what is good for loose motion - #15121
I am dealing with this really annoying issue and need some advice. For the last couple of days, I’ve been having loose motion, and it’s really getting in the way of my daily life. I went out to eat at a new restaurant last weekend, and I thought it was just a one-off thing, but then it continued. I thought maybe it was something I ate, but I can’t figure out what. Now, every time I eat – even a little snack – I get this urgent feeling and it’s like my stomach just can't hold it anymore. I tried drinking more water, and even drinking some ginger tea because I heard ginger is good for digestion, but nothing seems to really help. I’ve seen some folk remedies online, but I’m not sure what is good for loose motion that really works? Should I be taking any specific medications? Some people say bananas or rice are good for keeping things in check, but honestly, I’m not sure what else to do here. I’m concerned about how long this might last and if there's a bigger issue hiding in the background. What is good for loose motion that could help? Any suggestions would be super appreciated!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
When it comes to managing loose motion, especially when it disrupts daily life, it’s important to focus on both symptom relief and identifying any underlying causes. First off, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, so you should prioritize drinking fluids like oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or sports drinks that contain electrolytes. Water is good but might not be enough on its own if the episodes are frequent. Eating bland, binding foods can also help. You’ve heard about bananas and rice, which are key parts of the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast). These foods are low in fiber, easy to digest, and can help firm up your stools. Ginger tea might aid digestion, but it’s not typically effective in alleviating diarrhea. As for medications, over-the-counter options like loperamide can reduce the frequency of bowel movements. However, they shouldn’t be used if you’re suspecting infection, especially with symptoms like fever or blood in stools. If you suspect a foodborne illness, it might just take time to pass. If symptoms persist beyond a few days, or you notice severe symptoms like high fever, dehydration, or bloody stools, it’s best to see a healthcare provider. There could be an underlying infection, or another medical condition such as IBS or food intolerance that needs addressing. Try to record what you eat and if certain foods trigger symptoms more than others. This may help in identifying any food-related causes. If you recently traveled or had a risky food or water exposure, this could also be relevant information for your doctor. Overall, these suggestions are to support symptom management but finding the root cause will be essential for a long-term solution.
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.