is lemon water good for loose motion - #18124
I am feeling kind of strange these days, you know? Like, I had this terrible bout of loose motion, really bad for about three days straight. I tried everything the doc said, like staying hydrated and not eating any heavy foods. But then I heard this thing about lemon water. I mean, is lemon water good for loose motion? I started drinking it not sure if it would help or make things worse. Honestly, it kinda tasted refreshing, but I don’t know if I should be drinking it more, or if it could be harmful in any way? My friend told me that lemon has some vitamin C and might help with digestion, but I’m also worried about acidity, like is it gonna irritate my stomach more? I’m still a bit vulnerable after all this... I read somewhere that some people swear by lemon water for cleansing or detoxifying, but is that true, especially when you’re battling loose motion? I just need to figure this out... I don’t want to make it worse! Can anyone share if they think lemon water is good for loose motion or if I should steer clear? Getting a little desperate here!
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Doctors' responses
Lemon water might not be the first thing you want to reach for when dealing with loose motion. While it’s true that lemons are a good source of vitamin C and can aid in general digestion, its acidity may potentially irritate a stomach that’s already sensitive or upset. Loose motions, or diarrhea, can dehydrate you, so the primary goal should be to stay hydrated with fluids that contain electrolytes, like oral rehydration solutions. These are specifically formulated to replace the salts and minerals lost during diarrhea, which plain water or lemon water can’t fully provide.
The refreshing feeling of lemon water stems from the citrusy taste, which might make it enjoyable, but it doesn’t offer any specific benefits to stop diarrhea. It’s not necessarily harmful in small amounts, but it also won’t replace the lost electrolytes. Also, the acidity from the lemons might contribute to stomach discomfort if your digestive tract is already irritated. As for the detoxifying claims, there’s no solid scientific evidence supporting lemon water or any other food or beverage as a detoxifier; the body naturally handles detoxification through liver and kidneys. While lemon water isn’t inherently bad, it’s not going to solve the problem of diarrhea or guarantee improvement.
For now, focus on hydration with an appropriate rehydration solution and stick to a bland diet that’s easy on your stomach, such as the BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, which are all known to be easy on the gut. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and acidic or spicy foods until your digestive issues have resolved. If the loose motion persists beyond a few days or you notice symptoms like severe abdominal pain, blood in stools, or high fever, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, as you might need more targeted medical treatment.
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