Whether you’re experiencing chronic diarrhea, loose stools, urgency, abdominal cramping or bloating, there can be many possible contributing factors. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Matt Gowan, ND helps patients investigate their digestive symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan, including targeted testing when appropriate.

Why Patients Choose Us for Chronic Diarrhea Support

• 20+ years of digestive-focused clinical experience
• 4.9-star rating with 200+ reviews
• Special interest in gastrointestinal conditions
• Published research in digestive health
• Evidence-informed, individualized approach
• Collaborative clinic with 3 naturopathic doctors

What Can Cause Chronic Diarrhea?

Chronic diarrhea can have many possible causes, including:

• Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)

• Food intolerances, including lactose or fructose intolerance

• Celiac disease

• Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or microscopic colitis

• Persistent infections or post-infectious IBS

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

• Medication or supplement side effects

• Bile acid diarrhea

• Pancreatic or digestive enzyme insufficiency

• Thyroid conditions

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Our Approach to Chronic Diarrhea

Treatment should be based on your symptoms, health history and the possible underlying causes. Depending on your individual needs, our approach may include:

• Identifying dietary triggers
• Improving stool consistency and reducing urgency
• Supporting digestive function
• Addressing infections or bacterial overgrowth when appropriate
• Supporting the intestinal microbiome
• Addressing stress and the gut–brain connection
• Coordinating care with your family doctor or gastroenterologist
  

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Testing for Chronic Diarrhea

Depending on your symptoms and previous investigations, testing may include:

• Food sensitivity testing
• Celiac screening
• Inflammatory markers
• Stool testing
• Fecal calprotectin
• Breath testing

Some testing can be ordered through our clinic, while other investigations may need to be arranged through your family doctor or gastroenterologist.

When to Seek Prompt Medical Care

Seek medical attention if diarrhea is accompanied by blood or black stool, severe abdominal pain, fever, persistent vomiting, significant dehydration, unexplained weight loss or symptoms that repeatedly wake you during the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is diarrhea considered chronic?

Diarrhea is generally considered chronic when loose or watery stools continue for four weeks or longer. Recurring episodes may also warrant investigation.

Can IBS cause chronic diarrhea?

Yes. IBS-D can cause loose stools, urgency, cramping and bloating. However, other possible causes should be considered before assuming persistent diarrhea is IBS.

Can food intolerances cause diarrhea?

Yes. Lactose, fructose, sugar alcohols and other dietary triggers can cause diarrhea in some people. A structured elimination and reintroduction process may help identify meaningful triggers.

Can diarrhea continue after an intestinal infection?

Yes. Some people develop lingering urgency, loose stools or bloating after the original infection has resolved. This is sometimes called post-infectious IBS.

Do All Patients Require Lab Testing?

No. Not all patients require testing. We often begin with a relatively simple elimination of the most common problematic foods. If symptoms persist, this may be expanded into a more comprehensive elimination-and-reintroduction diet.

Some patients may consider food-sensitivity testing to help guide dietary changes and potentially save time, although it is not usually required. Stool testing may also be recommended when an infectious or inflammatory cause is suspected.

Get Help With Chronic Diarrhea in Guelph

If chronic diarrhea, urgency or loose stools are affecting your quality of life, we can help investigate potential contributors and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Appointments are available in person in Guelph and virtually throughout Ontario.