- Chronic diarrhea or irregular bowel movements may indicate IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), so it's important to consider seeing a specialist if symptoms persist.
- Processed foods, fried foods, food additives, high-histamine foods, gluten, and caffeine can worsen symptoms.
- A low FODMAP diet can be expected to improve symptoms in many people, and SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) may also be involved.
- Extreme diets like ketogenic diets have different effects on different people, and it is important to be careful about continuing them on your own.
Your Chronic Diarrhea Might Be IBS
Symptoms such as 'persistent diarrhea or constipation' or 'painful bloating' may be caused by IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) if no abnormalities are found after medical examination. As introduced by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's e-Health Net, IBS is a disease characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction without clear organic abnormalities. Our team has seen cases where people who have suffered for a long time have improved by reviewing their lifestyle and diet, and we recommend early intervention.
Types of IBS and Characteristics of Symptoms
Main Types
IBS is mainly divided into three types: mixed type, where constipation and diarrhea alternate; diarrhea-predominant type, where chronic diarrhea is the main symptom; and secretory type, characterized by severe abdominal pain and mucus. Symptoms vary from person to person, and symptoms lasting for more than three months are a guideline for chronicity.
Impact on Daily Life and When to See a Doctor
Some studies suggest that it is not fatal, unlike life-threatening diseases (e.g., large-scale cohort studies in Denmark), but it significantly lowers QOL. Therefore, if daily life is affected, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or general practitioner.
Food and Gut Relationship: Foods That Worsen Symptoms and Key Considerations
Processed foods, fried foods, and food additives are reported to worsen IBS symptoms. Furthermore, easily overlooked high-histamine foods (such as fermented dairy products and soy sauce), gluten-containing wheat products, and caffeine can also trigger symptoms. When we actually organized the information, it was realistic to first gradually reduce our usual food and drink and observe the reaction.
Low FODMAP Diet and the Relationship with SIBO
What is Low FODMAP?
FODMAP is a general term for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are easily fed by intestinal bacteria and tend to induce gas and diarrhea. Examples include apples and honey (fructose), dairy products containing lactose, garlic and onions (fructans), legumes (galactans), and sugar alcohols (polyols). Many people find their symptoms settle down by trying a low FODMAP diet for a certain period.
Beware of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
It is also suggested that SIBO, where bacteria increase in the small intestine due to FODMAPs, may be behind IBS symptoms. If gas and bloating are particularly strong, it is worth considering a SIBO test. SIBO treatment requires specialized judgment, so please consult a doctor.
Ketogenic Diet and IBS: Effects Vary by Individual
Some reports indicate that a ketogenic diet, which focuses on fats, can improve intestinal symptoms, but it also involves avoiding dietary fiber and certain sugars, which may disrupt the balance of intestinal bacteria in the long term. Our impression from actually researching the information is that some people have seen 'short-term improvement' while others have felt 'worsened,' so it is safer to seek professional guidance rather than continuing extreme diets on your own.
Coping Strategies: What You Can Do Now and What Medical Professionals Can Do
- Keep a food diary to identify trigger foods
- Try a low FODMAP diet for 2-6 weeks and observe your reaction (professional guidance recommended)
- Reduce processed foods and excessive caffeine, maintain regular meals and moderate exercise
- If you have severe symptoms, weight loss, or bloody stools, seek medical attention promptly
- Medical treatments may include medication, probiotics, and if SIBO is suspected, tests and antibiotics may be considered (consult a doctor)
Summary
Chronic diarrhea or irregular bowel movements may indicate IBS. Processed foods, high-histamine foods, gluten, and FODMAP-containing foods can worsen symptoms, so it is realistic to start by recording and reviewing your diet. While a low FODMAP diet and lifestyle improvements often bring relief, some cases, such as SIBO, require specialized attention. We (the geefee team) have also seen examples where readers' daily lives have become easier with a little effort through their experiences. If you continue to have bothersome symptoms, we recommend consulting a medical institution.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.