Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency and fluidity of the stools, caused by too much water in the intestine. Usually, the intestine processes an estimated 10 quarts of water daily, allowing only three to four ounces to reach the rectum. When water fails to be absorbed from the intestine, or is drawn into the intestine, diarrhea results.

Have you ever wondered what causes diarrhea? Well, here are several causes.

1. Failure of digestion – An example consists of a lack of lactase, which inhibits the digestion of lactose (in the form of milk or sugar), draws water into the intestine, and causes diarrhea. Diseases of the pancreas and malnutrition are the underlying causes.

2. Sensitivity to certain foods – An example of this is the gluten of certain grains (wheat, rye) has a toxic action on the villi of the intestinal mucosa, leading to, among other problems, diarrhea.

3. Infections of the digestive tract – Ailments such as the stomach flu or gastroenteritis may be due to viruses and bacteria in children, and normally to bacteria or parasites in adults.

4. Toxic substances – Eating poisonous mushrooms, or other toxic substances may cause severe gastroenteritis and diarrhea.

5. Certain medications – A number of medications act on the bowel wall. Antibiotics are among the most common. They frequently kill off good microorganisms in the intestine, thereby, upsetting the balance of organisms, which is a cause of diarrhea.

6. Emotional or stress related diarrhea – Anxiety and emotional stress excite the muscles and mucous glands in the lower colon, causing increased mucus and strong contractions that result in severe diarrhea.

7. Diseases and disorders of the digestive tract – There are quite few diseases that can cause diarrhea, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, sprue, irritable colon, pancreatitis, and cancer of the large intestine.

Symptoms of Diarrhea may differ from mildly loose stools to violent purges, accompanied with cramping and abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and blood-tinged stools.