Yellow diarrhea

The yellow diarrhea is a relatively common condition that occurs when stool passes at high speed through the intestine. Thus, the body is not able to absorb fats adequately, so they are eliminated in the feces. Hence the characteristic yellow color.

Although in the vast majority of cases it responds to a mild health problem that disappears after 24 or 48 hours, in others it can be a symptom of serious diseases: irritable bowel , intestinal infection , decreased bile, etc.

What are the causes of yellow diarrhea?

Stress

There are many experts who point out that stress is one of the most common diseases in the 21st century, and one of the main causes of the yellowing of diarrhea. Stress causes a massive delivery of blood to the legs, so that the concentration in the digestive system is considerably lower than usual. This greatly hinders digestion and prevents the proper absorption of fats . Thus, in situations of great stress, a decomposition of this type can occur. In the vast majority of cases it improves after a couple of days.

Irritable colon

Irritable bowel is a chronic disease of the digestive system. The most common symptoms of this disorder are: abdominal pain and bloating , and yellow diarrhea.

Following a healthy and balanced diet helps prevent this disease. The best thing to do is avoid fatty foods and opt for those foods rich in fiber and protein. Of course, hydration is key, so it is advisable to drink between 1.5 and 2 liters per day.

Decreased bile

Bile is a substance that plays a leading role in the digestive process as it helps to break down the fats contained in ingested food. Thus, it helps the intestine to absorb these fats. Therefore, when the amount of bile is drastically reduced, fats are eliminated in the stool, making them yellow and more liquid.

When the cause of yellow diarrhea is a lack of bile, other symptoms usually occur: darker urine, tiredness and fatigue for no apparent reason, high body temperature and weight loss.

There are several health problems that can lead to decreased bile.

• Cirrhosis : cirrhosis is a serious disorder characterized by scarring of the liver as a result of other diseases such as hepatitis . The most common symptoms are: tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, and redness of the palms of the hands.
• Liver cancer: Liver cancer is usually not diagnosed until advanced stages of the disease. The most frequent recurring symptoms are: weight loss, mass under the ribs on one side, jaundice and a feeling of fullness after meals.
• Gallstones: One of the most common causes of reduced bile levels is the presence of gallstones. These are solid deposits that form inside the gallbladder.

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease characterized by the accumulation of thick mucus in the lungs and digestive tract, as well as other areas of the human body. Among the symptoms related to intestinal function, yellow diarrhea is one of them. In addition, there are others such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss.

Infection in the intestine

Intestinal infection can be caused by eating uncooked food or contaminated water, which causes inflammation of the lining of the intestine. Thus, it is more difficult for this organ to absorb fat from food, which leads to yellowish stools. It is a mild type of infection that can be treated at home by resting and increasing your fluid intake .

Medicines

Another possible cause of this condition is treatment with Orlistat , also called Xenical. A drug commonly used in weight loss programs and in people with high cholesterol. It prevents the intestine from absorbing fats from ingested food, thereby causing the stool to be yellow and less solid.

Symptoms of yellow diarrhea

In addition to yellowish stools, there are other symptoms that occur: cramps , fatigue for no apparent reason, weakness … Usually, diarrhea consists of loose, watery stools several times a day for a few days. However, there are chronic cases in which it lasts for several weeks.

Treatment for yellow diarrhea

If the yellow diarrhea lasts more than a few days, it is advisable to go to the doctor to make a diagnosis and establish the most appropriate treatment. In any case, it is important to avoid consuming foods with a high fat content , as well as alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.

One of the main risks of diarrhea is dehydration . That is why it is so important to drink plenty of water . You can also take foods rich in water, such as watermelon or melon, in addition to homemade infusions.

Feeding

To speed up the healing process and for the intestine to function normally again, diet is very important. During the first days of diarrhea, it is advisable to follow a clear liquid diet to prevent the intestine from having to exert excessive effort.

Little by little you can introduce foods such as chicken, turkey and boiled rice into the diet. It is very important that you always consume food in small quantities so as not to overload the digestive system.

As the days go by and the disease subsides, a moderate diet must be started , introducing foods such as fish and soups. Dairy, legumes and colors are best left for when the body has fully recovered.

Home solutions

• Chamomile: any infusion is good for yellow diarrhea, although chamomile is one of the most recommended. Prepare an infusion with a handful of chamomile flowers. Then, let it sit for a few minutes, strain and take in small sips.
• Lemon juice: if you suffer from any type of digestive problem, lemon juice is an excellent home remedy. It has astringent properties that prevent the loss of fluids from the intestine and, in addition, it favors the hydration of the body. You just have to add the juice of two lemons and a teaspoon of bicarbonate in a liter of water.
• Homemade serum: diarrhea causes dehydration of the body, in addition to the loss of sugars, minerals and salts. To avoid serious health problems, you can make your own homemade serum. Add a tablespoon of salt, a tablespoon of sugar, and a tablespoon of baking soda in a liter of water.

Yellow diarrhea in babies

During the first six months of life , diarrhea is completely normal in babies. They generally feed on milk, which contains high amounts of water.

The yellow color is common since the intestines of the smallest works at a higher speed than that of adults, so that the absorption of certain fats is complicated. This is especially true when babies are fed breast milk, which is more fat than formula.

Therefore, parents should only worry and go to the pediatrician when the stool has traces of blood or is black in color.

When to consult the doctor?

There are a number of symptoms that can alert parents. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if the child is down , spends most of the day sleeping or barely responds to stimuli.

Also if the stool has traces of blood , the diarrhea is very frequent and bulky, or the child does not urinate for several hours.

Stool color and meaning

Like urine, stool can have a wide range of colors. All shades of brown and green are considered normal. It is important to know that only on rare occasions the color of the stool is a symptom of a serious intestinal disease.

In many cases the color of the stools is directly linked to the food eaten . Before any worrisome changes, such as the presence of blood in the stool , it is important to consult your doctor.

• Green: When the stool is green, the cause is that food passes very quickly through the large intestine, so that the bile cannot be completely broken down. Read our article on green stool.
• White: the white color in the vast majority of cases indicates a bile duct obstruction, probably due to a stone. Read our article on white stools.
• Yellow: although the yellow color in the stool is not very frequent, it can occur. It is due to an excess of fat in the stools due to problems with the gluten protein.
• Black: if the color of the stool is black, it means that there is bleeding in the upper part of the digestive system, probably in the stomach.
• Red: and finally, the bright red color, which indicates bleeding in the lower part of the digestive system. Although it may be alarming, in the vast majority of cases it is due to the presence of hemorrhoids .

If you suffer from yellow diarrhea , it is important not to force a feeding. Remember that your digestive system must rest and compose itself. So, for a few days, eat foods that are soft and easy to digest, such as smoothies, creams, soups, or purees. Avoid spicy foods, as well as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.