how to reduce loose motion at home - #19872
I am trying to figure out how to reduce loose motion at home after dealing with this annoying issue for about three days now. I started feeling kinda off after having a new dish at a restaurant, which I thought was harmless but ugh, now I’m regretting it big time! It started with just a few bathroom trips but then it escalated and now I can't even make it through a meal without running for the bathroom! Super frustrating!! I’m just tired, like my stomach is a war zone or something. A friend suggested ginger tea, but not sure if that’ll help me or make things worse. Also, I read that bananas might be good for this. I mean, does anyone here know how to reduce loose motion at home really effectively? I’ve tried some OTC meds but they’ve only helped a little. And is it a good idea to eat light food while this is going on? My doctor said to stay hydrated but I don’t think I can drink plain water anymore! It’s just really disheartening and I’m hoping for some easy tips on how to reduce loose motion at home, like quick remedies or some food suggestions that won’t upset my stomach more. Any advice would be sooo appreciated!!!
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Doctors' responses
Loose motion, or diarrhea, can indeed be inconvenient and uncomfortable but focusing on both hydration and diet can help manage it effectively. Since you’ve been dealing with this for a few days, maintaining hydration is crucial. While plain water may be tiresome, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are more effective. You can either buy them or make one at home by mixing six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt into a liter of water. This helps replenish the lost electrolytes, preventing dehydration. Eating light, as your doctor suggested, is definitely wise. Foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet) can help firm up stools due to their binding nature. Bananas, in particular, are rich in potassium, which is beneficial for electrolyte balance. Ginger tea can also soothe your digestive system, but it’s generally gentle enough that it should be safe—just don’t overdo it if it’s new for you. Avoid dairy, high-fat foods, and anything too fibrous which can worsen diarrhea. If OTC meds haven’t been very effective, it’s important to monitor if there are any other symptoms like high fever, blood in stools, or severe pain, which might need medical attention. Should any severe symptoms appear, or if the loose motion persists beyond a few more days, visiting a healthcare professional is advisable to rule out any serious underlying issues. Managing stress and getting plenty of rest also contributes to faster recovery. In the meantime, stick with these dietary adjustments and hydration tips; they’re simple yet effective steps in calming the digestive “war zone.”
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