The answer to the query, ‘can stop smoking cause diarrhea’ depends completely on the smoker’s internal body mechanism. It is wise to first understand the main reason why smokers suffer from an upset stomach when they quit cigarettes.
When you smoke cigarettes, your entire body is ‘under the grips’ of the nicotine and other toxic chemical compounds emitting from the ‘highly addictive and harmful’ cigarette smoke.
Simply put, as time progresses and your cigarettes increase in their numbers, your body tends to get ‘accustomed to them’. It is somewhat similar to stepping out of your house wearing clothes. You cannot hope to walk out without them – can you???
Hence, the nicotine ‘clubbed with tobacco addiction’ tends to control your digestive mechanism. The moment you ‘quit smoking’, the entire machinery fails.
When that happens, diarrhea is just one of the many ‘adverse side effects’ you may suffer from. Nonetheless, not all smokers who have stopped smoking suffer from diarrhea (but a vast of smokers majority do).
So, why do most smokers suffer from ‘chronic stomach upsets’ when they quit smoking? Well, let’s find out!
Can Stop Smoking Cause Diarrhea Write-up Contents:
1) What is Diarrhea in Smokers?
2) How does a Smoker who has Recently Quit Smoking Realize that He is Indeed Suffering from Diarrhea?
3) Which Category of Smokers are Most likely to get Diarrhea when they Stop Smoking?
4) What is the Most Dangerous Side Effect that Smokers Suffering from Diarrhea after Quitting Smoking Face?
5) How Does a Smoker who has Recently Stopped Smoking Confirm that He is Indeed Suffering from Diarrhea?
6) How can a Smoker Cure Diarrhea after He Quits Smoking?
7) FAQs on Smokers Suffering from Diarrhea after Quitting Cigarettes
8) Takeaway
What is Diarrhea in Smokers?
Diarrhea in smokers is usually caused when they quit smoking. As I have explained in the above paragraphs, it is the nicotine dependency fortified with tobacco consumption that causes this unfortunate side-effect in smokers.
So, when a smoker’s digestive tract is deprived of it’s usually dose of nicotine, it tends to get jeopardized. When the digestive tract is compromised, issues related to poor digestion automatically crop-up.
Diarrhea is one such complication.
Usually, this digestive issue in smokers lasts a few days. Thereafter, the body automatically accepts the ‘lack of nicotine ingestion’ as normal.
The ideal symptom of diarrhea in smokers is loose stool that is usually discharged with lots of water. Smokers that have recently quit smoking also experience increased frequency of loose stool.
So, they end up spending a lot of time in the washroom. Ironically, if smokers do not tackle this digestive issue, it may lead to further complications.
Some of the most common ones include Irritable Bowel Syndrome and an Inflamed Bowel System.
How does a Smoker who has Recently Quit Smoking Realize that He is Indeed Suffering from Diarrhea?
Symptoms of diarrhea in smokers are not at all tough to comprehend. When you quit smoking and your normal digestive process is jeopardized then, it is a clear indicator that you may be suffering from indigestion.
Here are the most common symptoms of smokers suffering from diarrhea:
>>> Your stool may have increased in terms of its frequency.
>>> It is quite possible that you have watery stool.
>>> Stomach aches are very common as well. Shooting pain in the abdominal area followed by an urge to poop is quite common here.
>>> Smokers that have just stopped smoking may experience their belly area to swell way more than normal.
>>> When you poop, it is quite possible that you emit blood as well.
>>> Another indicator that a smoker is facing a stomach upset is the presence of mucus in the stool.
>>> Some smokers may experience high body temperature.
>>> Smokers that have stopped smoking may experience nausea and vomiting. This in turn is followed by a strong urge to poop.
Which category of Smokers are Most likely to get Diarrhea when they Stop Smoking?
An upset stomach is a side effect associated with quitting cigarettes. Nonetheless, it needs to be noted that some smokers escape ‘scott-free’ from digestive issues (despite quitting cigarettes).
So, why is there a disparity of sorts?
