what to drink in loose motion - #18122
I am really worried about my stomach right now. For the last couple of days, I've been having loose motions, and it’s getting kinda frustrating. Like, yesterday, I didn't even leave the house because I was running back and forth to the bathroom! I tried some over-the-counter meds, but they only helped a little. I heard a lot of different opinions on what to drink in loose motion and honestly, I feel so confused. My friend said I should drink plain water, but then another person said coconut water is the best choice. Then there's the whole idea of broth! I just don't know! I'm feeling weak too, and I think it might be due to not drinking the right things. Should I avoid juices? What about sports drinks? Are there specific things that can help with loose motion? Like, is tea okay? I've also read about electrolyte solutions but nobody seems to be clear on what exactly to drink in loose motion. But am I missing something? Like, how can I recover faster? I feel like I'm just stuck in this cycle of discomfort. Any advice would be super helpful! Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
In loose motion, staying hydrated is essential, since you’re losing fluids and electrolytes. Your friend is partly right with plain water—it’s a good start, but it’s not enough alone because it doesn’t replace lost electrolytes. Here’s what you can do. Firstly, try oral rehydration solutions (ORS) which are specifically designed to replace fluids and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. You can find these easily at a pharmacy, or you can make a simple homemade version using 1 liter of boiled or bottled water mixed with 6 teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt. This will help restore what’s lost without overloading your system with sugar, like some commercial drinks might. Regarding coconut water, it’s a good natural alternative since it provides potassium and is hydrating, but don’t rely solely on it, as it’s a bit too low in sodium. Tea can be fine, especially if it’s non-caffeinated like herbal teas, as caffeine might worsen diarrhea. Broth, particularly chicken or vegetable, can be helpful too as it requires energy and trace minerals. Sports drinks might help with some electrolyte replenishment, but they usually contain a lot of sugar, so they’re not an ideal first choice. Definitely avoid fruit juices as they have high sugar content and might irritate your stomach more. While focusing on hydration, eating light foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast could be beneficial—often referred to as the BRAT diet, as they’re gentle on the stomach. If your symptoms persist beyond a couple more days, cause significant weakness, or if you notice blood in your stools, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to rule out any underlying conditions that require treatment.
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