5 Causes & 5 Remedies for Frequent Diarrhoea or Loose Motion
That sudden urgency, the churning in your stomach, and the dreaded rush to the washroom. Loose motions or diarrhoea, stomach ache and loose motion are a common complaint often striking when we least expect it and putting a serious dampener on our daily lives. But what exactly causes these unwelcome episodes, and more importantly, how can we find long term relief?
Read on to understand its common causes, symptoms, and effective remedies, both traditional and modern. frequent diarrhoea or loose motions.
TUMMY TROUBLES : 5 CAUSES OF FREQUENT DIARRHOEA OR LOOSE MOTIONS
Let's break down the top 5 key culprits:
1. Infections are King: This is probably the most common reason. Viral infections (like norovirus, rotavirus), bacterial infections (think Salmonella, E. coli from contaminated food), or even parasitic infections (like Giardia) are frequent offenders.
2. Food Gone Wrong (Food Poisoning): That delicious street food, while tempting, can sometimes be a source of woes if not prepared hygienically. Consumption of contaminated food or water is a major trigger for sudden bouts of loose motions. Click to know Simple, yet effective ways to manage Frequent Stomach Problems.
3. Food Follies (Intolerances & Sensitivities): Ever noticed a pattern after consuming certain foods? Food intolerances/sensitivities, particularly lactose intolerance, are quite common. Reactions to artificial sweeteners and excessive sugar alcohols can also cause digestive distress. Click to learn about Lactose intolerance: Symptoms and Management.
4. Medication Side Effects: Surprisingly, some medications, especially antibiotics, can disrupt your gut flora and lead to diarrhoea. Certain cancer treatments can also have this side effect. Learn about Antibiotics: Friend or Foe to Your Gut Health.
5. Chronic Digestive Conditions: For some, it's more than just a fleeting upset. Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, malabsorption syndromes, and hyperthyroidism can lead to persistent loose motions. Sometimes the cause could also be other less common but equally important medical issues like gallbladder/liver illnesses, chronic pancreatitis, and cystic fibrosis.
SELF CARE : 5 REMEDIES FOR DIARRHOEA OR LOOSE MOTION
The good news is that in many cases, simple loose motions remedies can help take care of it
1. Hydration is Key: This cannot be stressed enough! Drink plenty of clear fluids (water, broths, oral rehydration solutions - ORS). ORS is readily available and is a must as the first line of defence in loose motion treatment for replenishing lost electrolytes.
2. Make Dietary Adjustments: Go easy on your digestive system. Gradually introduce semisolid, low-fiber foods: think toast, plain rice, bananas or simple chicken soup. Avoid dairy, fatty, spicy, or highly seasoned foods until you feel better.
3. Supplement Smartly: by incorporating a natural gut health supplement that helps improve your gut health into your daily routine. Actifiber Natural Gut Strength could be just what you need. It is a blend of clinically proven prebiotics & probiotics that help restore your gut health by increasing good bacteria, nourishing them and reducing bad bacteria. Over time, it helps make you less vulnerable to recurrent digestive problems. Making it a part of your daily diet is so easy. Just add one-sachet-a-day into your cup of tea, coffee, or water - it mixes easily with no taste & odour.
Supporting your gut health with targeted nutrition can be the solution for improved gut health over the long term. Watch to know Why ActiFiber is Recommended by Leading Experts.
4. Rest and Avoid Triggers: Give your body time to recover. Also, be mindful of foods or substances that have previously triggered your symptoms.
5. Probiotics & Traditional home remedies for loose motion: Yogurt and buttermilk are excellent natural probiotics that can help restore the healthy bacteria in your gut. India has a treasure trove of effective home remedies like Ginger tea, buttermilk, pomegranate juice, lemon water with salt, fenugreek seeds, mint, and honey mixtures that have been traditionally shown to be helpful in mild diarrhoea.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR: DON'T IGNORE THESE 5 RED FLAGS!
While most cases resolve on their own, it's crucial to know when to seek professional help. Seek medical attention promptly if:
1. Diarrhoea or loose motion lasting more than 2-3 days - Persistent diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and signal a deeper infection or issue.
2. High fever (over 101°F / 38.3°C) - This could indicate a bacterial or parasitic infection that needs medical treatment.
3. Blood or pus in the stool - A definite red flag, this could mean an inflammatory bowel disease or severe infection.
4. Signs of dehydration - Dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, dizziness - don’t ignore these!
5. Severe abdominal pain or cramping - Especially if sudden or worsening, it may signal something more serious like appendicitis or colitis.
Remember, addressing diarrhoea effectively depends on its cause - it usually improves with supportive care, but chronic or severe diarrhoea often requires diagnosis and targeted therapy. Stay hydrated, eat wisely, and don't hesitate to consult a doctor if your symptoms are severe or persistent. Your gut will thank you!
Tired of Recurrent Digestive Problems
Tired of Frequent Stomach upsets?