Well, this has a lot to do with the body mechanics and psychology of a smoker. As not all smokers are the same, they exhibit diverse side effects when stopping cigarettes.
If you are suffering from diarrhea post quitting cigarettes then, you need to ask yourself these questions:
Have You Suffered from Corona Virus Lately?
Regardless of how many cigarettes you smoke daily or for how long you have been doing so, a viral infection can negatively impact your health.
So while you may be super-healthy despite smoking a pack or more cigarettes daily, a simple viral infection can change your health statistics dramatically.
A few examples of the same include astrovirus, hepatitis and the deadly Corona virus. All these infections tend to adversely impact your digestive process.
I’ve (LeanandFit reviewer) found that Covid19 has been known to cause stomach upsets, indigestion and nausea. The current variant of corona virus (BA.2 and Omicron) causes complications in the gastrointestinal tract.
So, if you have suffered from Covid 19 and quit smoking, suffering from an upset stomach is normal.
Have You Recently Suffered from E.coli Infection?
Smokers that have just stopped smoking are bound to experience the withdrawal symptoms. One such side effect is lose-motions. Some smokers tend to experience an upset stomach in a much profound manner than others.
Do you know the reason why?
Apart from the digestive tract not getting its usual dose of nicotine (owing to you quitting cigarettes), a major reason behind your profound diarrhea is bacterial infections.
Even parasites such as roundworm, flatworm and tapeworms (in smokers) tend to cause severe infections in the gastrointestinal tract. Loose stools are simply opposite to constipation in smokers.
So, if you have suffered from E.coli or C. diff bacterial infections (before or during your quit smoking phase) then, extreme diarrhea is a part and parcel of the quitting process.
Are You Chewing Gum Way Too Often?
Smokers that chew gum have a tendency to contract gastrointestinal infections. This is owing to the high amount of sorbitol or mannitol that is present in gum.
When any food that a smoker consumes is laced with processed sugar or artificially processed sugar then, upsetting the stomach is quite normal.
Diarrhea is experienced at its full impact when smokers quit smoking and continue to consume food or drink items laced with artificial sugar.
Is Dairy Causing You to Poop way too Often?
Cottage cheese, milk, cheese and milk based products too tend to cause indigestion. If you are a smoker and you have issues digesting milk based products then, you need to avoid eating them (especially when you quit smoking).
Digesting milk and milk products may not be easy. This is especially true if you lack the enzymes needed to do so. Quitting smoking is going to adversely impact your digestion. So, choose a suitable diet plan to avoid such complications.
Was Your Gallbladder Removed?
If you are suffering from diseases native to the stomach that require surgery then, it is highly likely that you shall suffer from diarrhea.
Moreover, if you are suffering from Chron’s disease or colitis then again, an upset stomach when quitting cigarettes is fairly common.
Some smokers suffer from unwanted bacterial infection in their small intestines. Such infections of the intestines also lead to an upset stomach.
What is the Most Dangerous Side Effect that Smokers Suffering from Diarrhea after Quitting Smoking Face?
Suffering from an upset stomach is common in smokers quitting cigarettes. Within a week or a fortnight, most such issues related to gastrointestinal infections disappear.
Nonetheless, during this time, diarrhea in smokers may cause a ‘near fatal’ side effect. This is in the form of dehydration. Yes, diarrhea tends to sap the water reserves within your body.
When that happens, a smoker can even die. So, it is vital to recognize the signs that your body is demanding vital fluids for its survival.
Here is when a smoker needs to get cautious:
>>> If your lips are running unusually dry. It is also possible that the insides of your mouth too are dry.
>>> You may begin to feel faint. It is also possible that you may feel really tired without indulging in any sort of physical exercise.
>>> Another sign that your body is lacking in vital fluids is reduction in your urine frequency. You might be going to the washroom way less than normal to pee.
>>> The color of your pee also changes dramatically. It becomes unusually dark yellow in color. When your body is hydrated then, the color of your urine is usually transparent.
