...

NYC’s Leading Integrative Health Care Center

Get Hormone eBook
Get Price Quote
Make an Appointment
Make an Appointment

Secretory Diarrhea

Home / Symptoms

Introduction: Why Secretory Diarrhea Needs a Holistic Approach

Secretory diarrhea is a condition in which the intestines secrete excessive amounts of water and electrolytes, leading to frequent, watery stools. Unlike osmotic diarrhea, secretory diarrhea does not improve when the triggering substance is removed. Instead, it often indicates an underlying issue such as infection, inflammation, or a disruption in digestive function.

At Patients Medical in New York City, we take an integrative approach to managing secretory diarrhea by addressing the root causes of digestive dysfunction and restoring overall gut health. We combine conventional medicine with natural therapies to promote lasting relief, improve immune function, and support digestive health.

We treat the whole person—not just the symptoms.

What Is Secretory Diarrhea?

Secretory diarrhea occurs when there is an increase in the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestines, often due to underlying infections, inflammation, or disease. Common causes of secretory diarrhea include:

  • Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections that trigger inflammation in the intestines.
  • Chronic conditions: Diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to chronic secretory diarrhea.
  • Hormonal disorders: Conditions like carcinoid syndrome and hyperthyroidism can increase intestinal secretions.
  • Medications: Certain drugs, such as antibiotics, can disrupt gut function and trigger diarrhea.

Unlike osmotic diarrhea, secretory diarrhea is not relieved by fasting or stopping the intake of a particular substance, and it can lead to dehydration if left untreated.

Common Symptoms of Secretory Diarrhea

The symptoms of secretory diarrhea can range from mild to severe, and include:

  • Frequent, watery stools
  • Abdominal cramps or discomfort
  • Fever and chills
  • Weight loss or inability to gain weight
  • Dehydration symptoms: such as dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue
  • Urgency to have bowel movements
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blood or mucus in stools (in severe cases)

If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Secretory Diarrhea?

Functional medicine focuses on uncovering the root causes of secretory diarrhea, including:

  • Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause secretory diarrhea. Common culprits include E. coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium difficile.
  • Chronic inflammatory conditions: Diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBS can lead to persistent inflammation and abnormal secretion of fluids into the intestines.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Disorders such as carcinoid syndrome and hyperthyroidism can trigger excessive fluid secretion in the intestines.
  • Medications and toxins: Overuse of antibiotics, antacids, or chemotherapy can disrupt gut function and increase secretion.
  • Gut dysbiosis: An imbalance of gut bacteria can contribute to chronic digestive issues, including secretory diarrhea.
  • Malabsorption disorders: Conditions like celiac disease can impair nutrient absorption, leading to increased secretion in the intestines.

Our integrative approach seeks to address these underlying factors and restore balance to your digestive system.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To understand the underlying causes of secretory diarrhea, we offer a variety of diagnostic tests, including:

  • Stool cultures to detect bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
  • Fecal calprotectin to assess inflammation levels in the intestines.
  • Comprehensive blood tests to check for nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, and infection.
  • Thyroid function tests to rule out hormonal imbalances such as hyperthyroidism.
  • Endoscopy or colonoscopy to evaluate the health of the digestive tract and check for signs of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • Hydrogen breath tests to assess for bacterial overgrowth or malabsorption issues.

These tests help us determine the exact cause of your secretory diarrhea and guide our treatment approach.

Integrative Treatments for Secretory Diarrhea

Our integrative approach to treating secretory diarrhea focuses on reducing inflammation, addressing infections, restoring gut health, and supporting overall digestive function. Here’s how we can help:

Nutritional Therapy

We develop personalized nutrition plans that promote gut healing and reduce inflammation:

  • Anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidant-rich foods.
  • Elimination diets to identify and remove food triggers, such as gluten, dairy, or processed sugars.
  • Gut-healing foods like bone broth, fermented vegetables, and prebiotics to restore gut flora.
  • Hydration support to replenish electrolytes and prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

We recommend evidence-based herbal remedies and supplements to support digestive function:

  • Probiotics to restore a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestion.
  • Slippery elm and marshmallow root to soothe and protect the intestinal lining.
  • Turmeric (curcumin) to reduce inflammation and improve gut health.
  • L-glutamine to promote healing of the gut lining and reduce gut permeability.
  • Zinc and vitamin D to support immune function and reduce intestinal inflammation.

