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Loose motion! There’s nothing better about it, especially when you’re desperately looking for a bathroom because you have extreme stomach distress going on. Loose motions or diarrhea can be not only embarrassing but also painful, and if left untreated, it can have major health effects. Fortunately, even the most severe kinds can be successfully treated with medical attention and the proper diet. Yes, it’s true!
Side effects of loose motion
Nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and watery stools that are so loose that you barely have time to get to the bathroom are all common symptoms of loose motion. This can result in loss of appetite, weakness, confusion, dizziness, fever, fatigue and abdominal pain, and cramps. Consuming poorly cooked meals while suffering from the disease can aggravate your symptoms. As a result, you must be extremely cautious about what you should eat and what you should avoid when it happens.
Dietician Hari Lakshmi, Consultant-Dietitian, Nutritionist, Motherhood Hospitals, Chennai, spoke to Health Shots about the foods to eat and avoid during the loose motion to recover quickly.
Lakshmi says “Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of things, from the stomach flu to a particular meal or item that didn’t suit you. The reasons can vary. Because what you eat plays an important role, it is important to know which foods to consume and which to avoid when you have loose motions.”
Foods to consume with loose motion
People who are dealing with loose motions should opt for bland food items that are gentle on the stomach. Spicy foods can irritate the bowels and aggravate the situation. Foods that are bland are easy to digest and aid in the absorption of water from the stool.
Lakshmi says, “Follow the BRAT (bananas, rice, apples, and toast) eating regimen at all times. These are the healthiest foods to eat for any digestive ailment, not just diarrhea. Other bland items that go well with BRAT foods are boiled potatoes, crackers, and warm cereals like oats and porridge. Rather than a few heavy meals throughout the day, eat several modest meals to protect your digestive system from being overworked.”
Liquids are also required for recovery. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and another cup of water after each loose bowel movement. You can opt for drinks like soup, electrolyte water, or coconut water to aid recovery and minimize dehydration.
Foods to avoid when you’re suffering from loose motion
There are a few things you should avoid if you have loose bowels or are recovering from them. These foods may upset your stomach, causing diarrhea to become worse or linger for longer.
Foods that are fried, oily, processed, spicy, or fatty are strictly prohibited. Citrus fruits, raw vegetables, non vegetarian foods, dairy products, and carbonated and caffeinated beverages, must also be avoided. Lakshmi says onions, corn, pineapples, grapes, seedless berries, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners are all foods that should be avoided.
Takeaway
Dealing with loose motions and diarrhea can be very tiresome and inconvenient. But with proper diet and rest, you can recover very quickly. If your diarrhea lasts for more than a few days, you should see a doctor for proper care and treatment.
