What to Eat in Loose Motion - Do's and Dont's

Dealing with loose motion? It is also known as diarrhea, a hassle that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, foods, or various digestive disorders. The loose motion (loose stool) involves frequent bowel movements with thin or watery stools that may have a strong odor. While loose motion is a symptom rather than a disease, managing your diet can help you recover faster. Here is detailed information on what to eat in loose motion.

What is Loose Motion?

According to the best Internal Medicine specialist doctor in Gurgaon, Loose motion is defined as having three or more loose and watery stools a day. It is often indicated by symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, etc. The condition can be unpleasant and dangerous if left untreated.

How to Get Relief From Loose Motion

Loose motion can disrupt your daily routine and leave you feeling weak and uncomfortable. It is important to manage it effectively to prevent dehydration and promote quick recovery. Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. Taking ORS helps restore lost electrolytes and fluids, highly effective in preventing dehydration.

What to Eat in Loose Motion?

Experiencing loose motions can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Choosing the right foods can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. Here are helpful tips on what to eat during loose motion:

1. BRAT Diet:

• Bananas: These are rich in potassium and easy to digest, making them a great choice for replenishing lost nutrients.

• Rice: Plain white rice is bland and binding, helping to firm up stools.

• Applesauce: Applesauce provides pectin, a type of soluble fiber that helps absorb excess water in the stool.

• Toast: Plain toast or crackers can help settle your stomach and provide necessary carbohydrates.

2. Cooked Vegetables: Steamed or boiled vegetables such as Carrots, Potatoes, and Pumpkins are gentle on the digestive system and provide essential nutrients without irritating.

3. Lean Proteins: Boiled Chicken and Tofu are light and easily digestible proteins that help maintain strength without upsetting your stomach.

4. Yogurt: Plain yogurt containing probiotics helps restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, aiding in recovery.

5. Herbal Teas: Chamomile or Peppermint Tea has soothing properties that can help calm the digestive tract and reduce discomfort.

What to Avoid in Loose Motion?

1. Dairy Products: Lactose can be hard to digest during diarrhea and may worsen symptoms, especially if you are lactose intolerant.

2. Spicy and Fried Foods: Curries and fried snacks can irritate your digestive system and make loose motion worse.

3. High-Fiber Foods: The high- fiber foods such as Whole Grains, Beans, and Raw Vegetables can increase stool bulk and further irritate your digestive tract.

4. Sugary Foods and Beverages: Sugary foods like candy, and sodas contain high sugar content and can draw more water into your intestines, worsening diarrhea.

5. Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, Tea, and Energy Drinks stimulate the intestines, which can increase bowel movements and make symptoms worse.

6. Alcohol: Beer and Wine can dehydrate your body and irritate your digestive system, making symptoms worse.

Things To Do When You Have Loose Motion

When you have loose motion, it's important to take certain steps to ensure a quick recovery and avoid complications.

First and foremost, stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions (ORS), is necessary to replace the fluids lost through diarrhea and prevent dehydration. Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can also be soothing and hydrating.

Maintaining good hygiene is equally important. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. This helps prevent the spread of infections that can cause or worsen diarrhea. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available, and ensure that your living environment is clean and sanitized to avoid further contamination.

Finally, take a rest. Resting allows your body to focus on fighting the infection or condition causing the loose motion. Minimize physical activities to conserve energy and promote healing. Proper rest, combined with staying hydrated and maintaining hygiene, will help your body recover more quickly. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult the internal medicine doctor near you immediately to ensure proper care and treatment.

Things Not to Do When You Have Loose Motion

When dealing with diarrhea, it's important to avoid certain behaviors and substances that can worsen symptoms or delay recovery. Firstly, maintaining adequate hydration is paramount. It's important to steer clear of over-the-counter medications without consulting a general physician, as they may interfere with your body's natural healing process or mask underlying conditions.

Secondly, Dietary choices play a significant role; avoiding spicy, greasy, high-fiber foods, dairy products, and caffeine can help relieve digestive discomfort. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided as it can further dehydrate the body and irritate the digestive tract, prolonging recovery.

Lastly, it's important not to ignore persistent symptoms. If diarrhea persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, fever, or signs of dehydration, seeking medical advice promptly is advisable to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Taking these precautions can help manage diarrhea effectively and promote a quicker return to health.

When to See a Doctor?

Knowing when to seek medical attention for loose motion is important to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications. Here are some situations in which it's advisable to see a doctor:

1. Persistent Symptoms: If diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days despite home remedies and dietary changes, it's a sign that there may be an underlying issue that needs medical attention.

2. Severe Symptoms: Loose motion accompanied by severe abdominal pain, cramping, or constant fever should be evaluated by a doctor. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection or condition that requires treatment.

3. Signs of Dehydration: If you experience signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark-colored urine, dizziness, or weakness, it's important to seek medical help immediately. Dehydration can be dangerous and may require intravenous fluids for proper rehydration.

4. High-Risk Individuals: People who are more weak to complications from diarrhea, such as young children, elderly adults, pregnant women, or individuals with weakened immune systems, should seek medical advice promptly if they experience diarrhea.

5. Recent Travel or Possible Food Poisoning: If diarrhea develops after recent travel to high-risk areas or after consuming potentially contaminated food or water, it may indicate a travel-related illness or food poisoning that requires medical evaluation and treatment.

6. Chronic Health Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing chronic conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or compromised immune systems should consult a doctor if they experience diarrhea, as they may be at higher risk of complications.

7. Medication Side Effects: If diarrhea develops as a known side effect of a medication you are taking, consult your doctor for guidance on managing symptoms or adjusting your treatment plan.

Conclusion: If you experience persistent or severe loose motion, signs of dehydration, or if you belong to a high-risk group, it's advisable to consult the general physician near you. Early intervention can help determine the underlying cause of diarrhea and ensure appropriate treatment to promote recovery and prevent complications.