There are several conditions that can cause lots of gas and loose stools. Some of the most common causes are:

• Food intolerances: An increase or change in the bacteria in the small intestine can cause excess gas, diarrhea, and weight loss. Certain high-fiber foods may cause gas, including beans and peas, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Sugar substitutes, or artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, found in some sugar-free foods and beverages may cause excess colon gas.

• Lactose intolerance: This is a common problem where a persons digestive system cannot digest lactose. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, abdominal distention (swelling), and nausea.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This is a GI (gastrointestinal) disorder with signs and symptoms that include abdominal pain, bloating, increased gas (flatulence), abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and food intolerance. People with IBS are more likely to have too many germs in their intestines, a condition called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). It can cause diarrhea that doesn’t get better, weight loss, and a lack of vitamins in the body.

• Infections or food poisoning: Viruses, bacteria, or parasites may cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to loose stools. Infections from viruses are the most common cause of loose stools. Bacteria are also responsible for foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Clostridium difficile.

• Chronic intestinal disease: Excess gas is often a symptom of chronic intestinal disease.

If you are experiencing persistent or severe gas or gas pains that interfere with your ability to function well in daily life, or if you experience any of these additional signs or symptoms: bloody stools, change in consistency of stools, change in frequency of bowel movements, weight loss, constipation or diarrhea, persistent or recurrent nausea or vomiting, you should talk to your doctor.