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how do i stop loose motions
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Digestive Health
Question #16887
4 days ago
20

how do i stop loose motions - #16887

Priya

I am dealing with this really annoying issue where I keep having loose motions, and it's driving me nuts! It started last week after I ate some street food, probably a bad choice, right? Anyway, I thought it would pass after a day or two, but nope, still happening. I've been in and out of the bathroom, and it's not just the frequency but the cramping goes along with it! I’m feeling weak and dehydrated, which adds to the frustration. I tried to take some over-the-counter meds, but they only helped a lil bit. Now I'm wondering how do I stop loose motions? Like, do I need to see a doctor? Should I stick to a specific diet for a while? I heard bland foods might help, but honestly, I'm not sure what that really means. I’ve also been drinking a lot of fluids, but it seems like nothing is working. How do I stop loose motions once and for all? Is there something more effective out there, or maybe a natural remedy I can try? I'm a bit hesitant to keep taking meds without knowing if they're doing anything good. Any advice from other doctors or patients would really help!

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Doctors’ responses

When you’re dealing with persistent loose motions, especially after a potential food-related incident, it’s crucial to focus on preventing dehydration and letting your gut heal. Start by drinking plenty of fluids—water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths work the best to maintain electrolyte balance. Since over-the-counter meds haven’t been much help, a more effective step might be altering your diet. Stick to bland foods that are gentle on the stomach, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—often referred to as the BRAT diet. These help firm up stools and calm down an irritated digestive tract. Avoid greasy, spicy, or dairy-laden foods that could worsen symptoms. While it’s okay to utilize natural remedies with a cautious approach, like ginger or peppermint tea which can soothe the stomach, it’s more important to monitor for any red flags. If the symptoms persist beyond a few days, if you notice signs of severe dehydration (like dark urine or dizziness), or if there’s blood in the stools, it would be advisable to seek immediate medical evaluation. Given the duration and the symptoms you mentioned, a consultation with your doctor might be prudent to rule out more serious causes like infections or inflammatory conditions, which could require specific treatments beyond dietary adjustments. A stool test or other diagnostics might be necessary if you’re not recovering as expected. Remember not to overwhelm your system with too many remedies or medications without medical guidance, especially if they’re not yielding results.

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