>>> Lastly, you may see ‘stars’ twinkling in front of your eyes. This is a sign of extreme tiredness and lack of fluids in the body.
How Does a Smoker who has Recently Stopped Smoking Confirm that He is Indeed Suffering from Diarrhea?
Realizing that quitting smoking has indeed caused an upset stomach is not at all a daunting task for a smoker. There is no rocket science needed to determine whether you have diarrhea or not.
Nonetheless, for a smoker who has just quit smoking, it is vital to determine the extent of damage caused by an upset stomach.
Here is how a smoker can analyze and confirm his present conditions:
The Good Old Poop Test:
This is perhaps the oldest and the most popular test for analyzing the extent of your upset stomach. The main reason behind your loose and watery stool is done via this test.
If you are suffering from a bacterial infection after quitting cigarettes then, the results of this test shall confirm this.
Biopsy of a Smoker’s Colon:
The second method is a bit advanced and definitely more accurate. Over here, a flexible tube is inserted via the rectum into the colon of the concerned individual.
A small camera is also attached to the tube. This permits the concerned doctor to take a complete view of the infected colon. Popularly known as colonoscopy, this method also allows the doctor to take a small sample of the colon tissue.
Endoscopy of the Smoker’s Upper Abdominal Area:
Another method is to take a small tissue from within the upper abdominal area. Preferably, a small tissue is pulled out from the small intestines.
This process is once again performed via a small flexible tube that is fitted with a camera. The doctor then views the entire stomach using the camera. The tissue extracted from the intestines of the smoker is sent to the lab for further evaluation.
Lactose Tolerance Test:
When you quit smoking cigarettes, your body is deprived of the regular uptake of nicotine. This missing nicotine level tends to jeopardize your digestive process.
If you are consuming dairy products after quitting smoking then, it is possible that your lactose intolerance issue is causing indigestion. So, a test to check your lactose intolerance is needed.
Here, you are asked to consume a liquid that is fortified with lactose. Your breath is then analyzed for hydrogen emissions. Excess hydrogen emission indicates lactose intolerance leading to diarrhea and vice versa.
Getting a Blood Test:
When you opt for a blood test then, a lot of insights within your body are unveiled. Your current health status (after you quit smoking) can be best judged via a blood test.
The blood test also reveals how well your kidney is functioning. The current level of electrolytes is also revealed in great detail via your blood test.
This is yet again an ideal way to ascertain the extent of your diarrhea post quitting cigarettes.
How can a Smoker Cure Diarrhea after He Quits Smoking?
Smokers may face an upset stomach when they stop smoking. Nonetheless, an upset stomach can soon flare into diarrhea. This is when you need to try and treat this condition at home.
Here are some tips to combat diarrhea at home:
Maintain Optimal Hydration Levels:
For a starter, you need to replenish your body with vital fluids. So, drink lemon juice, water, fresh juices etc. The basic aim here is to maintain optimal hydration levels of the body.
When you are aiming at drinking water then, it should be warm. Moreover, juices need to be those that can be easily digested by your system. For example, sugarcane juice and sweet lemon are ideal choices for smokers with an upset stomach.
Replace Good Gut Bacteria with Bad Gut Bacteria:
Another method is to replace unhealthy bacteria in the gut with healthy bacteria. This can be done via the aid of including probiotic drinks in your diet.
Curd and yogurt is excellent for an upset stomach. So, you can consume these without a fuss. You can even consume special drinks that are fortified with healthy bacteria. These can be taken daily for a few weeks to avail best results.
Be Careful of What You Eat:
Consuming a healthy diet is a one of the most suitable ways to get cured quickly. Simply put, you should consume a diet that comprises of both liquid as well as semi-solid foods.
Ideal diet is fresh fruits such as a banana. You can also consume white rice with curd. You should avoid fried foods. Avoid processed and ready-to-eat meals. Tea and coffee should ideally be avoided.
FAQs on Smokers Suffering from Diarrhea after Quitting Smoking
Q-1: Why did I Get Diarrhea after I Quit Smoking?
