What Causes Persistent Diarrhea After Eating Spinach?

Posted on Fri, 31 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 Answered on

Fri, 21 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

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

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