is lemon good for loose motion - #16177
I am feeling super anxious about this whole situation with my stomach. It started a few days ago after eating at a new restaurant. Now I’ve been having loose motions like crazy. Like, it’s really uncomfortable and I’m worried it’s turning into something serious. I’ve tried a couple of things, watched what I eat, but no change! A friend mentioned that is lemon good for loose motion? It sounds a bit strange to me, but I'm curious if it actually works. I mean, lemon's acidic, right? Does that help with digestion or make it worse? I’ve heard some people say that drinking lemon water might help just about anything but wasn’t sure if it applies to when you have loose motions. I also read online that lemon can have benefits, like maybe it soothes the gut or something, but I can’t figure out if that's really true. What do you think? Should I give it a try? Or are there better remedies you recommend? I just don’t want to make things worse! Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
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Doctors’ responses
While lemon water isn’t typically the first remedy that comes to mind for loose motions, it does have some properties that could be somewhat helpful. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and have citric acid, which might help to maintain hydration but won’t directly stop diarrhea. The citrus might help with digestion for some, potentially due to its mild astringent properties, but it could actually irritate sensitive stomachs in others, so it’s not guaranteed. If you want to try lemon water, mix a small amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice with warm water and sip it slowly; this might be gentle enough to help.
It’s crucial, however, to focus on other more established remedies. Start by staying hydrated. This is key because diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss — aim to drink plenty of clear fluids like water, broth, or an oral rehydration solution available at pharmacies. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can dehydrate you further.
For eating, follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), which is typically recommended for gastrointestinal upsets. These foods are gentle on the stomach and can help firm up stools. Yogurt with probiotics can be beneficial, as they help to restore normal bacterial flora in the gut. Over-the-counter medications like loperamide can be considered, but they should be used carefully and generally advised only if you can’t reach a doctor right away, as they don’t treat the underlying cause.
Serious symptoms such as severe pain, high fever, blood in your stool, or if the diarrhea persists beyond a couple of days, warrant immediate medical attention as they could indicate a more serious condition like an infection. In all situations, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider who can tailor advice to your specific situation and underlying causes.
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