Yellow Diarrhea: Its Causes, Treatments and Prevention Methods

Yellow diarrhea is characterized by the excretion of watery, loose and yellow stools for at least three times in a day. Meanwhile, green diarrhea is a term used to describe the passing of watery, loose and green stools which is mainly triggered by an excessive intake of green leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, broccoli and cabbage. It can also be caused by a rapid transit of stools from the small intestine to the large intestine. When an individual suffers from diarrhea after eating, it may already indicate a more serious digestive problem.

Causes of Yellow Diarrhea

Clinical studies show that the condition is actually caused by the failure of the liver to produce sufficient amounts of bile because of a serious liver dysfunction. Bile is responsible for the change of color of the stool from yellow to brown. The failure of the liver to produce sufficient amounts of bile leads to the excretion of stools which can actually range from light yellowish-brown to a yellow-gray color.

This type of diarrhea can also be triggered by a bacterial, parasitic or viral infection acquired from contaminated water and foods. Powerful medications used in chemotherapy such as antibiotics and laxatives can also trigger the onset of yellow diarrhea. Surgeries, radiation and liver diseases can also be the cause of the condition.

Symptoms

This type of diarrhea is often accompanied by symptoms such as extreme tiredness, cramps and a feeling of malaise. Weakness can also be experienced by the victim. Other symptoms of yellow diarrhea include dizziness, frequent thirst, tearless crying, headaches and decreased urination.

Chronic yellow diarrhea which lasts for at least four weeks causes the victim to dehydration due to a significant loss of potassium and electrolytes. The most common symptoms of dehydration which the victims usually experience include irritability, dark colored urine, fever, confusion, sunken eyes, dry skin, irritability, dry mouth and excessive thirst.

However, if the condition starts suddenly without the presence of symptoms other than watery, loose and yellow stools, it can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection that have been picked up from a contaminated food or water.

Treatment and Prevention Methods of Yellow Diarrhea

Dehydration is one of the leading dangers of this condition. When the condition lasts for more than four days, treatment must immediately be sought after because it can already indicate a more serious digestive problem.

The usual remedies and treatments for this condition include the use of acidophilus, apple cider vinegar, Bismuth subsalicylate, folic acid and Loperamide hydrochloride. Intake of bananas apples, and blueberries is strongly recommended because they can improve and tighten the stools. Instead of solid foods, the victim is advised to take clear soups to let the digestive system rest from digesting hard foods. Fiber-rich foods should also be taken excessively because they regulate and promote a normal bowel movement by helping the body absorb substantial amount of fluids.

No matter what the cause is, intake of excessive clean fluids that contain electrolytes should be observed. Several small meals should be taken frequently however, the avoidance from foods that contain alcohol, caffeine and fats should be observed because they can aggravate the condition. Sodas, gelatin and fruit juices should also be avoided because they contain substances that can trigger the onset of yellow diarrhea.