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What to eat while loose motion?
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Digestive Health
Question #11813
45 days ago
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What to eat while loose motion? - #11813

Agastya

I am honestly freaking out a bit. I've had this awful loose motion for the past two days, and it feels like my stomach just won't settle down. I had pizza (yeah, I know, dumb choice) on Saturday night, and then boom, the next day it hit me like a ton of bricks! Since then, I can't really keep anything down. I tried bananas thinking they would help, but honestly, I don't even know what to eat while loose motion anymore. I keep hearing different things from friends and family—some say rice, others say toast. Like, which is it? Do I really need to stick to super bland stuff? I wish I could just eat some comfort food but I feel like every time I try something new, my tummy just protests. Plus, I’m supposed to have a big family dinner this weekend, and I'm worried about what to eat while loose motion for that! It's frustrating not knowing if I should be drinking more fluids, or if adding some protein is okay. Can anyone help me figure out what to eat while loose motion and maybe what I should definitely avoid? I'd really appreciate any tips or personal experiences you all have!

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Doctors’ responses

Loose motion, often referred to as diarrhea, can indeed be frustrating. When your digestive system is out of whack, focusing on simple, bland foods is the best way to give your gut a break. The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—is a popular choice because it’s easy to digest, but it’s not the only option. Consuming well-cooked white rice and plain toast can help as they are low on fiber, easing the workload on your intestines. Bananas are good because they contain pectin, a soluble fiber that can help absorb excess fluid in your intestine. Potassium in bananas also helps replenish the electrolytes lost during loose stools. Applesauce minus any added sugars can also be beneficial. Beyond BRAT, you might add in plain potatoes—boiled, without the skin, as another gentle choice. Clear broths and soups can help keep you hydrated and provide some essential nutrients. Steamed or boiled carrots and peeled apples, in cooked form, are also mild on the stomach.

Also, keeping hydrated is crucial, especially since you’re losing fluids. Plain water is good, but oral rehydration solutions or an electrolyte-rich sports drink can be better. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can exacerbate dehydration. You might want to stay away from dairy products, high-fat, greasy, and fried foods as well as spicy dishes for now since they often make symptoms worse. Once symptoms begin to improve, gradually reintroduce more regular foods into your diet, and monitor how you feel. Speaking of protein, lean proteins such as chicken or turkey (without skin), prepared plainly are generally okay once your stomach starts to settle.

If symptoms persist for more than a couple of days, or you experience high fever, blood in stools, or severe dehydration signs, it’s advisable to see a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions. Your upcoming family dinner might be a bit tricky—stick to bland options if symptoms are still present, or reschedule if possible. Remember, gradual reintroduction of foods can help you identify any particular triggers.

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