Digestive Issues: Frequent Hunger, Diarrhea, and Weight Concerns

Hunger, eating, diarrhea, frequent bowel movements without end?

Hello Doctor, I am a 21-year-old male student.
First, I would like to mention that I have an allergic constitution (many doctors have said this).
I often experience nasal allergies, such as a runny nose and nasal congestion, and I frequently catch colds for no apparent reason.
My symptoms are as follows:
1.
Increased Hunger: This has been the case for the past year.
I feel hungry approximately every 3 to 4 hours, with a strong sense of hunger.
My food intake is about the same as an average male, but I get hungry quickly.
For example, if I eat lunch at 12 PM, I am hungry again by 4 or 5 PM.
I almost eat a late-night snack every day, and if I eat around 10 or 11 PM, I feel hungry again by 2 AM, sometimes to the point where my stomach growls.
2.
Frequent Bowel Movements: I have at least two bowel movements a day, and sometimes as many as three or four.
The stools are normal in consistency and quite abundant.
I often think, "Wow! I feel like everything I eat comes out!" It’s really bothersome to have to go to the bathroom so often.
3.
Frequent Diarrhea: If I eat too quickly, I experience diarrhea.
Drinking cold beverages in the morning causes diarrhea, and I definitely have diarrhea if I drink milk on an empty stomach.
I also tend to have diarrhea when I’m nervous.
This has been a long-standing issue for me, similar to the points mentioned above.
P.S.
I am quite thin, measuring 178 cm and weighing 60 kg.
I wonder if my frequent bowel movements are causing me to not absorb nutrients properly, which is why I struggle to gain weight.
Could you please advise whether this is a gastrointestinal issue, a matter of my constitution, or a metabolic problem? Is there a way to resolve these issues? (The second and third points have been troubling me for several years.)

ack, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/07/22

Dr. Su Baojia reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

1.
Frequent hunger indicates rapid gastrointestinal digestion or the presence of gastritis.
2.
Increased frequency and volume of bowel movements suggest a functional disorder of the colon.
3.
Experiencing diarrhea after overeating, drinking milk on an empty stomach, or during periods of stress is a manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome.
4.
Your low weight may be due to gastrointestinal disorders causing malabsorption.
You should consult a gastroenterologist for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2004/07/22

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your digestive issues, frequent hunger, diarrhea, and weight concerns. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that you may be experiencing a combination of gastrointestinal issues and possibly metabolic factors that could be contributing to your overall health challenges.

Firstly, let's address your frequent hunger. Feeling hungry every 3 to 4 hours, despite consuming a normal amount of food, can be indicative of several underlying issues. One possibility is that your body is not effectively absorbing the nutrients from the food you consume. This could be due to malabsorption syndromes, which can occur in conditions such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or other gastrointestinal disorders. If your body is not absorbing nutrients properly, it may signal hunger more frequently as it seeks the nutrients it lacks.

Additionally, your description of having frequent bowel movements (2 to 4 times a day) and experiencing diarrhea can further support the idea of a gastrointestinal issue. Normal bowel frequency can vary widely, but if you are experiencing significant changes in your bowel habits, it is essential to consider factors such as diet, stress, and potential food intolerances. For instance, you mentioned that consuming cold drinks or milk on an empty stomach leads to diarrhea, which could suggest lactose intolerance or a sensitivity to cold foods.

Your weight of 60 kg at a height of 178 cm indicates that you are on the lower end of the weight spectrum for your height, which may be concerning, especially if you are trying to gain weight. The combination of frequent bowel movements and diarrhea could indeed lead to weight loss or difficulty in gaining weight, as your body may not be retaining the calories and nutrients it needs.

Given your symptoms, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a gastroenterologist, who can conduct a thorough evaluation. This may include blood tests, stool tests, and possibly imaging studies to assess your gastrointestinal health. They may also recommend dietary changes or tests for food intolerances or allergies, especially considering your history of allergies and frequent colds.

In the meantime, consider keeping a food diary to track what you eat and how it affects your digestive symptoms. This can help identify any specific foods that may trigger your symptoms. Additionally, focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can support your overall health and potentially improve your digestive function.

Lastly, managing stress is crucial, as stress can significantly impact gastrointestinal health. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise can help alleviate stress and may improve your digestive symptoms.

In summary, your symptoms warrant further investigation to determine the underlying cause. A healthcare professional can provide you with a tailored approach to address your digestive issues, improve nutrient absorption, and help you achieve a healthy weight. Remember, you are not alone in this, and with the right support and guidance, you can work towards better health.

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