Diarrhea: Causes, Tips & Home Remedies Diarrhoea (Loose Motion)

What is Loose motion and Diarrhoea?

People more often consider diarrhoea and loose motion the same. Loose motion and diarrhoea have the same properties but they cannot be considered a synonym to each other. When a person gets loose stool or liquid stool, it is called loose motion. But when a person gets repeated loose motion thrice or more times a day can be called diarrhoea.


When our large intestine does not work properly and stool goes quickly from the large intestine, causes diarrhoea. Diarrhoea turns our bowel movement watery. Diarrhoea is common if it remains for 2-3 days, but when it remains longer then it becomes the cause of concern.


There are mainly 3 types of diarrhoea mentioned below based on their different specific elements and order


Acute watery Diarrhoea

This watery diarrhoea is the most occurring diarrhoea among people, acute watery diarrhoea ends in around 2 days. General change in diet can treat acute watery diarrhoea.


Acute bloody Diarrhoea

Acute bloody diarrhoea is also known as dysentery. This diarrhoea is infectious diarrhoea that creates inflammation and infection in the body and affects the intestine. This infection and inflammation result in the blood and mucus in the stool.


Chronic Diarrhoea or Persistent Diarrhoea

This category of diarrhoea remains for a long time and needs to be treated. Persistent diarrhoea remains with the person for 14 or more days.

Diarrhea is a common condition characterized by frequent, loose, and watery stools. It is usually caused by a gastrointestinal infection, but can also be triggered by certain medications, dietary habits, or underlying medical conditions.

Some common symptoms of diarrhoea include abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It can also cause dehydration, which can be especially dangerous in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Treatment for Diarrhea typically involves managing the underlying cause, such as taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection or avoiding certain foods that trigger symptoms. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and in some cases, electrolyte replacement solutions may be recommended.

In addition to these treatments, some simple self-care measures can help alleviate symptoms of diarrhoea, such as resting, avoiding solid foods for a period of time, and using over-the-counter anti-diarrhoea medications or probiotics to help restore healthy gut bacteria. However, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before using any medication or supplement to treat diarrhoea.

Casue of Diarrhea

Diarrhea can have various causes

Viral infections

The most common cause of diarrhea is a viral infection, such as norovirus, rotavirus, or adenovirus.

Bacterial infections

Some types of bacteria, such as Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli), can cause diarrhea.

Parasites

Parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium can also cause diarrhea.

Food intolerance or allergies

Diarrhea can be triggered by the body's inability to properly digest certain types of food, such as lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance.

Medications

Certain medications, such as antibiotics or laxatives, can cause diarrhea.

Digestive disorders

Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or celiac disease can cause chronic diarrhea.

Surgery

Certain types of surgery, especially those involving the digestive system, can lead to diarrhea.

Stress

Emotional stress can affect the digestive system and lead to diarrhea.

Traveler's diarrhea

This type of diarrhea is caused by consuming contaminated food or water while traveling to a foreign country.

Radiation or chemotherapy

These treatments for cancer can cause diarrhea as a side effect.

Treatment for diarrhea depends on the underlying cause, but often involves managing symptoms and staying hydrated. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe or persistent diarrhea, or if you have other symptoms such as fever, dehydration, or blood in the stool.

Symptoms of Diarrhea

The main symptom of diarrhea is loose, watery, and frequent bowel movements. However, other symptoms that may accompany diarrhea include:

Abdominal pain or cramping

This is often caused by the contraction of muscles in the intestinal wall.

BloatingThis can occur when the digestive system is unable to properly break down and absorb certain foods, causing excess gas to build up in the intestines.

Nausea and vomiting

These symptoms may occur as a result of the body's attempt to expel toxins or irritants from the digestive system.

Fever

This may be a sign of an infection or inflammation in the digestive system.

Dehydration

Diarrhea can cause excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body, leading to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, and fatigue.

Urgency

A sudden and intense need to have a bowel movement.

Blood or mucus in the stool

This may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or infection.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if you are experiencing severe diarrhea, dehydration, or other complications.

Ayurveda Remedies for Diarrhea

In Ayurveda, diarrhea is considered a pitta imbalance, which means excess heat in the body. The treatment for diarrhea in Ayurveda involves balancing the pitta dosha and restoring digestive function. Here are some Ayurvedic remedies for diarrhea

Drink cumin water

Boil one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water, strain, and drink this liquid several times a day. Cumin water is believed to soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation.

Consume ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help calm the digestive system. You can drink ginger tea or chew on fresh ginger root.

Take Haritaki

Haritaki, also known as Terminalia chebula, is an Ayurvedic herb that is used to improve digestive function. It is available in powder or tablet form and can be taken daily to help prevent diarrhea.

Drink pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking pomegranate juice several times a day can help soothe the digestive system and reduce diarrhea.

Take Kutajarishta

Kutajarishta is an Ayurvedic tonic that is used to treat diarrhea. It is made from the bark of the kutaja tree and can be taken several times a day to help restore digestive function.

Follow a Pitta-pacifying diet

Avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods, which can aggravate the pitta dosha. Instead, eat cooling foods like cucumber, coconut, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, coconut water, or herbal teas, to prevent dehydration.

It is important to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying any remedies or supplements for diarrhea, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Some Home Remedies you should try

There are several home remedies that can help relieve symptoms of diarrhea. Here are some remedies you can try

Stay hydrated

Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, coconut water, broth, or clear soups. You can also try drinking herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, or peppermint tea.

Follow a BRAT diet

The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are easy to digest and can help soothe the digestive system.

Eat probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of gut flora. You can find probiotics in yogurt, kefir, or fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi.

Use ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help calm the digestive system. You can drink ginger tea or chew on fresh ginger root.

Try apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and can help restore the natural acidity of the stomach. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and drink it before meals.

Use turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system. You can add turmeric to your food or drink it as a tea.

Avoid certain foods

Stay away from spicy, fatty, or fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, and dairy products, which can irritate the digestive system.

It's important to note that these remedies may not work for everyone, and in some cases, diarrhea can be a symptom of a more serious condition. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have other symptoms such as fever, dehydration, or blood in the stool, seek medical attention.