Why do I always have diarrhea during weight loss

Frequent diarrhea during weight loss may be related to changes in dietary structure, imbalance of gut microbiota, food intolerance, excessive exercise, or potential gastrointestinal diseases. There are mainly factors such as rapid adjustment of dietary structure, disruption of gut microbiota, lactose intolerance, excessive exercise intensity, and chronic enteritis.

1. Quickly adjust diet structure

Suddenly reducing high-fat and high sugar food intake or increasing dietary fiber intake may lead to accelerated gastrointestinal motility. Some people may experience transient diarrhea if their intestines are not adapted to a high fiber diet after adding coarse fiber foods such as broccoli and oats. It is recommended to gradually adjust the dietary ratio and avoid consuming large amounts of coarse grains or raw and cold vegetables at once. You can try changing some raw foods to steaming and cooking methods.

2. Disruption of gut microbiota

Long term dieting or a single diet can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, and a decrease in beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria may lead to osmotic diarrhea. This condition may be accompanied by bloating and excessive bowel sounds, which can last for several weeks. Moderate supplementation of fermented dairy products containing probiotics is recommended, and if necessary, probiotics such as Bifidobacterium triple active powder and Bacillus licheniformis active capsules should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Lactose intolerance

Some weight loss individuals use skim milk instead of regular meals, but Asian adults generally suffer from lactase deficiency. Consuming more than 200 milliliters of dairy products may cause osmotic diarrhea, manifested as watery stools 30 minutes after eating. Lactose free milk powder or Shu Hua milk can be chosen as alternatives. In severe cases, dairy products should be avoided and montmorillonite powder should be used according to medical advice to alleviate symptoms.

4. Excessive exercise intensity

High intensity exercise on an empty stomach can redistribute visceral blood flow, which may cause exercise-induced diarrhea, commonly seen after morning runs or HIIT training. This condition usually results in a small amount of loose stool, which can be relieved on its own after rest. It is recommended to avoid fasting exercise and supplement with a small amount of carbohydrates, such as half a banana or a slice of whole wheat bread, one hour before exercise.

5. Chronic enteritis

Long term insufficient calorie intake may induce irritable bowel syndrome or worsen pre-existing chronic enteritis, manifested as recurrent mucous stools and incomplete bowel movements. If diarrhea persists for more than 2 weeks or is accompanied by a sudden drop in weight or bloody stools, medical attention should be sought to rule out diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Doctors may prescribe medications such as mesalazine enteric coated tablets and Bacillus subtilis dual live bacteria enteric coated capsules. During weight loss, if diarrhea occurs, daily diet and bowel movements should be recorded, and difficult to digest foods such as nuts and beans should be temporarily avoided. Maintain a daily water intake of 1500-2000 milliliters to prevent dehydration, and supplement electrolytes with diluted salt water. If there is no improvement after adjusting the diet for 3 days, or if symptoms such as fever and severe abdominal pain occur, it is necessary to seek medical attention in the gastroenterology department in a timely manner. It is not recommended to self medicate with antidiarrheal drugs to mask symptoms, as this may affect the doctor's assessment of the condition.