Loose Motion Symptoms: Top 5 Home Remedies for Diarrhea

Diarrhea or loose motion is one of the most common and frequent digestive problems. One of the most common causes of loose motion is viral gastroenteritis or intestinal flu [1]. It usually lasts for a few days and is often resolved with help of antibiotics. Apart from medicines, you can also try home remedies for diarrhea. Having a BRAT diet, fluids, and ginger are some known home remedies for loose motion. Read on to know about 5 effective remedies for diarrhea.

Stay hydrated 

Staying hydrated is a vital diarrhea treatment for adults and children. Loose motion can lead to a deficit of fluids in your body. This deficit results in your body losing electrolytes such as chloride or sodium. This is why, restoring fluid in your body is essential for treatment and recovery. Drinking adequate water is the first step to recover from loose motion.

You can create a rehydrating drink by mixing 6 teaspoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt into 1 liter of water. Adding these two components helps your intestine absorb fluids. Alternatively, if you have mild symptoms, you can drink OTC hydrating solutions or sports drinks to restore fluid [2]. Be sure to avoid drinks that may further irritate your digestive tract. These drinks include 

• Alcohol
• Carbonated drinks
• Extremely hot beverages
• Caffeinated drinks

Additional Read:  How Does ORS Help and When is ORS Day?

Have a BRAT or recovery diet 

BRAT diet is one of the common remedies for diarrhea. The diet comprises of banana, rice, apple sauce, and toast. It includes bland foods that are high in starch and low in fiber. They help you to have a more solid bowel movement. This diet also consists of pectin and potassium which are good for your digestive tract. Keep in mind that BRAT is not a balanced diet and you should follow it only till the time you feel better.

Other than a BRAT diet, you can also change your diet for better recovery from loose motion. You can try eating foods that are 

• Rich in pectin 
• High in potassium 
• Filled with electrolytes 
• Cooked and soft

You can also try having a liquid diet at the start to help settle your digestive tract. Bland soups, drinks, or salty broths are effective loose motions remedies.

Include more probiotics 

Probiotics are sources from where your body can get good bacteria. These bacteria help create a healthy gut and fight infections. Probiotics can significantly shorten your recovery period from loose motion. They are also one of the safe remedies for diarrhea [3]. 

Some foods that contain probiotics or live microorganisms are  

• Dark chocolate 
• Kimchi 
• Kefir 
• Yogurt 
• Pickles
• Cottage cheese
• Aged soft cheese
• Green olives 

You can also consume probiotics in the form of pill or powder.

Drink tea  

Wondering how to stop loose motion with tea? Drinking chamomile tea can be an effective remedy for your concern. Chamomile flower extract, coffee charcoal, and tree resin can help in treatment of acute diarrhea [4]. Their anti-inflammatory properties will help relax your muscles. They also help reduce pain from spasms and cramps.

Apart from them, drinking lemongrass tea is also one the effective diarrhea remedies for adults.

Eat ginger 

Ginger is one of the traditional diarrhea remedies for adults. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient that can help relieve many digestive problems, including loose motion. Some of the popular ways to treat loose motion with ginger is drinking ginger tea or ginger ale.

Foods to avoid when you have loose motion 

There are certain foods that are not good for your digestive tract during loose motion. Other than this, consider avoiding foods that are high in fiber and may lead to bloating. Common foods that you should avoid during diarrhea are 

• Beans 
• Broccoli 
• Cabbage 
• Cauliflower 
• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Milk
• Berries

Additional Read: Ginger For Immune System

If you have tried the above remedies and still have loose motion, talk to a doctor immediately. Persistent diarrhea can also be a sign of a health condition such as 

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 
• Celiac disease 
• Inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD)

Book an in-clinic or online doctor consultation appointment on Bajaj Finserv Health. With the help of top practitioners, you can learn how to get rid of diarrhea. You can also get answers for different health conditions such as herpes labialis, which is a rare cause of loose motion. The doctors can also help you know about contact dermatitis treatment or blisters treatment as they may come along with loose motion. You can also select a test package to stay on top of your health. Also browse through Bajaj Health Insurance Policies and get yourself covered with a suitable Bajaj Health Insurance Plan.