Loose motions or diarrhoea can be quite discomforting, disrupting our daily routines. Generally, loose motion is not a serious health problem that cannot be resolved with over-the-counter medication for loose stools (or, in more severe situations, with straightforward home remedies).
In addition to loose and watery stools, other signs of loose motion include abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating. So here’s everything you need to know about home remedies for loose motion and its causes:
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What Causes Loose Motions?
Lose Motions occur when the intestines cannot absorb nutrients from food, which is then passed as waste, undigested. Acute (short-term), persistent, and chronic (long-term) loose motions are among the various types of loose motions. One to two days of loose, watery diarrhoea is the most typical acute loose motion. This kind usually goes away in a few days and doesn’t require treatment. Diarrhoea with persistent loose motions usually lasts for two to four weeks. Longer durations of loose motions—more than four weeks—are experienced in chronic cases.
Home Remedies for Loose Motion
Let’s now explore home remedies for loose motions:
1. Rehydration
One of the immediate concerns with loose motion is dehydration. The body loses fluids rapidly, which can lead to weakness and other complications if not addressed promptly. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is crucial to combat dehydration. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and very hot drinks.
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2. Probiotics
Probiotics, often referred to as “good bacteria,” can help restore the balance in your gut. They can be found in aged soft cheeses, beet kvass, cottage cheese, dark chocolate, green olives, kefir, kimchi, and kombucha. It’s important to note that while probiotics can help, they should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and not as a standalone treatment.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a versatile home remedy for loose motion with numerous health benefits. ACV, derived from the fermented juice of crushed apples, contains acetic acid along with essential nutrients such as B vitamins and vitamin C.
One of its key attributes is its antimicrobial properties, which can help fortify the skin barrier and ward off infections. This feature can also make it effective against diarrhoea, as it can potentially neutralise harmful bacteria within the gut. Drinking a mixture of one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water can help alleviate loose motions.
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4. Ginger and Fennel
Ginger and fennel are revered for their medicinal properties, particularly for digestive ailments. Ginger, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, aids in soothing the digestive tract and can help as home remedies for loose motions. It can be consumed in various forms – as ginger tea, ginger ale, or even raw.
Fennel, on the other hand, is a potent carminative herb that aids in the expulsion of gas from the intestines, thereby reducing bloating and abdominal discomfort associated with diarrhoea. You can chew on fennel seeds after meals for quick relief, or steep them in hot water to make a soothing tea.
5. Sweet Lime
Juice from sweet limes or mosambi includes acids that are excellent in eliminating toxins from the digestive system. It relieves loose motions by assisting in the improvement of bowel movements and the removal of toxins from the digestive system. Sweet lime juice can be consumed 1-2 times a day together with lukewarm water. You may increase the health benefits and taste by adding a small amount of honey.
Indian gooseberries can help settle your stomach if you combine it with a very small amount of sugar. An easy and calming home treatment is to squeeze a little lemon juice into a cup of warm water.
6. BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet is a go-to remedy for many individuals dealing with diarrhoea or loose motions. The acronym stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are easy to digest, low in fibre, and can help make your stools firmer.
BRAT diets are recommended foods during diarrhoea as they help in firming up stool and replenishing lost nutrients. They are all easy to digest and provide much-needed energy. While bananas and applesauce are rich in pectin, rice acts as a binding agent, and toast, being bland, does not irritate the stomach.
The BRAT diet can be a useful tool in managing short-term diarrhoea. However, it’s worth noting that while these foods are gentle on the stomach, they don’t provide all the nutrients needed for a balanced diet. Therefore, it’s best to gradually reintroduce other foods as soon as your condition improves.
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7. Fenugreek Seeds
Because fenugreek seeds have antibacterial and antifungal qualities, they are also one of the common home remedies for loose motion and stomach pain. One can pulverise one or two teaspoons of dried fenugreek seeds. The fine powder can be taken every day in the morning on an empty stomach, combined with a glass of water. The discomfort and suffering brought on by the symptoms can be reduced by doing this for two to three days.
8. Herbal Teas and Rice Water
Herbal teas, particularly those made from chamomile or ginger, can soothe the digestive system. Similarly, rice water – the water left after cooking rice – can also be beneficial.
When to see a doctor
Most of the time, the symptoms of diarrhoea go away after 5-7 days. Diarrhoea can have various reasons, which a physician can assist cure. If loose motion lasts for more than a few days or does not go better with home remedies, people should get in touch with a doctor.
Diarrhoea is also a reason to visit a doctor for:
- faeces containing blood or pus
- fever symptoms of dehydration, such as intense thirst and dry mouth
- persistent diarrhoea
- diarrhoea at night
- considerable weight loss
- excruciating stomach pain
If diarrhoea does not go better in 48 hours, older individuals and young children who are more susceptible to complications should also consult a doctor.
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Conclusion
In most cases, loose motions are quickly rectified and may even just happen once. However, if the symptoms worsen and persist for longer than two to three days, they can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical issue. Home remedies for loose motion may not work any longer. For an accurate diagnosis of their illness, people should see their doctor as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Beato App does not claim responsibility for this information.
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