As we age, our bodies become less efficient at breaking down and digesting certain foods. This can lead to diarrhea from food intolerance, a common problem in the elderly. There are a few possible causes of this intolerance. The elderly may be taking medications that interact with food. Their bodies may not produce enough enzymes to break down certain foods. And the aging process itself can make it more difficult to absorb nutrients from food.

Identify The Triggers 

If your loved one is experiencing diarrhea from food intolerance, you can do a few things to ease the symptoms. Try to identify which foods are causing the problem and avoid them if possible. You can also talk to their doctor about medications that may help improve digestion or absorption.

In some cases, food intolerances can be managed by changing their diet. If you suspect a particular food is causing diarrhea, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve. Notice how their body reacts after eating certain foods and note any patterns. 

If you're struggling to identify which foods are causing problems, talking to a doctor or a registered dietitian can be helpful. They may guide changing their diet or recommend other treatments that can help. 

Ensure They're Hydrated

With age comes a greater risk of developing food intolerance and, as a result, diarrhea. While this may be an embarrassing topic, it's important to be open with your elderly loved ones about their bathroom habits. Here are some causes and treatments for diarrhea in the elderly caused by food intolerance.

Dehydration is a common side effect of diarrhea, so it's important to ensure your elderly loved one drinks plenty of fluids. Clear liquids like water or broth are best if they're also experiencing nausea or vomiting. Avoid sugary drinks like fruit juice or soda, as they can worsen diarrhea. It's also important to make sure they're getting enough rest. Diarrhea can be exhausting, so help them out around the house and let them take naps when they need to. 

Medicare And Hospitalization

As many Americans age, they begin to experience different food intolerances. For some, this may mean a trip to the hospital. But does Medicare cover hospitalization for diarrhea from food intolerance?

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), effective August 5, 1985, cytotoxic leukocyte tests for food allergies are excluded from Medicare coverage because the available evidence does not show that these tests effectively diagnose or treat patients with food allergies. However, other ways to test for food allergies are covered by Medicare. 

Treatments for Diarrhea From Food Intolerance in The Elderly

For elderly people, diarrhea caused by food intolerance can be extremely uncomfortable and may lead to dehydration. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for this problem, there are treatments that can help.

• Probiotic supplement. Probiotics contain live bacteria that help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. They can also help reduce inflammation.
• Eat more soluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and helps to bulk up stools. Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, barley, and citrus fruits.
• Finally, it’s important to stay hydrated when you have diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day to prevent dehydration. 

Conclusion

As we age, our digestive system changes and becomes less able to tolerate certain foods. This can lead to diarrhea from food intolerance, a common problem in the elderly. However, there are effective treatments available. For example, probiotics can help restore normal gut flora and improve digestion. Antidiarrheal medications can also help reduce symptoms. And finally, making dietary changes such as avoiding trigger foods and eating more easily digestible foods can also help manage this condition.