drinks for loose motion - #15024
I am really worried about my stomach issues. Last week I had some really bad loose motion, like it came out of nowhere! I was just eating dinner when I started feeling cramps and then bam, in the bathroom I went. I thought it was just something I ate, but it continued for days. My doctor suggested I drink more fluids, especially something like an oral rehydration solution. But I am curious about other types of drinks for loose motion. I’ve heard that some people recommend coconut water or even ginger tea as effective drinks for loose motion. Would those really help? I'm avoiding dairy as someone mentioned it might make it worse!! I tried plain water but it’s getting boring and honestly I feel kinda weak and just want to recover quickly. I notice that when I don’t drink enough, the loose motion seems to get worse, so I guess hydration is key? Could you share what specific drinks for loose motion are best to stay hydrated? My friend said maybe some electrolyte drinks could help too. I just don’t want to risk making this worse! If I try those drinks for loose motion, how long does it usually take to feel better?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Drinks for managing loose motion, or diarrhea, indeed focus mainly on maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance. Your doctor’s recommendation to use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) is spot-on—they’re formulated specifically to replace the electrolytes and fluids lost during episodes of diarrhea, and are widely recommended in evidence-based medicine. Filling the gaps, coconut water is a good natural option; it’s rich in potassium and provides hydration but might not have all the salts replaced as effectively as ORS. Ginger tea is another alternative that can help soothe your digestive system, though its primary benefit is not in rehydration, but in aiding digestion and reducing nausea. It’s smart to avoid dairy products during this time, as lactose can exacerbate symptoms if there’s a temporary intolerance due to your current gut issue. Regarding electrolyte drinks, many commercial sports drinks can work in a pinch, but they can sometimes be high in sugar, which might not be ideal. Low-sugar versions are better when you’re already battling symptoms. Given your symptoms, staying hydrated with a combination is crucial. Use ORS regularly throughout the day, aiming for small, frequent sips, which helps your body gradually absorb the fluids. It might take a couple of days on this regimen to notice a significant improvement, though this can vary. If the diarrhea persists for more than a few days, or if you notice signs like blood in your stool, dehydration, or significant pain, you must reach out to a healthcare provider as those can be signs of a more serious condition needing immediate attention. Keep monitoring your symptoms and ensure you’re eating bland and easily digestible foods. Staying hydrated is the primary concern, so increasing fluid intake gradually and consistently throughout the day is a careful approach.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.