Diarrhea: How To Stop Watery Loose Motions Fast in Adults?

This post provides readers with a comprehensive overview of home remedies for diarrhea. It covers causes of diarrhea, natural remedies to treat it, and helpful tips to prevent it. It also provides information on when to seek medical attention and advice on dietary modifications. With this blog post, readers can learn how to manage and prevent diarrhea using natural remedies and other lifestyle changes. Whether the cause is viral, bacterial, or dietary, readers can find useful information to help them manage their symptoms and find relief.

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is also known as stomach flu, loose motions, diarrhoea, Dasta (Hindi/Urdu), Atisara (Marathi), Vayiṟṟuppokku (Tamil), diarrea (Spanish), Atisāra (Bengali), diareya (Russian). Diarrhoea refers to the frequent passage of loose or watery unformed stools. As a rough guide it can be said that three or four loose or watery stools a day can be considered as diarrhea. The disease may be acute or chronic. Commonly known as “loose motion”. There are many and varied causes of diarrhoea. The chief causes are overeating or eating of wrong foods, putrefaction in intestinal tract, fermentation caused by incomplete carbohydrate digestion, nervous irritability, use of antibiotic drugs and excessive intake of laxatives. Other diarrhea causes include parasites, germs, virus, bacteria or a poison which has entered into the body through food, water or air; allergies to certain substances or even common foods such as milk, wheat, eggs and sea foods and emotional strain or stress in adults and fright in children.

Home Remedies

Natural treatments to stop diarrhea fast in toddlers, children, adults, babies. How to treat diarrhea at home? Home treatment can help you treat your diarrhea and avoid other related problems, such as dehydration. New home remedies for diarrhea can help you recover faster and stay healthy. 18 ways to get rid of diarrhea.

1. Buttermilk: An effective remedy for diarrhea is the use of buttermilk. It is the residual milk left after the fat has been removed from yogurt by churning. It helps overcome harmful intestinal flora and re-establish the benign or friendly flora. The acid in the buttermilk also fights germs and bacteria. It may be taken and mixed with a pinch of salt three or four times a day controlling diarrhoea.
2. Moringa Leaves: Mix 1 tablespoon juice of drumstick leaves (horseradish / moringa), 1 tablespoon honey and 1 cup of coconut water. Keep this mixture ready and give little quantity of this to patient thrice a day.
3. Barley Water: Starchy liquids such as arrowroot water, barley water, rice gruel and coconut water are highly beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea. They not only replace the fluid lost but also bind the stools.
4. Honey + Nutmeg: Another simple domestic remedy is to mix 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon ghee, a pinch of nutmeg, and a pinch of saffron.
5. Carrot Soup: Carrot soup is another effective home remedy for diarrhea. It supplies water to combat dehydration, replenishes sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur and magnesium, supplies pectin and coats the intestine to allay inflammation. It checks the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria and prevents vomiting. One pound of carrot may be cooked in five ounces of water until it is soft. The pulp should be strained and boiled water added to make a quart. Three-quarter tablespoon of salt may be mixed. This soup should be given in small amounts to the patient every half an hour.
6. Curd: Another remedy using yogurt is to blend together equal parts of yogurt and water (about half cup each), add about 1/8 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger, and drink.
7. Applesauce: Cook one or two apples until they are mushy, then add 1 teaspoon ghee, a pinch of cardamom, and a pinch of nutmeg. Eat slowly. This mixture is not only delicious, it will also help stop diarrhea right away. A baby’s diarrhea can usually be corrected simply by feeding the child some cooked apple. Remove the skin and seeds, cook the apple, and add ½ teaspoon ghee, a pinch of cardamom, and a small pinch of ginger. Stir it up well, and cool to room temperature.
8. Banana: If you don’t have apples, you can use bananas, only you don’t have to cook them. Chop 1 or 2 ripe bananas into pieces, and as with the apples, add 1 teaspoon of warm ghee and a pinch each of cardamom and nutmeg. Bananas are high in potassium, which helps to bind the stool.
9. Whey: Treat baby or toddlers diarrhea with whey. Whey is a natural source of lactobacillus. Since a baby’s diarrhea is often due to altered ora in the gastrointestinal tract, the whey should help restore the normal flora. It is also a good source of potassium and of calcium, which binds the stool. Bring 1 cup of milk to a boil; when it just begins to boil, squeeze a little lime juice (about half teaspoon) into the pot. The milk will curdle. Then strain the thick part out by pouring the mixture through cheesecloth or a sieve. The remaining watery part is the whey. Giving 4 to 5 teaspoons of the whey to the child every 10 to 15 minutes should stop the diarrhea.
10. Mint + Lemon: To stop loose motions immediately, mix 1 tablespoon of mint juice, honey and lemon juice. Take this mixture in little quantity thrice a week.
11. Sesame Seeds: Take 2 big tablespoon of sesame seeds. Dry roast and blend. Add 1 tablespoon of cow milk ghee in it. Make 3 equal parts of this mixture. Each time take one of mixture with half cup of boiled goat milk. Repeat this for 6 days.
12. Pomegranate: The pomegranate has proved beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea on account of its astringent properties. If the patient develops weakness due to profuse and continuous purging, he should be given repeatedly about 50 ml. of pomegranate juice to drink. This will control the diarrhea.
13. Ginger Powder: Try ginger powder (about ½ teaspoon) with 1 teaspoon raw natural sugar. Mix together, and chew the mixture with some warm water. Take 2 or 3 times a day for 2 to 3 days. It will bring quick relief as ginger, being carminative, aids digestion by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract. OR Mix 1 teaspoon ghee, quarter teaspoon nutmeg, quarter teaspoon ginger powder and 1 teaspoon natural sugar together and eat. Take this formula 2 or 3 times a day for 2 to 3 days.
14. Mango Seeds: This is a folk remedy. Mango seeds are also valuable in diarrhoea. The seeds should be collected during the mango season, dried in the shade and powdered and kept stored for use as medicine when required. It should be given in doses of about one and a half gram to two grams with or without honey.
15. Fenugreek Seeds + Buttermilk: Boil a spoonful of fenugreek seeds in water and then fry in butter. Eat these seeds with a cup of buttermilk.
16. Black Coffee / Tea + Lemon: Try drinking a cup of hot black coffee with a little lime juice (about 10 drops) and a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg. You may try same remedy with black tea instead of coffee.
17. Fennel: For acute diarrhea, mix 1/2 teaspoon fennel powder with 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, and chew this mixture 2 or 3 times a day.
18. Rice + Curd: Another effective remedy for kids diarrhea is cooked rice with yogurt. Take about a cupful of cooked basmati rice, add 1 tablespoon of ghee and 3 or 4 tablespoons of plain fresh yogurt, stir together, and eat.

