Loose motion cure at home - #11815
I am trying to figure out what to do about my constant loose motion problem. It started a few days ago after I had some street food, which I thought was a bad idea but didn’t think it would hit me this hard. I had this sudden urge to go, like a bathroom run every few minutes, and it's been really disruptive! I read about various home remedies and I’m searching for the best loose motion cure at home. I tried ginger tea, but it didn’t seem to do much. I know bananas can help but how many should I really be eating? Is there anything specific I should be avoiding? The internet talks abount rice water being good for loose motion cure at home, but is that true, or are there better options? I'm a bit worried, especially since I'm scheduled to travel for work next week. I can’t afford to be caught off guard with this! Are there other effective loose motion cures at home I haven’t heard about? Also, does anyone know if probiotics could actually help with loose motion? Struggling to focus and I just wanna feel normal again!
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Doctors’ responses
Given your description, it sounds like your loose motion is likely due to a stomach bug from contaminated food, possibly an infection like gastroenteritis. In these cases, staying hydrated is crucial. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are effective, but you can make a simple alternative with a pinch of salt and sugar in a glass of water. Drink small, frequent sips throughout the day. As for food, the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) might help. Bananas are beneficial, but stick to one or two a day to avoid constipation as your gut recovers. Cooked rice can be binding and gentle on the stomach, but the rice water itself is a traditional remedy with mixed evidence. It’s gentle, so no harm in trying it while monitoring how you feel. Ginger may help reduce nausea, but it sounds like it hasn’t been effective in your case, so you might focus on other remedies.
Avoid dairy, fatty, and highly seasoned foods until you stabilize, as they can worsen symptoms. Probiotics, such as those found in yogurt or supplements, could help replenish good bacteria in your gut, potentially speeding up recovery. Consider starting a high-quality probiotic supplement but read labels and choose one with various strains of live bacteria. If your symptoms persist beyond a few days or get worse, especially if you notice severe pain, fever, or blood in stool, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider. Such symptoms need evaluation and might require specific medication or treatment.
Given you’re traveling soon, it’s wise to also rest as much as possible now to recover more swiftly and prevent exhaustion, which can exacerbate symptoms. If the situation doesn’t improve soon, seek medical advice to ensure you’re fit to travel.
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