A-1: There could be a myriad of reasons why you suffered an upset stomach when you quit smoking. The biggest reason (by far) is the lack of nicotine being consumed by the body as you have quit smoking.
As your digestive system is used to nicotine laced with tobacco, lack of this addictive substance causes indigestion. So, either you start to smoke again or wait for a few days for your digestion to adjust itself to the new environment (that is free from cigarettes).
Q-2: What Prior Health Conditions can Trigger Diarrhea in Smokers that have Quit Cigarettes?
A-2: Your underlying medical condition could also be a reason behind you developing diarrhea after quitting cigarettes. Some of these include but may not be limited to lactose intolerance, surgery of the abdominal area, bacterial infection, parasite infection, side effects to medications etc.
Q-3: Is Diarrhea after Quitting Cigarettes a Permanent Fixture?
A-3: No, it is simply a temporary phase wherein the body needs time to adjust itself. So, within a few days (usually less than a fortnight) should be sufficient to witness a dramatic change in your digestive health.
When you stop smoking, nicotine laced with tobacco stops entering your digestive tract. As your digestion is dependent on these ingredients, the lack of nicotine simply jeopardizes the digestive process.
Q-4: What is the Best Way to Treat Diarrhea when I Quit Cigarettes?
A-4: An upset stomach is a side effect of quitting cigarettes. While some smokers may escape this side effect, most would face an upset stomach the moment they quit smoking.
Making healthy lifestyle changes is an ideal way to treat indigestion in smokers. To start with, opt for mild medicines fortified with probiotics to treat your stomach.
Changes in diet plan are also necessary. Avoid consuming foods that are deep fried. Processed as well as ‘ready-to-eat’ meals should also be avoided. Consume semi-liquid diet to kick-start your sluggish digestive process.
Q-5: What is an Ideal Diet when Suffering from Smoker’s Diarrhea?
A-5: In order to heal a smoker’s diarrhea, you should consume a liquid diet. Juice of sweet lemon and sugarcane is suggested. You should then proceed to a semi-solid diet.
This should consist of curd and boiled potatoes. You may also include rise and curd in your meals. If you feel better then, include rice and lentil into your meal plans.
Q-6: I am Suffering from Diarrhea the Day I Quit Cigarettes. It’s been 4 Days Now. Do I Need to See a Doctor?
A-6: Indigestion is fairly common when you have stopped smoking. Nonetheless, paying a visit to the doctor happens when your condition remains the same even after a week has passed.
So, visit a gastrointestinal specialist when your indigestion refuses to heal despite a week having passed. Nonetheless, first try and control your diet. Avoid fried and processed foods and include curd, boiled potatoes and bananas to your diet.
Q-7: What is the Best OTC to Cure Diarrhea when I Stop Smoking?
A-7: Ideally, you should try to treat indigestion by controlling your diet. Eat less spicy foods and avoid fried and processed foods. Curd, yogurt, rice and water are best suggested for treating indigestion.
If your indigestion is not getting treated then, opt for OTC medications. The most common is Imodium. You can also buy probiotic capsules to improve your gut health. For more advanced medications, consult the doctor.
Takeaway
Diarrhea is a side effect of quitting cigarettes. It is not as harmful as some may consider it to be. Nonetheless, taking diarrhea lightly is also a wise.
If left untreated, an upset stomach can cause severe health complications in smokers. Dehydration is the main culprit behind health complications in smokers.
Drink lots of water and consume an (easy to digest) diet. Avoid spices, fried foods, processed foods and ready-to-eat items. Opt for curd, banana, toast and fresh juices instead.
If a week has passed and your digestion is unstable despite making healthy lifestyle changes then, consult a doctor. Usually, a smoker’s digestion shall become normal within a week (or maximum 10 days) of quitting smoking.
>>>Is Diarrhea Keeping You Awake All Night Long??? Here is How to Treat it at Home!<<<
References:
- https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/11/15/quitting-smoking-could-lead-to-major-changes-in-gut-bacteria