What Causes Passing Of Loose Dark Stools?

Brief Answer:
You might be suffering from acute enterocolitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for posting your query,

I am glad to be able to assist you with your query and so sorry for your recent digestive problems. You might be suffering from an acute enterocolitis/gastroenteritis which from my point of view (with respect to you), might be due to a good number of causes. In your case, the possible causes maybe:

- Infectious: viral, bacteria, protozoal, fungal etc. You will require a stool analysis and possible culture to identify a likely pathogen so that an appropriate treatment can be provided.
- The raw and cooked veggies you are consuming, even though should normally help you have a proper digestion, but would lead to diarrhea if consumed only on its own without any other food type. You need to rather be on a balanced diet i.e food that contains a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals and vitamins (various food source contain all these basic compositions). A dietician can help you make the right choice. It is true that this is unlikely given that you have been on this for the past seven years, but developing an intolerance to this is likely (with time).
- A metabolic diseases maybe due to a hormonal abnormality from thyroid or pancreas (diabetes mellitus). You need to be checked by a doctor for these problems.
- Electrolyte imbalance (unlikely) which could be secondary to a diseases that might still have to be investigated such as kidney disease/diabetes mellitus.
- It is possible that a complicated peptic ulcer diseases can also lead to frequent dark stool (melena) but I do doubt given that you present with no abdominal pain localized at the epigastrium and you maybe have no history of PUD.
- Intolerance to certain nutrients such as fructose etc.

As for your weight gain, it will merit further investigation as a thyroid diseases can lead to weight gain, insomnia with increased consumption of snacks at night, increased secretion of cortisol as life's demands increases, certain medications (if you are not on any then this should be ruled out immediately), menopause etc.

With these conditions you are facing, I suggest you see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible before you run into dehydration. Meanwhile, at home, you can start oral hydration solution (take like 3-5 litres a day) to prevent you entering a state of moderate-severe dehydration and ending up in the ER.

Hope this helps and please feel free to write back if you have any further questions.

Best wishes.
Dr. Nsah

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