What To Do About Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea can be a sign of underlying health issues such as chronic enteritis or chronic pancreatitis. In cases of chronic pancreatitis, a deficiency in pancreatic enzymes can lead to fat malabsorption and result in oily, foul-smelling stools. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, chronic diarrhea is often linked to spleen deficiency, kidney deficiency, or liver qi stagnation.

Spleen Deficiency and Diarrhea

One common TCM diagnosis is spleen deficiency diarrhea. Individuals with this condition often experience loose stools after consuming greasy or rich foods. The digestive system becomes sensitive and unable to properly process certain foods. A recommended herbal remedy for this condition is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, a well-known formula that helps strengthen the spleen and improve digestion.

Kidney Deficiency and Early Morning Diarrhea

Another condition known as kidney deficiency diarrhea, or "Five A.M. diarrhea," typically occurs between 5 and 6 A.M. Patients often wake up urgently needing to use the bathroom and may also experience symptoms such as lower back and knee pain, cold limbs, and fatigue. This pattern is often referred to as spleen-kidney deficiency and is commonly treated with Si Shen Wan, a classical herbal formulation designed to warm the kidneys and consolidate the intestines.

Stress-Related Diarrhea and IBS

In some cases, chronic diarrhea may be related to emotional stress and is often diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In TCM, this is described as liver qi stagnation affecting the spleen, leading to sudden urges to defecate that are difficult to control. Stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms, but with proper emotional regulation, improvement is possible. A traditional herbal formula known as Tong Xie Yao Fang is often used to treat this type of diarrhea by soothing the liver and strengthening the spleen.

If chronic diarrhea persists, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions and explore both conventional and complementary treatment options.