From the Research
Consuming excessive sugar can lead to foul-smelling diarrhea, as evidenced by the most recent study in 2021, which found that high doses of xylitol, a sugar substitute, can cause diarrhea and alter gut microbiota in rats 1. When you eat large amounts of sugar, your digestive system may struggle to absorb it all properly. The unabsorbed sugar then passes into your large intestine where gut bacteria ferment it, producing gases and acids that can cause diarrhea with a particularly unpleasant odor. This process, called osmotic diarrhea, occurs because sugar draws water into the intestines, resulting in loose stools. Certain sugars like fructose, lactose, and sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol) found in sugar-free products are especially problematic for many people. Some key points to consider include:
- The role of gut microbiota in preventing sugar alcohol-induced diarrhea, as shown in a 2021 study 2
- The impact of high sugar intake on the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory gut bacteria, as reported in a 2020 study 3
- The potential for sugar consumption to contribute to metabolic disease and obesity, as discussed in a 2016 review 4 If you're experiencing symptoms of foul-smelling diarrhea, try reducing your sugar intake, particularly from sweetened beverages, candy, and processed foods. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and consider keeping a food diary to identify specific triggers. If symptoms persist beyond a few days or are accompanied by fever, severe pain, or blood in stool, consult a healthcare provider as these could indicate a more serious condition. It's also worth noting that some studies have investigated the use of antidiarrheal drugs for chronic diarrhea, including loperamide, cholestyramine, and probiotics 5. However, the most effective approach is likely to be reducing sugar intake and managing symptoms through dietary changes.