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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Diarrhea

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Diarrhea is a condition in which loose, watery stools are passed more often than normal.

What is going on in the body?

Diarrhea occurs when the colon or large intestine becomes irritated. This can be caused by many things, including infection, chemical toxins, inflammation, stress, or anxiety. The colon responds to this irritation in these ways:

The amount of water and mucus in the stool is increased.

The amount of water the colon reabsorbs from the stool is decreased.

The intestine empties the stools from the body more often.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Viruses cause most episodes of diarrhea. Other common causes are as follows:

a bacterial infection, such as traveler's diarrhea

certain medicines, including antibiotics

diet, including an excess of fruit or fruit juice

inflammatory bowel disorders, such as Crohn''s disease or ulcerative colitis

intestinal obstruction, or blockage, in the lower part of the bowel

irritable bowel syndrome, a condition in which the intestines are abnormally sensitive to stimuli

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