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Home Remedies for Loose Motion

By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more

Introduction

Loose motions, often known as diarrhea, are defined as loose, watery feces (stools). If the loose stools occur three or more times in a single day, the individual is considered to have loose motions.1 Loose motion can occur for various reasons, and they usually go away on their own after one to three days. However, you may need to go to the bathroom quickly when you have loose motions, which may occur more frequently than usual. Individuals may also feel bloated, have lower abdominal discomfort, and occasionally experience nausea. Although most occurrences of loose motions are self-limiting (they only last a certain amount of time), they might sometimes lead to severe complications.2  

Loose motions can result in dehydration (loss of water from the body), electrolyte imbalance (loss of sodium, potassium, and magnesium ions from the body), and kidney failure. The person suffering from loose motions loses water and electrolytes from the body through the stools. As a result, plenty of fluids is required to restore the electrolytes lost.2  

home remedies for loose motion

Did You Know?

  • Researchers estimate that about 179 million cases of acute diarrhoea occur in the United States each year. source: NIH
  • Diarrhoea kills around 525,000 children every year. source: WHO
  • Zinc supplements reduce the duration of a diarrhoea episode by 25%. source: WHO
  • Diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five. source: WHO

What Causes Loose Motions?

There are several sorts of loose motions, including acute (short-term), persistent and chronic (long-term) loose motions. The most common acute loose motions are one to two days of loose, watery diarrhoea. This type does not require treatment and resolves itself typically after a few days. Persistent loose motions are diarrhoea that typically lasts for two to four weeks. Chronic loose motions last for longer periods of time, such as more than four weeks.2 

Self-administering antibiotics during episodes of loose motions is a common but incorrect practice. In cases of viral infections, antibiotics may not be necessary. It is advisable to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment and adhere to the recommended dietary precautions.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

The most common causes of loose motions include: 

  • Viruses such as the flu, norovirus or rotavirus  
  • Food or water that is contaminated with bacteria or parasites
  • Drugs such as antibiotics, cancer drugs, and antacids that contain magnesium 
  • Diseases of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, such as Crohn’s disease 
  • Food intolerances (lactose intolerance)1
  • Malabsorption of food (poor absorption) 
  • Eating foods that upset the digestive system 
  • Radiation therapyAllergies2 

Symptoms of Loose Motions

In case of mild loose motions, a person may experience symptoms like: 

  • Loose or watery stools 
  • Nausea 
  • Urgent need to pass stools 
  • Bloating or cramps in the abdomen2 

In case of severe loose motions, a person may experience symptoms like: 

  • Dehydration 
  • Weight loss 
  • Fever 
  • Vomiting 
  • Blood in the stool 
  • Severe abdominal pain2 

Suggested Home Remedies for Loose Motions

To prevent dehydration, loose motions are treated by replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes. The individual may require medications to control the loose motions or treat an infection based on the disease condition. Adults with frequent bowel movements should drink water, fruit juices, sports drinks, caffeine-free sodas, and salty broths. Oral rehydration solutions should be provided to children with loose motions to restore lost fluids and electrolytes.1 Few of the home remedies that will help to stop loose motions safely and naturally are: 

1. Apple, Ghee, Cardamom and Nutmeg

Cooking apple with ghee, a pinch of cardamom and nutmeg and consuming this mix is helpful for the management of loose motions.3  

2. Bananas, Ghee, Cardamom and Nutmeg

Mixing of one or two bananas with ghee, a pinch of cardamom and nutmeg is helpful for the management of loose motions by binding stools as it is rich in potassium content.3  

3. Rice, Yoghurt and Ghee

Eating cooked rice with yoghurt with ghee is also helpful for dealing with loose motions.3 

4. Yoghurt, Ginger and Water

Mixing equal parts of water and yoghurt with freshly grated ginger is helpful for the management of loose motions.3    

5. Ginger, Sugar and Warm Water

Consumption of ginger powder and raw natural sugar with warm water is helpful for the prevention of loose motions.3 

6. Ghee, Nutmeg, Ginger and Natural Sugar

Consumption of a mixture of ghee, nutmeg, ginger powder, and natural sugar two to three times a day for two to three days is helpful for the management of loose motions.3 

7. Fennel and Ginger Powder

Chewing a mixture of fennel powder and ginger powder two to three times a day is a helpful remedy for loose motions.3 

8. Black tea, Lemon Juice and Cardamom or Nutmeg

Drinking a cup of hot black tea with a pinch of lemon juice and a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg will help in the management of loose motions.3 

When to Seek Medical Help?

The vast majority of mild loose motions situations do not necessitate medical intervention. These situations are self-limiting and resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention. The management of mild loose motions involves supportive therapy, which includes staying hydrated and eating bland diets. If you experience chronic loose motions, you should seek medical attention. For treatment of loose motions, consult a gastroenterologist (a doctor who treats digestive disorders). More severe types of loose motions may necessitate medical care.2 

Conclusion

Loose motions are characterised by the emission of loose and watery stools. If the loose stools occur three or more times in a single day, the individual is considered to have loose motions.1 Acute loose motions, persistent loose motions, and chronic loose motions are the three forms of loose motions.2 Simple home remedies that may help with loose motions include consuming fennel and ginger, powder, ginger, sugar and warm water, etc.3 If you have significant abdominal discomfort, vomiting, bleeding, or fever as a result of loose motions, you should see a gastroenterologist for proper treatment.2  

Also Read: Home Remedies For Gas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What are loose motions? 

Loose motion is characterised by the emission of loose and watery stools three or more times in a single day.1 

Are there any home remedies for loose motions? 

Yes, home remedies are available for loose motions treatment. Simple home remedies that may help with loose motions include consuming yoghurt, ginger and water, rice, yoghurt and ghee, etc.3 

What causes loose motions? 

Viruses, bacteria and parasites from contaminated food or water, food intolerances, medicines, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, malabsorption of food, radiation therapy and eating foods that upset the digestive system are the causative factors of loose motions. 1,2 

Is ginger tea good for loose motions? 

Yes, ginger tea is good for loose motions. Ginger tea can relieve cramps and pain associated with loose motions.3

How can I stop loose motion fast?

To stop loose motion quickly, focus on staying hydrated with clear fluids, follow a bland diet, including bananas and rice, and consider probiotics to restore gut balance. Avoid triggering foods, caffeine and alcohol, and get sufficient rest. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice promptly.

Is Loose Motion a serious problem?

Loose motion can range from mild to severe and is often a common symptom of gastrointestinal infections or food-related issues. In most cases, it resolves on its own without serious consequences. However, if accompanied by other concerning symptoms like dehydration, persistent high fever or blood in stools, it could indicate a more serious underlying condition and may require medical attention.

How long should loose motion last?

The duration of loose motion can vary depending on its cause and individual factors. In most cases, loose motion typically lasts for 1 to 3 days and resolves without medical intervention. However, if it persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by severe symptoms like dehydration or persistent fever, seeking medical advice is advisable to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Does banana stop loose motion?

Yes, bananas can help stop loose motion due to their pectin content, which adds bulk to stools and aids in firming them up. Additionally, bananas contain essential nutrients like potassium and electrolytes, which can help replenish lost fluids during diarrhoea. Including ripe bananas in your diet can be beneficial in managing loose motions.

References:

1. Medlineplus. Diarrhoea [Internet]. Last updated on: 2021 Jul 28. Available from:   https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html

2. Clinic C. Diarrhoea [Internet]. Last updated on: 2020 Apr 13. Available from:   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea#outlook–prognosis

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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