A staged approach to diarrhoea & loose stool
Working through diet triggers methodically, especially after gallbladder surgery or for unexplained loose stool.
Pattern before change
A short diary of what you eat and how your gut responds — including medications and supplements — is usually the starting point, so any change afterwards is based on your own pattern rather than guesswork.
Common, gentle first steps
For some people, especially after gallbladder removal, reducing large fatty meals in favour of smaller, more frequent ones can help. Others find a short lactose-reduction trial useful. These are usually tried one at a time.
When it needs a proper look
Persistent, unexplained loose stool is worth a clinical work-up rather than ongoing self-management — there are specific, treatable causes your doctor can test for. Blood, weight loss, fevers or symptoms waking you at night are reasons to see your doctor promptly — see when to see your doctor.
Sources: British Society of Gastroenterology chronic diarrhoea guidance · Canadian Association of Gastroenterology bile acid diarrhoea guideline
Reviewed by Dr Sivasuthan, 8 July 2026
General gut-health education from your care team. It doesn't replace advice from your doctor or an Accredited Practising Dietitian — please talk to them about your own situation.