Monsoon season brings respite from the sweltering hot weather, but it also brings a spurt in health woes, particularly digestive problems like loose motion and indigestion. The sudden change in weather with high humidity, stagnant water, and contamination makes a favourable environment conducive to the spread of infections that cause diarrhoea or loose motion. Acute loose stool generally settles on its own in a few days, but if it continues for more than a week it may indicate a serious health issue that needs prompt medical attention.
Well, home remedies can offer relief and speed up recovery for acute loose motion. Take this two-minute read to get an overview of causes, symptoms, and effective home remedies for managing this condition.
Causes
Some of the common factors that trigger loose motion include:
Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections are common causes of diarrhoea. Food poisoning, norovirus, and giardiasis are common examples.
Food Intolerance: Having foods that your body cannot properly digest, such as lactose or gluten, can lead to loose stools.
Medications: Certain medications, like antibiotics, can impede the natural balance of the gut microbiome and cause diarrhoea.
Digestive Issues: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis can result in chronic diarrhoea.
Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can usually impact gut function and lead to loose motions.
Dietary Changes: Sudden changes in diet, especially consuming high-fat or spicy foods, can cause digestive upset.
Symptoms of Loose Motion
- Frequent, watery stools
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Urge to have a bowel movement often
- Dehydration (in severe cases), which can cause dry mouth, excessive thirst, and dizziness
5 Effective Remedies for Loose Motion
Good Hydration
One of the key aspects of a loose motion cure is to stay well hydrated and prevent dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the sure-shot remedies to manage diarrhea. Even if it's a small sip, drink fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration and tiredness.
Additionally, you can try an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replenish fluid loss. You can buy formulated ORS drinks or make one at home using 1 litre of boiled warm water, 6 teaspoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Have plenty of water, herbal teas, clear soups, and non-fizzy drinks to maintain hydration Restrict alcohol and caffeinated drinks as they can aggravate fluid loss.
BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet, comprises bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, these foods are gentle on the tummy and can help firm up stools.
Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas help replace lost electrolytes.
Rice: White rice is easy to digest and can help bulk up stools. Ensure to have it as a porridge or plain.
Applesauce: Provides pectin, a soluble fibre that helps absorb excess water in the gut.
Toast: Plain toast without butter or toppings is bland and gentle on the stomach.
Also Read: BRAT: Discover How This Diet Plan Works To Ease Digestive Issues
Add Probiotics
Probiotics are good gut bacteria that help restore the natural balance of gut flora, which can be disrupted during diarrhoea.
Yogurt: Have plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures.
Probiotic Supplements are readily available in stores in the form of capsules or powders, these can help replenish good bacteria.
Limit Foods High in Fibre
It is important to cut down on the intake of fibre-rich foods to effectively manage loose motion. As fibre adds to stool bulk and speeds up bowel movements, leading to frequent loose motions.
Refrain from having whole grain cereals such as wheat bread, pasta, dried fruits and nuts, and fruits and vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and beans which can trigger a flare-up.
Get Rest
Frequent loose stools can make one feel exhausted and weak due to loss of fluids and electrolytes. Thus, getting adequate rest can give the system the needed time to recover well.
When to Seek Medical Help
Generally, most cases of loose motion resolve on their own with home care, it’s important to seek medical help if you experience any of the following:
Severe or persistent diarrhoea lasting more than 2-3 days
Dehydration,
High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
Severe abdominal pain or cramping
Blood or mucus in stools
Unexplained weight loss
Diarrhea after returning from travel to a developing country
( This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Approach to the Patient with Diarrhea and Malabsorption
Carol E. Semrad
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7152045/
Probiotics and diarrhoea management in enterally tube fed critically ill patients—What is the evidence?
Leanne Jack, ... Bala Venkatesh, in Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 2010
