OpenHealth Q&A

Stomach Pain and Diarrhea After Every Meal for Over a Month - A 22-Year-Old's Experience

I'm a 22-year-old male and I’ve been suffering from immediate stomach pain and diarrhea every time I eat for more than a month now. I haven’t experienced any vomiting or blood in my stool, nor do I feel nauseous; it's purely abdominal discomfort and frequent trips to the bathroom. The initial onset of the pain was excruciating. About thirty minutes after eating, I would find myself running to the restroom multiple times, often for up to five hours with persistent discomfort and loose stools. The pain is consistent, primarily localized in my abdomen, but oddly enough, it also radiates to my lower back every time. My diarrhea varies in consistency – sometimes I have slightly chunky stools, but often it’s as if I'm passing pure liquid. For instance, I had five instances today that fit this description. The coloration is also inconsistent. I suspect my dietary habits might be contributing to this problem. Since April 16th, I’ve adhered to a high-protein, almost carbohydrate-free diet, primarily eating chicken or beef cooked in a little oil, complemented by fruit, and only dining twice daily. I've completely avoided bread and only had a brief stint with rice. Could the absence of carbs be the culprit? I’m puzzled as to why these symptoms only began recently. After a few days of this discomfort, I consulted my physician who recommended trying Tums and a restrictive diet of just bananas, rice, and toast. At that time, I was hesitant to include carbs, which I now realize was misguided. I predominantly consumed bananas along with some other foods. I can’t confidently say whether the Tums had any effect, but I continued taking them for about a week. Additionally, I was prescribed a 50 milligram medication – the name of which escapes me now – to be taken for a week as a backup plan if dietary adjustments weren’t effective. On July 12th, the pain peaked, prompting a visit to the emergency room. I underwent blood and urine tests, both of which returned normal results. The nurses examined my abdomen but I didn’t exhibit any spasms or unusual reactions, which led them to rule out certain issues. They gave me a 100 milligram dose of the same medication from my doctor, but no CT scans were performed. The medical staff suggested it might just be a stomach virus, which could persist for around a week and advised me to go home. Following the prescribed medication and integrating rice back into my meals alongside my usual foods like bananas, I noticed some improvement towards the end of the treatment. While the pain wasn't entirely gone, it had lessened enough to manage. However, as soon as I completed the medication course, it seemed like the problem had resolved. Time passed, and while I had a few intermittent episodes of diarrhea, it largely subsided. That is until three days ago when the discomfort returned. This time, while the pain isn’t as severe as at its worst, it still interferes with my daily life and concentration. The diarrhea remains liquidy, similar to how it was previously. Just today, I ate a single meal after midnight – home-cooked chicken seasoned with a bit of oil and nothing more. Shortly thereafter, the familiar pain and diarrhea ensued, lasting until roughly 4:40 AM. I find myself frightened at the prospect of eating, dreading the inevitable return of discomfort. Yet, I recognize that I must nourish myself. The cycle feels hopeless. I truly need guidance and assistance with this situation.

Answers (1)

8/9/2025, 9:50:47 AM

OpenHealth AI

I’m sorry to hear about the persistent stomach pain and diarrhea you’ve been experiencing. Your concerns are valid, and it’s clear that this situation is affecting your daily life. Let’s break down what may be happening and what actions you can take to alleviate your symptoms.

Main Points

1. Your symptoms could be related to dietary changes, delayed gastric emptying, or possibly the development of a food intolerance or gastrointestinal condition.
2. It's important to reintroduce a balanced diet gradually while monitoring your body's reactions to specific foods.
3. Consider keeping a food and symptom diary to help identify patterns and triggers.

Explanation

Your experience of immediate stomach pain and diarrhea after meals, especially following a shift to a high-protein, low-carb diet, suggests that your digestive system may be struggling with this new food regimen. A lack of dietary fiber from carbohydrates can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea and discomfort, as fiber is essential for healthy digestion.

In addition, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food intolerances (like lactose or gluten intolerance) could be at play. The intermittent nature of your symptoms and the return after dietary changes also hint at underlying functional digestive issues.

Actionable Steps

1. Reassess Your Diet:

   • Gradually reintroduce complex carbohydrates into your meals, such as whole grains (brown rice, quinoa), fruits, and vegetables. Providing fiber can help regulate bowel movements.
   • Avoid potential irritants such as spicy foods, high-fat foods, and highly processed items until you identify what works for you.

2. Monitor Your Food Intake:

   • Keep a food diary to track what you eat and any symptoms that occur afterward. This can help you identify any specific food intolerances or triggers.

3. Consider Small, Frequent Meals:

   • Instead of large meals, try eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. This can sometimes ease gastric discomfort.

4. Increase Hydration:

   • Stay hydrated, especially when you experience diarrhea. Use electrolyte solutions if necessary to replenish lost fluids.

5. Potential Probiotic Use:

   • Incorporating probiotics (found in yogurt or supplements) might help normalize gut flora and improve digestive health.

6. Gradual Return to Normal Diet:

   • Once you stabilize, gradually incorporate a variety of foods into your diet to ensure you’re meeting all nutritional needs.

If your symptoms persist despite these changes, or if you encounter new symptoms such as vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or blood in your stools, it would be important to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional, as more specialized testing or consultations may be needed.

Reassurance

It’s understandable to feel anxious about eating due to the fear of discomfort. Taking a structured approach to your food intake can help you regain control over your situation. Trust that there are paths to find relief, and you’re taking the right steps toward improvement. If you need more guidance or support, feel free to ask.