Diarrhea or lose motion is the passage of watery stool numerous times in a short time interval. The possibility of suffering from diarrhea is high because multiple reasons can cause it. Food poisoning, allergies, stress, and infection in the digestive system can be the reason for diarrhea. In most cases, loose motions can be managed by home remedies for diarrhea unless the case is severe and needs a medical opinion.
Why Diarrhea Needs to Be Checked Immediately
Diarrhea can lead to loss of fluid and electrolytes in the body, which can cause blood clots, dehydration, and other symptoms. The main cause behind the loose motion is the loss of good bacteria, which can be a result of bad food, a change in diet, or antibiotic treatment.
It can be hard to stop loose motion. However, diarrhea stays for a short period, and you most probably will recover within two days unless you have a severe stomach infection or food poisoning. In such a situation, seek medical help as early as possible.
Most Effective Home Remedies for Loose Motions
- Bananas, Ghee, Nutmeg, and Cardamom:Convert mashed bananas into a paste and then mix the paste with half a tablespoon of ghee. The mixture, added with a dash of cardamom powder and nutmeg powder, should be consumed two times a day.
- Rice along with Yogurt and Ghee: You can even have warm yogurt, ghee, and rice, as this is a home remedy to provide ease if you’re suffering from diarrhea. Ghee or clarified butter works both ways, acting also as a stool softener in constipation and can cleanse your digestive tract.
- Consume Yogurt with Ginger and Water: Add equal proportions of water and yogurt and mix it along with grated ginger. This home remedy can help in providing relief to the symptoms of diarrhea.
- Ginger, Ghee Sugar, and Warm Water can prevent diarrhea: Mix one tablespoon of grated ginger with warm water and sugar. Drink the mixture to relieve loose motion or diarrhea. You can also mix a teaspoon of ghee and powdered nutmeg in the solution to make it more effective. Consume at least twice or thrice a day.
- Fennel and Ginger Powder: It can be very helpful to consume fennel and ginger powder. Chew the powders 1 or 2 times a day to ease yourself from diarrhea-like symptoms.
- Black Tea with Lemon Juice and Cardamom or Nutmeg: Strong black tea even helps in preventing diarrhea. You can even add grounded cardamom or nutmeg with lemon juice and consume it if you’re suffering from loose motion.
- Apple, Nutmeg, Cardamom, and Ghee: There are many benefits to having Apple. You can make a home remedy for loose motion instantly by cooking raw Apple in ghee, and its functioning can be increased by mixing it with cardamom and nutmeg.
Other Effective Home Remedies for Loose Motion
There are some homemade remedies and ingredients that can help you in subside conditions like loose motion, diarrhea, etc, without having to consult a medical professional.
Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the most sought-after foods for digestive problems. It is a rich source of probiotics (good bacteria), which helps in combating infections that cause diarrhea. Moreover, Yoghurt is light on the stomach and does not cause acidity or gastritis.
Buttermilk
Among home rememdies for diarrhea, Buttermilk consists of live cultures of lactobacillus, which is a bacteria for maintaining the balance of good and bad bacteria. It works as an ideal probiotic, along with assisting your immune system. Having a glass or 2 of buttermilk daily is good for your health unless you are suffering from lactose intolerance.
Kefir Lime Leaves
Kefir lime leaves are known for their health benefits and richness in probiotic properties and are commonly used in Thai cuisine. There are antibacterial agents present in the leaves that help in fighting against bad bacteria like staphylococcus, which causes loose motion, food poisoning, etc. Consuming any food item in excess can surely do you more bad than good.
Bananas
Bananas also figure among home remedies for diarrhea and are amongst the few fruits rich in potassium, and for vegetables, potatoes contain a good amount. They are also rich in pectin, which is a fiber that is water soluble and helps to absorb extra water in the stomach lining. Bananas even contain electrolytes, which the body loses if it is suffering from loose motions. Bananas even provide your body with instant energy if it is tired and dehydrated. You should eat a ripe banana if you have loose motion and mix it with rock salt to make it savorer. Mashed potatoes with chives can be another good remedy.
