Binge eating and Diarrhea

It wouldn't surprise me if for the past few days a lot patients have been going to the emergency room for diarrhea, nausea and upset stomach, after all, long holidays just passed by and a lot have been binging on food. Large meals, chocolates, fatty foods, alcohols and sweets could exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome causing diarrhea on patients. It could be bacterial infection as well caused by contaminated food or water ingested. As a hospital pharmacist, I have received a lot of prescriptions for oral rehydration salt from patients who just had their check up at the emergency room.

During festivities, a lot of people have erratic and irregular eating habits causing a lot Gastrointestinal problems including diarrhea. The first thing that would come to mind when someone begins to have a diarrhea after eating a large meal is that the person must have eaten something that doesn't agree with their stomach or it could be contaminated, however, when they are used to eating small amount of meals it could put a strain on their digestive system to process what they have ingested faster which could eventually irritate the digestive system and lead to forceful expulsion of the excess food either by vomiting or diarrhea. Stretching of the stomach or upper bowel can stimulate the contractions in the colon that lead to bowel movement. The bowel movement may not be always diarrhea but if overeating continues or is really excessive and if there are other factors that alters stool formation then it could result to diarrhea.

Diarrhea due to eating excessive amount of food does not require antibacterials. You just need to be hydrated and get some bed rest. You have to ensure adequate oral rehydration and fluid intake. You can buy oral rehydration salts over the counter and this should within 24 hours upon mixing. Any excess should be discarded. You can also prepare your own homemade solution by adding 1 teaspoon of salt and 4 teaspoon of sugar to 1 liter of water. If it persist then you have to consult a physician or go to the hospital.