What gives you diarrhea?

Diarrhea can have several causes, but some common factors that can lead to it include:

1. Infectious agents: Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can all cause diarrhea by invading the digestive tract and disrupting its normal function. Some common infectious agents that cause diarrhea include:

- Bacteria: Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Shigella, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium difficile

- Viruses: Rotavirus, Norovirus, Adenovirus, Astrovirus

- Parasites: Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium, Entamoeba histolytica

2. Food intolerance or allergy: Certain foods or food groups that the body has difficulty digesting or is allergic to can trigger diarrhea. Common food intolerances and allergies that can cause diarrhea include lactose intolerance (difficulty digesting milk and dairy products), celiac disease (sensitivity to gluten), and nut allergies.

3. Medications: Some medications, including antibiotics, laxatives, chemotherapy drugs, and antacids, can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Antibiotics, in particular, can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea.

4. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diverticulitis, can cause chronic or intermittent diarrhea.

5. Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can sometimes trigger diarrhea in some individuals.

6. Artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol can cause diarrhea in some people, especially when consumed in large amounts.

If you experience persistent or severe diarrhea, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.