Potatoes
Potatoes are rich in potassium and a source of starch. A large (300 gm) baked potato contains around 1600 mg of potassium. It is best to consume them unpeeled as the potassium is found both in the flesh and the skin of the potato. For loose motion, boiled potatoes are considered good as they are easily digestible and provide adequate energy due to their high carbohydrate content.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in nutrients, which can be very beneficial for the body. They are a good source of potassium and vitamin K, healthy fats, folate, etc. An approximate 345 mg of potassium is present in 78 grams of avocado, along with a 7% daily value of potassium. They consist of polyols or sorbitols, which are carbohydrates affecting people with weak digestive systems. Avoid overeating avocados, as they can lead to intense pain, diarrhea, and bloating.
White Meat
If you are a meat eater, then white meat chicken, roasted or broiled, is one of the best meats for people with diarrhea. Other meats like turkey, pork or beef are ok if they are lean cuts. Avoid sauces, gravy, mayonnaise, butter, or heavy spices. Avoid fatty red meat, ground beef and processed meats high in saturated fat.
Watermelon
If you only consider watermelon to be filled with water, you may be wrong. It is even rich in potassium. Five hundred eighty grams of watermelon will provide you 14% Daily Value of potassium. It is a rich source of water and dietary fiber, which helps in keeping you hydrated during sickness. Over-consuming watermelons can lead to bloating, gas, diarrhea, and other stomach problems.
Lemon
Lemon is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, which can be useful to stop loose motions. It can be consumed in the form of juice, or the juice can be topped on other veggies and salads. Avoid overconsuming lemon, as it can cause damage to your teeth and even heartburn.
Gooseberry
Gooseberry, also called Amla, is rich in laxative properties and can be helpful in curing loose motion and is considered effective among home remedies for diarrhea. Ten grams of dried Amla should be ground into fine powder; from the powder, mix 1 gram with a glass of water and consume it twice a day if you’re suffering from loose motions.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains a good amount of fiber, which can be used for easing bowel flow. Grapefruit is rich in sugar and antioxidants, which promote bowel movement but can make diarrhea worse. Although it is a healthy food choice, excess consumption can lead to gas, bloating, diarrhea, etc.
Sweet Lime
Sweet Lime, also known as mosambi juice, is rich in acids, which are helpful in fighting infections and bacteria present in the bowel tracts. It promotes bowel movement by flushing toxins out of the gut and providing relief during loose motions. It is advised to consume it with lukewarm water once or twice a day. Honey can be added to improve the taste and gain its health benefits. Indian gooseberry with a small amount of sugar can be a good drink for providing relief to your stomach. An alternative can be a sweet lime mixed with a cup of warm water.
Tips to Prevent Loose Motions
Rehydrating
For preventing loose motion, the most recommended home remedy is to drink a lot of water. Consuming vegetables and fruits rich in electrolytes, like cucumber, banana, etc, can keep you energized while you are suffering from diarrhea.
Eating a recovery diet (Follow B.R.A.T Diet)
Diarrhea can be prevented by following a B.R.A.T-based diet or recovery diet; BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Apple, and Toast. This meal contains nutrients that help in reducing the content of water present in the manure, resulting in the relaxation of the gut.
Avoiding certain foods
Caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks will all increase the chance of you being struck by diarrhea. So, it is wise to limit your consumption of such drinks, especially if you are prone to loose motion. Alcohol, caffeinated, and carbonated drinks increase the risks of being prone to diarrhea. It is advised to limit the consumption if you have a weak immune system.
Taking probiotics
Probiotics can play an important role in maintaining a healthy digestive system and is one of the best remedies for diarrhea. If you plan to switch to a different diet, it is advised to consume dietary probiotics to maintain balance in the digestive system and prevent loose motions.
Trying medicines
In a few cases, home remedies may not help in relieving loose motions. It is wise to consult a doctor so that he can prescribe you the appropriate medicine.
Conclusion
There can be several remedies for diarrhea, but for some people, it worked, and for some, it may not have been effective. It is advised to seek the consultation of a medical professional if home remedies are not helping in stopping loose motion.