Causes of Diarrhea: Common Triggers and What You Can Do

When your gut suddenly goes haywire, it’s rarely just bad luck. causes of diarrhea, the underlying factors that trigger frequent loose stools. Also known as acute or chronic bowel upset, these triggers range from simple food mishaps to serious health signals. Diarrhea isn’t a disease—it’s your body’s way of saying something’s off. And knowing why it’s happening is the first step to stopping it.

One of the most common culprits is gastrointestinal infection, an invasion of bacteria, viruses, or parasites in the digestive tract. Think food poisoning from undercooked chicken, contaminated water, or even a bad sushi roll. These infections often come with cramps, nausea, and fever—and they usually clear up on their own. But they’re also why so many people end up searching for relief online. Then there’s irritable bowel syndrome, a chronic condition where the gut reacts abnormally to stress, food, or hormones. Unlike infections, IBS doesn’t damage your intestines, but it can turn your life upside down. People with IBS often report diarrhea after meals, during stressful days, or after eating dairy or spicy foods. And it’s not rare—millions live with it quietly, unsure if their symptoms are normal.

Medications are another big piece. You might not realize that your medication side effects, unintended digestive reactions from prescription or over-the-counter drugs. could be the reason. Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, antidepressants like vilazodone, or even weight-loss pills like orlistat can disrupt your gut bacteria or speed up digestion. Even something as simple as a magnesium supplement or a sugar-free gum with sorbitol can do it. If your diarrhea started after a new pill, it’s worth talking to your doctor—not just powering through.

It’s not always about germs or meds, though. Lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or sudden changes in diet can flip your system. Travel, time zones, and even anxiety can trigger it. The key is to look for patterns: Does it happen every time you eat out? After coffee? During work stress? Write it down. That’s how you find the real cause.

What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a collection of real, practical comparisons and insights from people who’ve been there. Whether you’re trying to understand how a drug like ciprofloxacin affects your gut, or how vilazodone might help IBS symptoms, or why a supplement you thought was harmless is causing trouble—these posts cut through the noise. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, direct answers to the questions you’re actually asking.