, and sunken eyes - Little or no urine - Rapid or irregular heart rate ## Summary A loose stool is one that's softer or more like liquid than normal. Having three or more loose stools in a day means you have diarrhea. Loose stools and diarrhea can be a temporary problem. That's especially true if they were caused by something you ate or a medication you took. They can also be caused by illness, infection, or a long-term health condition. If your symptoms don't get better in a few days, check with a healthcare provider to find the exact cause. Some of the conditions that cause loose stools can be serious, but many can be treated successfully.
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