home remedies for stomach pain and loose motion - #17472
I am really struggling with these awful stomach pains and loose motion lately, and it's just terrible! It started a few days ago after I had some street food, which I guess was not the best idea. First, I thought it was just something I ate, but now the cramps are like persistent and I’m visiting the bathroom way too often. I tried some ginger tea, hoping to find some home remedies for stomach pain and loose motion, but it didn't really help. I also drank some coconut water, and even it didn’t seem to do anything effective. The bloating is also driving me crazy! I read about some home remedies for stomach pain and loose motion online, like using peppermint or apple cider vinegar, but I'm super skeptical if they'll really work. Does anyone know if any of these home remedies for stomach pain and loose motion are actually backed by anything? I feel like I should see a doctor soon, but I'm really hoping to resolve this at home first before making that leap. What do you all suggest? I just want to feel normal again without the constant urge to run to the bathroom!
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Doctors' responses
Considering your symptoms started after eating street food, it’s possible you’re dealing with a case of foodborne illness or gastroenteritis. Some mild cases can be managed at home. Staying hydrated is crucial — keep drinking fluids like water, clear broths, or hydration solutions, which can help replace lost electrolytes. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided as they can irritate your stomach. Ginger and peppermint can sometimes help ease stomach cramps due to their natural antispasmodic properties, but results may vary from person to person. If these haven’t worked, you might not find relief from similar remedies. Regarding apple cider vinegar, there’s limited scientific backing for its use in this situation, and it may irritate your stomach more, so I’d advise against it. A plain diet might help to ease your symptoms — think along the lines of rice, applesauce, bananas, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet), which are bland and can be easier on your stomach. Avoid rich, spicy, or dairy-laden foods for now. However, if symptoms like persistent fever, blood in stools, or severe dehydration signs develop, or if symptoms persist without improvement, seeing a healthcare provider would be necessary. These could indicate a more serious condition needing prompt evaluation. Be mindful of not delaying medical attention if things worsen or do not start improving quite soon.
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