We all suffer from loose motion at some point of time in our life. And least to say it is not a comfortable position to be in. Loose stool causes frequent visits to the toilet, the unbearable stomach pain, with sometimes the addition of fever and nausea. In this article I will be telling you about the reasons for loose motion, causes of chronic diarrhea and what all effective home remedies you can use to deal with its symptoms and recover at a faster rate.
What Is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a condition where there is a frequent bowel movement in liquid form. The most frequent symptoms include loose motion, abdominal pain and cramps, fever, nausea, bloating and blood stains in the stool.
What Causes Diarrhea?
Let’s get to know different diseases and conditions which can result in diarrhea.
1. Attack Of Viruses
They are different viruses present in our environment which can cause diarrhea such as Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, and viral hepatitis. Acute diarrhea is very common among the children, it is mostly caused by rotavirus.
2. Contaminated Food
Bacteria and parasites can enter our body by consumption of contaminated food or water. Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium are two types of parasites which can cause diarrhea. campylobacter, shigella, salmonella, and Escherichia coli are a common type of bacteria that causes diarrhea. While traveling to developing countries some people suffer from diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites this is often called travellers diarrhea.
3. Use Of Medications
Medications such as antibiotics get rid of both good and bad bacteria, which disturbs the natural balance of bacteria in our intestines. This way antibiotics can cause diarrhea. Other medications which results in diarrhea are cancer drugs and antacid with magnesium.
4. Lactose Intolerance
The sugar which is found in milk and dairy products is called lactose. Some people find it difficult to digest this sugar which results in diarrhea after the consumption. As the enzyme required to digest lactose decreases with age, this increases your risk of you being lactose intolerance.
5. Fructose
Fructose is a sugar that can be found in fruits, honey and in beverages as a sweetener. Some people face difficulty in digesting this sugar and suffer from diarrhea on the consumption of the same.
6. Surgery
It is observed that many people suffer from diarrhea after undergoing abdominal surgery or gall bladder removal surgery.
7. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol which is found in chewing gums and sugar-free products can cause diarrhea for some people.
8. Other Digestive Disorders
Chronic diarrhea can be caused by several different reasons such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, microscopic colitis, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
9. Consuming Uncooked Meat
Consumption of uncooked meal can also cause diarrhea.
10. Swallowing Contaminated Water
While swimming if we swallow the water, it can cause diarrhea.
How To Treat Loose Motion At Home?
There are many tricks and natural remedies for lose motion. Using Indian home remedies for diarrhea can help you effectively deal with the different symptoms of diarrhea and aid in treating the same.
1. ORS Solution
It is very important to keep yourself hydrated when suffering from diarrhea, as the frequent bowel movement makes your losses fluids and electrolytes.
What You Need
- 6 teaspoons of sugar
- half teaspoon of salt
- a litre of water
What To Do
- In a litre of water mix 6 teaspoons of sugar and half teaspoon of salt.
How Often To Do
- Drink it 5-6 times a day.
- You can replace your daily water consumption with this drink.
Why This Works
- This solution will help you to rehydrate.
- Dehydration can cause diarrhea.
- It is very important to be hydrated when suffering from diarrhea.
2. Hot Chocolate Remedy
This remedy comes handy while treating a kid who is suffering from diarrhea. This drink tastes and will also help in treating diarrhea.
What You Need
- Carob powder
- Water
What To Do
- Mix 2 teaspoon of carob powder with 6 ounces of water.
How Often To Do
- 2-3 times a day or after every meal.
Why This Works
- This will help to bind the stool and slow down diarrhea.
3. Lemon Water
This remedy will help you treat different symptoms of diarrhea while also hydrating yourself.
What You Need
- A glass of water
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 lemon
- 2 teaspoon of sugar
What To Do
- Squeeze the half lemon in the glass of water.
- Add a pinch of salt and 2 teaspoon teaspoons
- Mix it well.
How Often To Do
- Sip the mixture in frequent and regular intervals.
