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what to eat when you have loose motion
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Digestive Health
Question #16049
45 days ago
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what to eat when you have loose motion - #16049

Shivansh

I am kinda freaking out here. I had this really bad case of loose motion for like 2 days now and feel totally drained. I tried drinking a lot of water, but it seems like nothing is staying in my system. I've been googling what to eat when you have loose motion, and I'm just really confused because there's so much conflicting info out there. I remember when my friend had this issue, her doc told her to stick to bananas and rice, but I don't know if that's enough? I also read somewhere that some people benefit from yogurt, while others say dairy should be avoided. My stomach hurts and I feel super weak, and I guess I’m just worried I’m not eating the right stuff to help me recover. Like, is there a specific list of what to eat when you have loose motion that I should follow? And what if I can't keep anything down? Should I just stick to fluids or try some solids? I thought about eating toast, but then again, is that even good? Ugh, this is so frustrating, I just want to feel normal again. Any advice on what to eat when you have loose motion would help so much!

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Doctors’ responses

When dealing with loose motions, it’s important to focus on foods that are gentle on your digestive system and help replenish lost nutrients and fluids. You’re right that there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there, but let’s cut through it and focus on the basics. The BRAT diet—Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast—is a classic recommendation because these foods are bland, low in fiber, and easy to digest. They can help firm up stools and provide some needed calories. Bananas, in particular, are good as they’re rich in potassium, which is an essential electrolyte often lost during episodes of diarrhea. As for rice, opt for white rice rather than brown, since it’s easier to digest.

When it comes to dairy, it can be a bit of a mixed bag. For some people, yogurt can actually be helpful because it contains probiotics that may support gut health, but if you’re usually sensitive to dairy or lactose-intolerant, it might be better to avoid it until you feel better. Another go-to is clear soups or broths, which can be good for hydrating while providing some electrolytes and nutrients.

Also, lean on soluble fibers, such as those found in oatmeal, which can help absorb excess water in the intestines and firm things up. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables for the moment, as well as spicy, fatty, or highly seasoned foods. Instead, focus on small, frequent meals to avoid overburdening your system.

If you’re struggling to keep things down or feeling very dehydrated, it’s important not to just focus on eating, but also on maintaining your fluid levels with oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks. If symptoms persist or you’re not seeing an improvement after a couple of days, it might be time to check in with a healthcare provider to consider any underlying causes or need for additional treatment. They can rule out any possibilities of infections or other issues that might require medication, ensuring you get back to feeling your best.

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