Health-Dealing with Loose Motions and Staying Hydrated

Step aside, Hollywood blockbuster "Liquid Fury: The Revenge of the Tummy Troubles" is here to shake things up. We're talking loose motions, slippery situations that have us running to the bathroom with more urgency than an Olympic sprinter. But fear not, dear reader, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll share, Causes and Symptoms of loose motions Home remedies and medications Medical advice with the necessary treatments Get ready to laugh, cringe, and learn as we embark on this wild ride together. Understanding Loose Motions Loose motions, also known as diarrhoea, refer to frequent and watery bowel movements, that is a symptom and not a disease. It is a common gastrointestinal issue caused by various factors. Anyone can get loose motions. Many people have diarrhoea several times a year. It is generally not a major concern for most people. Understanding the underlying causes can help manage and treat the condition. Causes of loose motions Viral Infections: Viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus are common culprits behind loose motions, particularly in children. Bacterial Infections: Bacteria like Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Campylobacter, or Shigella can cause loose motions when ingested through contaminated food or water. Parasitic Infections: Parasites such as Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium can lead to loose motions, often acquired from contaminated water sources. Food Poisoning: Consuming food or water contaminated with toxins produced by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Bacillus cereus, can result in loose motions. Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, laxatives, or medications that affect the digestive system, may disrupt gut bacteria balance and lead to loose motions. Digestive Disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease can cause chronic or recurrent loose motions. Food Intolerances: Intolerance to lactose or certain foods like gluten can make individuals feel as if they cannot digest or process them properly. Emotional Stress: Emotional stress and anxiety can impact the digestive system's normal functioning, leading to loose motions. Dietary Factors: Consuming excessive amounts of spicy, fatty, or greasy foods can irritate the intestines and result in loose motions. Traveller's diarrhoea: Changes in water or food sources while travelling to different regions with unfamiliar bacteria or parasites can cause loose motions. Common symptoms of loose motions It is important to differentiate between loose motions and diarrhoea. While diarrhoea is characterized by loose or watery motions, occasional instances of loose motions do not necessarily indicate diarrhoea. To be classified as diarrhoea, loose motions must occur repeatedly. If you experience loose motions three or more times per day, it is considered diarrhoea. Home Remedies Home remedies can help manage loose motions (diarrhoea) alongside medical treatment. Here's an overview of some commonly used home remedies, 1. Yoghurt Yoghurt contains beneficial bacteria known as probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which can help restore gut flora balance. Consuming plain, unsweetened yoghurtwith live cultures may help reduce the duration and severity of loose motions. 2. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar possesses antimicrobial properties that can help combat certain pathogens that may cause loose motions. Mix one to two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink it to alleviate symptoms. 3. Coconut Water Coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, which can help replenish lost fluids and electrolyte balance due to loose motions. It also soothes the digestive system.