Why This Works
- This is a popular remedy used to treat the symptoms of diarrhea and dehydration.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
This popular remedy is very beneficial in treating diarrhea.
What You Need
- One glass of water
- 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
What To Do
- Add one tablespoon of honey, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water.
- Mix the solution.
How Often To Do
- Drink this 3 times a day.
Why This Works
Microbes are responsible for causing diarrhea are killed because of the antimicrobial property. And it also helps in soothing the inflamed intestine.
5. Peppermint Essential Oil
For this remedy make sure you use food grade peppermint oil.
What You Need
- A glass of water
- 1 drop of food grade peppermint oil
What To Do
- In a glass of warm water, add a drop of peppermint oil.
- Drink the solution.
How Often To Do
- Drink this mixture twice daily.
Why This Works
Peppermint oil consists of menthol which helps relieve abdominal pain, help reduce fever and reduce inflammation.
6. Green Tea
There are many wonderful benefits of drinking green tea. One of them includes treating the symptoms of diarrhea.
What You Need
- One teaspoon of green tea
- One cup of water
What To Do
- Steep one teaspoon of green tea in hot water for about 5 minutes.
- Strain the mixture and drink the tea.
How Often To Do
Drink a cup of hot green tea twice a day.
Why This Works
It helps in soothing stomach pain and treats a mild case of diarrhea.
[Read More: Interesting Benefits of Green Tea Oil for Skin, Hair & Health]
7. Lemon-Ginger Tea
This is a popular ayurvedic treatment for loose motion.
What You Need
- 2-3 inch of ginger
- 4-5 round cut slices of lemon
- A glass of water
- 2 teaspoons of honey
What To Do
- In a glass of hot water add the chopped pieces of ginger, and lemon slices.
- Let it steep for about 15-20 minutes.
- Strain it and add 2 teaspoons of honey.
How Often To Do
- Drink this relaxing tea 2-3 times every day.
Why This Works
The antioxidant property of ginger has a positive effect on stomach health. It helps in keeping your body hydrated and replenish fluids lost due to diarrhea.
8. Rice Water
You can use this diarrhea treatment at home for infants suffering from diarrhea.
What You Need
- Rice
- Water
What To Do
- For this remedy you have strain the water from the cooked rice.
- Consume the half glass of rice water.
How Often To Do
- Drink this 3-4 times daily
Why This Works
Rice water will help to cut down stool without any adverse effect to your body. This remedy is very useful in treating infants who are suffering from diarrhea.
9. Almond Milk
This is an expensive but effective remedy for people suffering from diarrhea.
What You Need
What To Do
- If you are lactose intolerant you can substitute normal milk with almond milk.
- Mix it with your cereals, make smoothies etc.
How Often To Do
- If you are lactose intolerant then make it your daily habit.
Why This Works
People who are lactose intolerant suffer from diarrhea on the consumption of milk and other dairy products. Almond milk is a safe substitute for the same and can prevent diarrhea.
10. Banana Oatmeal
This recipe is very beneficial and recommended for people suffering from diarrhea
What You Need
- A bowl of cooked oatmeal
- 1 banana
What To Do
- Add thinly chopped can’t in a bowl of cooked oatmeal
- Mix it well and eat it.
How Often To Do
- Consume this dish for your lunch or dinner while suffering from diarrhea.
Why This Works
The banana helps in settling an upset digestive system and replace electrolytes. And the oatmeal acts as a bulking agent for your stool.
Precaution
- Make sure you do not eat spicy and oily food.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Do not drink cow’s milk.
- Consume cooked meat.
- Avoid eating uncooked or half cooked eggs.
- Wash your hands before eating.
- If water is not available nearby, use sanitizer.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables before cooking or consuming.
- After coming in contact with animals each your hand thoroughly.
Also read:
15 Amazing Benefits of Garlic for Skin, Hair and Health
15 Incredible Benefits of Black Pepper for Skin, Hair and Health
