Can Acid Reflux Cause Diarrhea?
Acid reflux doesn’t directly cause diarrhea, but co-occurring conditions and symptoms can. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) commonly occurs alongside acid reflux, where diarrhea is a symptom. Increased stomach acid can also lead to the creation of ulcers in the stomach and intestines, which can trigger both diarrhea and acid reflux.
Understanding acid reflux: Causes and symptoms
To understand acid reflux, it’s important to know what parts of the body it affects. Acid reflux is when an opening in the LES allows stomach acid back up into the esophagus. Common causes and symptoms include:
Causes:
- Overeating
- Being overweight
- Eating heavy before bed
- Smoking
- Carbonated beverages
- Caffeine
- Pregnancy
Symptoms include:
- Burning sensation (heartburn)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Regurgitation of food
- Feeling of a lump in your throat
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- Trouble sleeping
- Asthma issues
- Pain in the lower back
Can acid reflux lead to diarrhea?
When someone has acid reflux, it’s not uncommon for IBS to happen at the same time. Diarrhea isn’t a direct symptom of acid reflux, but it’s a symptom of IBS. If you’re experiencing both IBS and acid reflux simultaneously, it’s likely to lead to diarrhea.
The increased amount of stomach acid produced that triggers acid reflux can cause ulcers. The ulcers can occur in the stomach and intestine, which can cause diarrhea. If you’re experiencing diarrhea along with acid reflux, dietary changes can help you eliminate both.
What foods are good for acid reflux and diarrhea?
If you’re battling acid reflux and diarrhea at the same time, the good news is that similar foods help alleviate symptoms of both.
- High-fiber foods. Foods high in fiber are less acidic and promote a healthy digestive system. They’re an excellent addition to an acid reflux diet.
- Overeating is one of the causes of acid reflux, so eating filling foods will help eliminate symptoms.
- Alkaline Foods. Alkaline foods are foods with a higher pH (lower in acidity). Foods like bananas, melons and nuts are good for an acid reflux diet.
- Foods with high water retention. Foods that contain a lot of water are excellent for an acid reflux diet. These include foods like celery, cucumbers, watermelon and broths
Tips to treating acid reflux
Treating acid reflux takes some work, but is entirely possible. Working on lifestyle changes (in addition to diet) can also help your acid reflux and diarrhea issues.
Lifestyle changes
- Eat smaller meals and eat more frequently during the day
- Quit smoking
- Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed
- Don’t wear tight clothes
- Exercise
Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux
With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!
Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.
The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.
Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.
Get help for your acid reflux, today!
Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.
Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.
Stop living with acid reflux. Get help, today!
