Did you know that bile acid diarrhea is one of the most under-recognized causes of diarrhea? On Instagram @AndreaHardyRD, I talk all about bile acid diarrhea – what it is, the symptoms, the diagnosis, and the treatment.

  • Image of @andreahardyrd Instagram post about bile acid diarrhea

Your gut: I’m the BAD guy …????⁠⠀
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Bile acid diarrhea is one of the most under-recognized causes of diarrhea. ⁠⠀
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Bile acids are produced in the liver, and stored in the gallbladder. ⁠⠀
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They’re released into your small bowel upon eating, to help in the digestion of fats.⁠⠀
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They’re SUPPOSED to be re-absorbed in the terminal ileum (the lowest part of the small bowel) before they reach the colon.⁠⠀
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If they aren’t, those sneaky bile acids make their way into the colon and irritate it, increasing water secretion.⁠⠀
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✅urgency?⁠⠀
✅watery loose diarrhea?⁠⠀
✅difficult to flush, oily, ⁠orange, green, or sometimes pale⁠⠀
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What to do about BAD?⁠⠀
????????‍⚕️ talk with your doctor to ensure you have the right diagnosis & understand the cause⁠⠀
???? a lower fat diet has been shown to help⁠⠀
???? I often find BAD overlaps with IBS, slowing down transit time by reducing osmotic FODMAPs has been helpful in my clinical practice⁠⠀
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Dietitians can help provide individualized care based on your symptoms and cause of BAD. (Our team @ignite.nutrition.inc is kind of awesome!)