Food Intolerances
Some people who are intolerant of certain food ingredients may experience diarrhea. The two main culprits are lactose and gluten.

Lactose is the main sugar in milk. Some people do not have enough enzymes in their intestine to break down lactose, which can lead to diarrhea, nausea, cramps, bloating, and gas. These occur 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream.

Gluten is a protein found in many types of grain, including wheat, barley, oats, and rye. Some people's immune systems attack gluten as if it were a foreign body or a germ. This results in inflammation of the intestine and leads to abdominal bloating, pain, diarrhea, and gas. This condition is known as celiac disease or celiac sprue.

For a few days, try writing down what you eat, and when you experience diarrhea. You may see that certain foods are triggering episodes of diarrhea. Use the Trigger Guide and Trigger Tracker to help.