What's Up with My Bowel Movements?!
For the last seven months, I've been dealing with IBS and stress-induced diarrhea, which has affected me approximately 75% of the time. Four months ago, I began to feel that experiencing diarrhea nearly every day, despite my IBS and stress, was not typical, prompting me to consult a physician. My doctor conducted a stool analysis, screening for common gastrointestinal issues and parasites, and the results were completely clear. After receiving the clean results, I kept hoping for my diarrhea to somehow resolve itself, yet it continues. Curiously, about a week following my doctor's visit, I started observing small yellow floating blobs in and around my stool. To be honest, they resemble worms or some sort of parasites, which really unsettles me, though the tests indicated otherwise. I'm feeling quite confused about this—any advice would be appreciated! To provide some additional details, I'm a 23-year-old female, standing at 5'10" and weighing 145 pounds. I typically practice intermittent fasting, consuming meals only in the evening with an average daily caloric intake of less than 1,600 calories. My exercise routine consists mostly of brief workouts, such as 20-minute runs or swimming sessions. My diet mainly includes convenient options like salads and sandwiches, but I do have a sweet tooth and usually indulge in a treat after meals.
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 3:21:03 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing ongoing difficulties with your bowel movements, specifically diarrhea and concerns about unusual stool appearance. Given your IBS diagnosis and the recent changes you've observed, it's understandable to feel unsettled. Let's break this down and discuss appropriate steps you can take.
Main Points
- Persistent diarrhea and changes in stool appearance can be concerning but often have manageable solutions.
- Your history of IBS and stress can significantly influence bowel habits, but work towards understanding your triggers and addressing dietary factors.
Explanation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) often causes diarrhea, and stress can exacerbate these symptoms. In your case, the presence of yellow floating blobs could relate to undigested food, excess fat, or a possible malabsorption issue, which does not necessarily mean you're dealing with a parasitic infection, especially since the stool analysis was clear. It’s important to monitor how diet changes influence your symptoms.
Next Steps
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Track Your Diet: Start a food diary to identify any specific foods that might trigger your symptoms. Look for patterns with particular meals or stress levels.
- Incorporate Probiotics: Consider adding a quality probiotic to your routine. Probiotics can help improve gut health and may relieve IBS symptoms.
- Balanced Meals: Ensure you're getting enough nutrients throughout the day by considering more diverse meals during your eating window rather than just relying on convenience foods. Including whole grains, lean proteins, and varied fruits/vegetables can help.
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Hydration and Fiber:
- Ensure you're drinking enough water, especially if experiencing diarrhea. It can help maintain hydration and support digestive health.
- Increasing dietary fiber slowly can help regulate bowel movements. Focus on soluble fiber sources like oats, bananas, and apples.
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Stress Management:
- Since stress appears to be a contributing factor to your symptoms, consider incorporating stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness practices into your routine.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Continue monitoring your symptoms for any changes or developments. If the floating blobs persist or new symptoms arise (such as severe abdominal pain, weight loss, or blood in stools), note these details and consider further evaluation.
By implementing these changes gradually, you'll begin to observe if there’s any improvement. It's important to listen to your body and adjust based on how you feel. Remember, managing IBS can be a journey—patience is key as you work on these adjustments. Feel free to reach out with questions or updates as you progress!
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