Home Remedies for loose motion

Overview

Loose motion or diarrhoea occurs when there is increased bowel movement, which can be watery and loose. Loose motion is common, and in most cases, it is not a serious problem. Loose stools last for about 1-2 days. It can be caused due to an E.coli infection or irritable bowel syndrome.

When a person has loose motion, they will have the urge to empty their faeces often in a day. They will end up running to the restroom more than three times a day.

Usually, loose motion can when occur people consume foods infected with gram-bacteria like Shigella dysenteriae, E.coli and gram-positive bacteria like Bacillus cereus. Bacillus cereus produces spores— these spores can survive at high temperatures.

Consuming foods contaminated with Bacillus cereus spores can cause nausea, vomiting, non-bloody loose motion, or diarrhoea.

Loose motion caused in children is mostly due to the infection with bacterial species like Shigella, Yersinia, Clostridium, Campylobacter and Salmonella. These bacteria produce enterotoxins that attach themself to the intestinal wall and invade the intestinal mucosa.

What causes loose motions?

Loose motion can be caused due to various reasons. Foods contaminated with bacteria or viruses can lead to diarrhoea. Sometimes, when foods are reheated to kill the contaminants—these microorganisms produce spores that can survive high temperatures. These spores, when consumed, can cause diarrhoea.

Allergies to food items can also cause diarrhoea. Food allergies can trigger a reaction that can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. These types of allergies can cause non-bloody watery stools.

Sometimes, even consuming a small amount of such allergic food can trigger a reaction. It also depends on the food type and the intolerance the person has towards a particular food. For example— certain people may be allergic to nuts, and if they consume them even in small amounts, it can lead to an allergic response.

People affected with intestinal diseases and disorders like Crohn’s Disease, Celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome are prone to such food allergies. They can get an allergic reaction which can lead to loose and watery stools.

Medications can also cause diarrhoea. People with constipation problems when they consume laxatives should be watchful about the dose intake. If a high dosage is taken, it can result in diarrhoea.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of diarrhoea are listed below.

• Bloating
• Loose stools
• Watery stools
• Bloody stools
• Urge to use the restroom due to bowel movement
• Nausea
• Always having a feel to excrete
• Fever and
• Weight loss

Suggested Home Remedies for Loose Motions

Diarrhoea can be common, and sometimes it can be a seasonal disease. Mild cases can be treated at home with the available food.

The foods that can soothe stomach pain and relieve symptoms of diarrhoea are listed below.

Apple, Ghee, Cardamom and Nutmeg

Apple, ghee, cardamom and nutmeg in combination can be an effective home food to treat diarrhoea.

Apple without pulp with the combination of ghee, cardamom and nutmeg helps to soften stools and, at the same time, stops loose stools. The fruit contains potassium which will help to restore the lost electrolyte. It also has sodium to some extent, so it treats loose stools.

Bananas

Bananas help to regularise bowel movements. Bananas are rich in fibre that is said to bulk the stools and improve bowel movement.

Bananas are rich in salts and water, which will give energy when a person has diarrhoea. Bananas help to stabilise the gut flora and fight inflammation.

Fennel and Ginger Powder

Fennel and ginger powder helps to ease problems related to the digestive system. The fennel and ginger combination helps to reduce inflammation and irritation in the stomach.

Fennel seeds water may help to purify the blood and remove any bacterial contamination, and flushes it out of the body.

Black tea, Lemon Juice and Cardamom or Nutmeg

Black tea is a diuretic and also helps to retain fluids in the body. Black tea has hydrating properties, which help to restore lost fluids. Lemon juice helps to boost gastric juice and improves digestion.

Rice

Rice with yoghurt or dried mangoes helps to thicken the loose stools. Dried mangoes contain high fibre, which adds weight to loose stools. It also aids digestion.

Applesauce

Applesauce is a better choice for diarrhoea. Also, consuming apple sauce helps to prevent constipation.

Toast

Bread toast will help to tighten the stools. But consuming too much bread toast can lead to constipation or a feeling of nausea.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a perfect choice for diarrhoea. Probiotic foods like curd and kefir can help with diarrhoea. Sometimes, taking live probiotics can aggravate diarrhoea symptoms. So it is advised to take live probiotics after consulting your doctor.

Ginger, Sugar and Warm Water

Ginger water with sugar can alleviate diarrhoea symptoms. Add some freshly grated ginger to boiling water. Sugar is optional. Drink the fluid after it cools down. This will help to mitigate the symptoms of diarrhoea.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea soothes your digestive system and helps relax the digestive tract. It also treats problems like gas, indigestion and vomiting.

Cumin

Add cumin to boiling water and then drink it. This will keep you hydrated and reduces the frequency of loose stools.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory properties that treat digestive problems. It also contains polyphenols that will have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Oat Bran

According to NCBI, it reported that it effectively treats diarrhoea in people affected with HIV. After two weeks of administration, it is reported that 84% of cases had a reduced frequency of loose stools.

Follow a B.R.A.T

B.R.A.T diet stands for banana, rice, applesauce and toast. These foods are bland and soft, which will not load your digestive system. These foods will not upset your stomach further and reduce the symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

When to consult a doctor?

Consult your doctor if you have such symptoms.

• If the diarrhoea does not stop within a day.
• Black or tarry stools.
• Blood or mucous in stool.
• High fever with diarrhoea.
• Nausea and vomiting that causes dehydration.
• Abdomen and stomach pain and
• Diarrhoea after travelling or visiting a foreign country.

Conclusion

Diarrhoea or loose motion is a common digestive problem. It can be caused when consuming foods contaminated with viruses or bacteria.

When you have symptoms of diarrhoea, avoid consuming spicy and oily foods. This might load your digestive system. Drink more water to keep yourself hydrated and consume light foods to avoid overloading.

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