Diarrhea Diet Tips

• Due to water loss during diarrhea a person may feel thirsty all time. Bottle gourd is very effective in such cases. Drink 1 cup of bottle gourd juice with a pinch of salt.
• Use two to three teaspoons of Agrimony (high tannin content) leaves to make a tea. Apple pulp is rich in pectin.
• Try eating applesauce. Use cooked carrots to treat diarrhea in infants. Will soothe the digestive tract while providing nutrients that are lost during the attack.
• In all cases, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

FAQs.

Q. What is the main cause of diarrhea?
Diarrhea is caused by a variety of factors, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, medications, and certain foods. It can also be caused by a reaction to stress, food intolerance, or a medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

1. Infections: Diarrhea can be caused by a variety of infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. The most common causes of bacterial diarrhea include Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Viral diarrhea is often caused by rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus.
2. Food intolerance or allergy: Some people have difficulty digesting certain foods, such as lactose (found in dairy products), gluten (found in wheat, oats, and barley), fructose (found in some fruits and processed foods), or artificial sweeteners. Eating these foods can cause diarrhea.
3. Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and cause diarrhea.
4. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome, can cause chronic diarrhea.
5. Stress or anxiety: Stress and anxiety can affect the digestive system and lead to diarrhea.

Q. How do you get diarrhea to go away? What are some natural remedies?

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it three times a day.
• Probiotics: Probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut, can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut and reduce symptoms of diarrhea.
• Ginger: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help reduce symptoms of diarrhea. Drink ginger tea or chew on fresh ginger root for relief.
• Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help reduce inflammation in the intestines.
• Coconut Water: Coconut water is rich in electrolytes and can help replace lost fluids as well as ease symptoms of diarrhea.
• Lemon Water: Lemon water can help reduce symptoms of diarrhea, as it helps to balance the acidity in the stomach and aids digestion.
• Bananas: Bananas are rich in potassium and can help replace lost electrolytes. Eat a banana a few times a day to help reduce symptoms of diarrhea.

Q. What are the 5 types of diarrhea?

1. Acute Diarrhea: This type typically lasts a few days and is often caused by an infection, such as a virus or bacteria.
2. Chronic Diarrhea: This type lasts longer than three weeks and can be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
3. Secretory Diarrhea: This is caused by an increase in the secretion of fluids into the intestines, which can be caused by certain medications or hormone imbalances.
4. Osmotic Diarrhea: This is caused by an imbalance of electrolytes and fluids in the intestines, which can occur due to certain medications or digestive disorders.
5. Inflammatory Diarrhea: This is caused by an inflammation of the intestines, which can be caused by an infection or a digestive disorder.

Q. What’s the most effective way to end a bout of diarrhea? What’s best Indian medicine?
Traditional Indian diarrhea treatment focuses on restoring balance to the digestive tract and calming the body. It may involve:

• Herbal remedies such as ginger, fennel, coriander, and cumin. 
• Diet modifications such as avoiding spicy and fried foods and consuming more bland, easily digestible foods. 
• Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, buttermilk, and coconut water.
• Home remedies such as mixing one teaspoon of honey with a pinch of black pepper in a glass of warm water, or drinking a mixture of one teaspoon of cumin powder, one teaspoon of coriander powder, and a pinch of asafoetida in a glass of warm water. 
• Taking probiotic supplements to restore beneficial bacteria in the intestines. 
• Acupuncture and massage to help relax the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.