IV Vitamin Therapy

Custom IV treatments are an effective way to support your recovery and ensure you are getting the nutrients needed to restore gut health:

  • Vitamin C to reduce inflammation and boost immune function.
  • Magnesium and B vitamins to support digestion and improve energy levels.
  • Glutathione for antioxidant protection and detoxification.

Stress Reduction and Mind-Body Therapies

Since stress can exacerbate digestive symptoms, we offer therapies to promote relaxation and support gut function:

  • Meditation and mindfulness practices to reduce stress and improve gut health.
  • Acupuncture to support digestion and reduce inflammation in the gut.
  • Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha to reduce cortisol levels and support overall wellness.

Gut Health Optimization

Restoring a balanced gut microbiome is central to managing secretory diarrhea:

  • Probiotics and prebiotics to restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria and support digestion.
  • Digestive enzymes to aid in nutrient absorption and reduce strain on the digestive system.
  • Gut-healing protocols that include anti-inflammatory foods, herbs, and lifestyle changes to promote long-term healing.

Real Case Study: James’s Journey with Secretory Diarrhea

James, a 48-year-old man, had been experiencing chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain for several months. He had seen multiple doctors and was prescribed medications, but his symptoms persisted. After a thorough evaluation, we discovered that James had an undiagnosed gut infection and chronic inflammation due to an imbalance in his gut microbiome.

We designed a personalized treatment plan that included:

  • An elimination diet to remove triggers and reduce inflammation.
  • Probiotics and L-glutamine to heal the gut lining.
  • IV vitamin therapy for nutrient support.
  • Stress management techniques, including acupuncture and meditation.

After six weeks, James’s symptoms significantly improved, and he began to feel more energized and balanced.

Testimonials

“I had been suffering from chronic diarrhea for months. After working with the team at Patients Medical, I feel much better and have more control over my digestive health.”
P.L., 45, New York
“The integrative approach at Patients Medical helped me identify the root cause of my symptoms. My digestive health has improved significantly, and I feel more balanced overall.”
D.M., 50, Brooklyn
“I didn’t realize how much stress was affecting my digestion. The stress management techniques were a game changer for my recovery.”
J.C., 39,Queens
“I’ve been struggling with digestive issues for years. The team at Patients Medical helped me understand the root causes, and I feel much better now.”
S.K., 56,Manhattan
“The holistic approach worked wonders for me. My symptoms have improved, and I feel more energetic and focused than I have in months.”
R.W., 47,Bronx

Related Blog Posts

Explore these resources to learn more about digestive health and secretory diarrhea:

Frequently Asked Questions

Secretory diarrhea is caused by increased fluid secretion into the intestines, often due to infections, chronic diseases, or hormonal imbalances.

Recovery time depends on the underlying cause. With the right treatment, many patients experience improvement within weeks.

Yes, stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms by increasing inflammation and disrupting gut function.

An integrative approach focusing on diet, gut healing, probiotics, and stress reduction can significantly improve symptoms and restore gut health.

Yes, integrative treatments can complement conventional medications, and we work with your physician to ensure a coordinated approach.

Yes, foods that irritate the gut, such as spicy foods, dairy, gluten, and refined sugars, should be avoided. An elimination diet can help identify specific triggers.

Testing may include stool cultures, blood tests, and imaging to identify infections, inflammation, or underlying chronic conditions.

Yes, secretory diarrhea can be linked to conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and hormonal imbalances like hyperthyroidism.

While not all cases are preventable, maintaining a healthy gut, managing stress, and avoiding known triggers can reduce the risk of future episodes.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for reimbursement. Lab tests and certain treatments may be partially covered by insurance.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment

    Important Links

    Useful Links

    Useful Links

    Connect with Us

    Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest Instagram

    Copyright © 2025 Patients Medical. All Rights Reserved.

    All information presented in this website is intended for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of rendering medical advice. Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Patients Medical.

    This website may convey general information related to medical conditions, their research, testing, and treatment, and other health care topics. Any such information is provided for informational purposes only. You should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis and treatment.
    Seraphinite AcceleratorOptimized by Seraphinite Accelerator
    Turns on site high speed to be attractive for people and search engines.