In the case I get a response, I suppose this is my issue – I don’t live in the States now and don’t have immediate access to good doctors. The dietary suggestions are a bit problematic since many problems with similar symptoms demand a HIGH-fibre diet while this issue may demand a LOW-fibre diet. Some issues with these symptoms suggest antibiotics, others probiotics. The things I do which might exacerbate issues => diet probably too high in diuretics compared to water intake, a lot of spicy foods, tomatoes/beans/vegetables with peel, due to work and weather (very rainy locale) – not real physically active. Obviously, I am responsible for water intake and exercise levels but I am not able to improve the local health care situation. The symptoms here are familiar except for the talk about pain and sudden “attacks”. Rather, it seems my issue is chronic over the last four years – some days with no symptoms and some days quite bad (though pain is rare).

What else could I do dietary-wise on my own to test if this is the problem (a low-fibre diet for a couple weeks?) and how can I heal my gut and calm the symptoms considering I am not getting any prescriptions or intricate screenings any time soon?

Hi Sherry. Diarrhea is a symptom and there are a number of possible causes of constant diarrhea. There is no single answer for every case. It could be a persistent infection, bacterial overgrowth, disturbances of the normal intestinal flora (aka “good bowel bacteria”), inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), diarrhea-predominant IBS, malabsorption or intolerance syndromes and son on.

You may find this article to be helpful – https://www.healthhype.com/causes-of-chronic-prolonged-persistent-constant-diarrhea.html . However, at the end of the day the person will need to see a doctor and undergo tests to identify the exact cause. Diarrhea on its own is difficult to diagnosis without considering other symptoms, factoring in the results of different tests and looking at the patient’s medical history.

stengo,

it is an inherited weakness of the intestinal wall that makes one prone to get diverticulosis. If it’s a very weak intestinal wall, diverticles will be created easily without much straining.

roja karthik,

treatment you need now depends on what diagnosis you have now, and on the effect of your treatment so far. Hiatal hernia may cause reflux of the stomach acid up into the esophagus and cause its inflammation, so maybe acid reducing medications would be needed. So, the doctor should tell you what to eat and drink, and which medications to take, and if surgical repair of the hiatus hernia would be needed. Maybe you also need a blood test to check for anemia, glucose and vitamin and mineral levels, to find out if there is any deficiency that causes your symptoms.

BAUBSIE,

if you have no problems woth bowel movements, you can eat pretty much all you find appropriate. High fiber food can be ok, if it does not result in excessive gas.