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What Causes Diarrhea Inspite Of Having Atkins's Diet?

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Posted on Tue, 15 Apr 2014
Question: My son has been on the XXXXXXX diet for about 2-3 months. As of today (3-26-14) he has developed diarrhea that has persisted for about 4 days. I don't know if there is any connection. He has not been out of the country. He has not been in an environment where it might be possible to pick up a GI "bug" (no hospitals, nursing homes, pt care facilities etc.). In the last few days he has eaten chicken livers and also bacon (both possibly under-cooked. When he feels the urge to have a bowel movement, it is no longer productive. I think he has pretty much been cleared out. I have encouraged him to drink plenty of fluids (ginger ale, seltzer, water etc.). I have suggested to him that his body may not be able to tolerated a diet high in protein and fat and low in carbs. There is a family history of colitis, stomach cancer and gall stones (grandparents only). Is there an over the counter medication that might help? (He was laid off and no longer has any health insurance). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Following causes to acute diarrhea... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through the medical history of your son and feel sorry for the situation he is in. You are reporting that hes has been on Atkins's diet for about 2-3 months, but developed diarrhea only the last 4 days. According to your reports, it is not related to Atkins's diet he is following. There are 2 main factors causing acute diarrhea: - changes in his diet (new foods introduced, expired or bad foods) - any new drug he has been prior to diarrhea - GI "bug" (any family member or friend visiting him might have had cold/flu symptoms) I advise to be careful with foods he is eating and the way of cooking and to take: - OTC tasectan to stop diarrhea - OTC O.R.S. to prevent dehydration - OTC probiotics to normalize his intestinal flora If the diarrhea won't stop or symptoms will get worst within a few days, then, should contact his doctor for further evaluation and specific treatment. Hope it helped! Let me know if you need further assistance! Wish fast recovery to your son! Dr.Albana
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7300 Questions

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What Causes Diarrhea Inspite Of Having Atkins's Diet?

Brief Answer: Following causes to acute diarrhea... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through the medical history of your son and feel sorry for the situation he is in. You are reporting that hes has been on Atkins's diet for about 2-3 months, but developed diarrhea only the last 4 days. According to your reports, it is not related to Atkins's diet he is following. There are 2 main factors causing acute diarrhea: - changes in his diet (new foods introduced, expired or bad foods) - any new drug he has been prior to diarrhea - GI "bug" (any family member or friend visiting him might have had cold/flu symptoms) I advise to be careful with foods he is eating and the way of cooking and to take: - OTC tasectan to stop diarrhea - OTC O.R.S. to prevent dehydration - OTC probiotics to normalize his intestinal flora If the diarrhea won't stop or symptoms will get worst within a few days, then, should contact his doctor for further evaluation and specific treatment. Hope it helped! Let me know if you need further assistance! Wish fast recovery to your son! Dr.Albana