Q. How long is diarrhea last?
The duration of diarrhea can vary from a few days to several weeks. It is important to seek medical attention if your diarrhea lasts more than a few days, or if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, or blood in your stool.

Q. What causes black diarrhea?
Black diarrhea, also known as melena, is caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Common causes of upper GI bleeding include ulcers, cancer, and esophageal varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus). It can also be caused by certain medications, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some cases, the cause of the bleeding may not be known.

Q. How do I deal with diarrhea?
The best way to treat diarrhea is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, or sports drinks. Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, and sugary drinks. Eat small, frequent meals that are high in complex carbohydrates, such as rice and potatoes, and avoid foods that are high in fat and fiber. Avoid dairy products and spicy, greasy, or acidic foods. Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications, such as loperamide, can help slow down the digestive process and reduce symptoms. If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or you become severely dehydrated, contact your doctor.

Q. Why does stress cause diarrhea in some people?
Stress can cause diarrhea in some people because it can trigger a rush of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can speed up digestion and cause food to pass quickly through the digestive tract, leading to loose or watery stools. Stress can also cause the body to secrete more acid, which can irritate the lining of the intestines, leading to diarrhea.

Q. Why do eggs cause diarrhea?
Eggs can cause diarrhea if they are contaminated with bacteria, such as Salmonella, which can be found on the shells of raw eggs. Consuming raw or undercooked eggs can lead to food poisoning, which can cause diarrhea as a symptom. Additionally, some people may have an intolerance to eggs, which can cause diarrhea.

Q. What should I do if my diarrhea is like water? When should I be worried about watery diarrhea?
It is important to pay close attention to watery diarrhea and if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in the stool, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Few things to try mean while:

1. Increase fluid intake: It is important to replace the lost fluids from diarrhea. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day to prevent dehydration.
2. Take an electrolyte replacement: Electrolytes help the body to absorb fluids and can help replace those lost through diarrhea. Try drinks like Pedialyte, Gatorade, or coconut water.
3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: These can both increase dehydration and worsen diarrhea symptoms.
4. Consider probiotics: Probiotics may help to reduce the severity of diarrhea and can be found in yogurt, kefir, and supplements.
5. Avoid high-fiber foods: These can worsen symptoms and should be avoided until symptoms improve.
6. Eat small, frequent meals: Eating smaller meals more often can help to reduce symptoms. Avoid fatty or greasy foods as these can worsen symptoms.
7. Get plenty of rest: Resting can help the body to recover and reduce symptoms.

Q. Why does coffee sometimes cause diarrhea?
Coffee can cause diarrhea due to its caffeine content and its ability to stimulate the gut and increase the production of acid. The caffeine in coffee can stimulate the muscles in the digestive system, which may cause food to pass through the intestines more quickly than normal. This can lead to loose stools. Additionally, coffee can irritate the lining of the intestines and increase the production of stomach acid, which can also lead to diarrhea.

Q. Do bananas cause diarrhea?
No, bananas do not typically cause it. However, eating too many bananas can cause digestive upset, such as bloating, stomach pain, and loose stools. Bananas contain a lot of natural sugar, so it is important to not eat too many in one sitting.

Q. What is the best food when recovering from diarrhea?

• Plain Rice: White rice helps absorb water and electrolytes in the body.
• Bananas: Bananas are high in potassium, which can help replace electrolytes that are lost due to diarrhea.
• Bone Broth: Bone broth is easy to digest and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can help replenish the body.
• Applesauce: Applesauce is a simple and easy-to-digest food.
• Toast: Toast is low in fiber, which can help settle an upset stomach.
• Yogurt: Yogurt can help restore beneficial bacteria in the gut and reduce diarrhea.
• Ginger: Ginger tea can help soothe an upset stomach and reduce inflammation.
• Chamomile: Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce diarrhea.
• Coconut Water: Coconut water is full of electrolytes that can help replenish the body.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are easy to digest and can help bind stools.

Q. What is constant diarrhea a sign of?
It can be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, or a food intolerance. It can also be a sign of a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection.

Q. How can Ayurveda stop diarrhea? Is there any ayurvedic treatment for diarrhea? Which Ayurvedic medicine is best?
Ayurveda provides a natural approach to treating diarrhea, such as taking a few home remedies and dietary changes. For example, triphala, a combination of three fruits, can be taken in capsule, tablet, or powder form to help with digestion and reduce the frequency of stooling. Additionally, foods that are easy to digest, such as cooked rice, mung dal, and steamed vegetables, are recommended. Herbs such as ginger, cumin, coriander, and fennel can be added to meals to help reduce symptoms of diarrhea. Lastly, staying hydrated and avoiding processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol can help to reduce symptoms.