Home Remedies for Loose Motion
By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more
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By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more
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Loose motions, often known as diarrhoea, are defined as loose, watery faeces (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
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, MD
The most common causes of loose motions include:
In case of mild loose motions, a person may experience symptoms like:
In case of severe loose motions, a person may experience symptoms like:
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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:
Cooking apple with ghee, a pinch of cardamom and nutmeg and consuming this mix is helpful for the management of loose motions.3
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
Eating cooked rice with yoghurt with ghee is also helpful for dealing with loose motions.3
Mixing equal parts of water and yoghurt with freshly grated ginger is helpful for the management of loose motions.3
Consumption of ginger powder and raw natural sugar with warm water is helpful for the prevention of loose motions.3
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
Chewing a mixture of fennel powder and ginger powder two to three times a day is a helpful remedy for loose motions.3
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
Also Read: Drinks That Make You Pass Stools Immediately: A Guide to Digestive Health
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
Also Read: Worst Foods For Diarrhoea: A Comprehensive Guide To Consume Wisely
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
Loose motion is characterised by the emission of loose and watery stools three or more times in a single day.1
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
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
Yes, ginger tea is good for loose motions. Ginger tea can relieve cramps and pain associated with loose motions.3
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.
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.
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.
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
3. Lad V. The Complete Book of Ayuvedic Home Remedies. Three Rivers Press, New Work, 1999; Pg No. 161. Available from: https://ia802808.us.archive.org/21/items/TheCompleteBookOfAyurvedicHomeRemedies/The%20Complete%20Book%20of%20Ayurvedic%20Home%20Remedies.pdf
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Last updated: Mar 19, 2024
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