What Causes Persistent Diarrhea After Eating Spinach?

Posted on Fri, 21 Apr 2017

Question: I have had issues with bowel movements the last two months or so. I had about a 2 week period where I had diarrhea on and off for about two weeks. I went to my primary doctor in early Feb. It turns out I have inflammation. The doctor had me on a non gluten non dairy diet for a bit. I was ok for a while then it has come back recently. Today I have already had 4 bowel movements. Very loose stool as well. All I have eaten is spinach mixed with canned chicken. There is no pain in my stomach but it is going crazy. Like a bubleing feeling. At night I am now having trouble sleeping because I am so gassy. Wondering if this Crohns disease or something similar? Thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Tayyab Malik (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Further evaluation advised

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting at HealthcareMagic,
I can understand your concerns.

Differential:
1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease-IBD ( Crohn Disease or Ulcerative colitis)
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
3. Infectious diarrhea

Investigations advised:
1. Stool test for leukocytes
2. Fecal occult blood test
3. Colonoscopy

IBD can only be confirmed at histology after a biopsy is taken form colon during colonoscopy.

To combat gas / bloating/ loose stool:

- OTC Simethicone tablets and probiotics maybe used to combat bloating.
- Ingest small meals at regular intervals and add "plain yogurt" to your meals.
- Avoid eating broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage, Baked beans, oily food and junk food.
- Itopride medication may be used to enhance gastric motility(you may need prescription from your local physician for this).

Wish you good health
Further questions are most welcome.

Regards
Dr.Malik

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee