When you have loose motions, the most effective way to return to full health is by changing your diet. There are many foods which can help you to soothe your stomach, but there are some foods that can irritate your stomach. We’ll proceed by listing out some of the things that you should and shouldn’t do when you have loose motions.
Dr. Ashok Grover, Consultant, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, suggest few things that you should do if you have Loose Motions:
Follow a Simple Diet
When you have loose motions it’s essential that you cut back on creamy, oily, and spicy foods. If you really want to get better as soon as possible, it’s recommended that you follow a simple
diet. Make sure that you consume plenty of simple and bland soup with toast; it is nutritious and easy to digest. If you regularly eat non-veg, then you can have a piece of boiled lean meat. Avoid fried food and dishes with a lot of masala.
Stay Hydrated
By keeping your body well hydrated, you can prevent your loose motions from causing any further complications. Most severe complications of loose motions are caused by dehydration. By drinking plenty of water, ORS, Juices, coconut water, you can ensure that your body remains well hydrated.
Wash your hands regularly
Germs that cling to your hands are among the chief causes of loose motions. Make sure that you wash your hands at least once every 45 minutes. In addition to this, wash your hands thoroughly after you use the bathroom and before you eat. When you wash your hands, make sure that you scrub your palms, the back of your hand, between your fingers, and under your nails. Cleaner hands drastically decrease the chances of loose motions.
Things that you shouldn’t do if you have Loose Motions
Don’t use strong medication without a prescription
In general, the best treatment for loose motions is to take rest, drink plenty of water and other liquids like ORS, Juices, coconut water and follow a bland diet. Taking medication like loperamide, that stops loose motions, is not a good idea. Most of the time, loose motions are just your body’s way of removing the toxins trapped in your body. It is unwise to interfere with this process. Let your body heal naturally if possible, and give it the support needed with ample rest and simple food.
Don’t eat dairy products
Dairy products such as milk, butter, ice cream and cheese contain lactose. Even people who are not lactose intolerant can find it difficult to process lactose while experiencing loose motions. The safest thing to do is to avoid these foods, even if you usually have no problem with them.
Don’t eat products made with artificial sweeteners
Some artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes can have a laxative effect. In addition to this, they can contribute to gas and bloating. Also, it is best to avoid foodstuffs like diet soda and sugar-free candy.
Don’t drink caffeine
Coffee, Coke, and some strands of green tea contain significant amounts of caffeine. Caffeine increases your heart rate and is also a diuretic (a substance which increases the frequency of
urination). This combination makes it extremely dangerous for your body when you are suffering from loose motions. Your body will already be short on fluids as a result of the loose motions; caffeine can further dehydrate your body. Stay away from beverages like coffee and try to drink more water instead.
These dietary restrictions may sound boring, harsh and dull, but when you are suffering from loose motions, you’ll be craving for simple foods and relief. Mild cases of loose motions will go away on their own. However, if your loose motions last for more than two days, or if you begin to notice blood in your stool, you should contact your doctor for advice on the next stage of treatment and medication.
