quick remedy for loose motion - #20128
I am really worried because I just came back from a family trip, and ever since I’ve been having horrible loose motions. Like, seriously, I didn't think a few street food samosas would mess my stomach up this bad!! It started two days ago after eating that food, and I’ve been running to the bathroom every hour. I tried drinking some ginger tea and it didn't seem to help much. I’m not sure if it’s just the food I ate or something more serious. I heard that a quick remedy for loose motion is to drink plenty of fluids, but I feel like I need something to actually stop it. Also, I’ve started taking some probiotics, but I don't know if that actually works for this or if it’s just a waste of time. Should I be drinking plain water only, or is there some mix I should try? Is there a quick remedy for loose motion I can get at home? My stomach keeps churning, and I can't think straight. Plus, I don’t want this to ruin my whole week! Any advice would be seriously appreciated because this is miserable, and I just want it to go away ASAP.
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Doctors' responses
It does sound like you might be dealing with a case of acute diarrhea, possibly due to the food you consumed. Here’s what you can do to manage the situation better. First, staying hydrated is crucial. Avoid just drinking plain water because it can dilute the electrolytes in your body further, making you feel worse. Instead, try oral rehydration solutions (ORS) available over-the-counter. These help replenish fluids, salts, and minerals lost through loose motions. You can also make a simple homemade solution by mixing 6 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a liter of clean water. Sipping this throughout the day will help maintain your hydration levels.
In addition, consider a bland diet for a couple of days. The BRAT diet—BANanas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast—is easy on the stomach and may help firm up stools. You might also want to avoid dairy, caffeine, fatty foods, and high-fiber items right now, as they can exacerbate diarrhea. Regarding probiotics, there’s some evidence they can help restore healthy gut bacteria balance, which might hasten your recovery, so you can continue with those.
Remember to monitor your symptoms closely. If you don’t see any improvement within a couple of days, or if you develop high fever, severe abdominal pain, or notice blood in your stool, you should seek medical attention promptly, as those could be signs of a more serious condition. Loose motion due to a simple dietary indiscretion typically resolves on its own, but it’s good to be cautious and aware of warning signs that require professional medical evaluation.
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