Diarrhea
Diarrhea refers to the condition when people experience loose, watery, and frequent bowel movements. It is a common problem that can be a symptom of several other conditions and can also occur with nausea, abdominal distress, and weight loss. Although it is typically short-lived, persistent diarrhea can be a problem as it can indicate a more serious disease such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.
People with zinc deficiency are more susceptible to frequent bouts of diarrhea because zinc is one of the substances that keep the digestive tract healthy. When there’s a zinc deficiency, the gut is more prone to toxin-producing bacteria and enteroviral pathogens. These activate guanylate and adenylate cyclases, which are substances that stimulate chloride secretion. An excess of chloride in the stomach produces more gastric juices, which can irritate the bowels and cause diarrhea and possible dehydration. When a person has diarrhea, they will have a compromised nutrient absorption process, exacerbating their overall health condition.
Doctors advise people with zinc deficiency and diarrhea to take oral rehydrating solutions containing zinc, amylase-resistant starch, amino acids, and electrolytes to replace the lost nutrients.
