What to do and what not to during loose stools ? Here is an answer..Read to find out..

Introduction :

Loose stools is common to all age groups from children to old age. It is frequent in smaller children who are exposed to lot of micro -organisms during play and their habit of keeping fingers in mouth .

Recently, I met my friend with her 3 year old son. Her son had loose stools since 2 days but she was giving milk to the child  which would  increase the frequency of loose stools.
Here, I discuss few Dos and Don'ts during loose stools. Before that, let's see the causes of loose stools first.

Causes of loose stools :

Infection /Food poisoning  :

Certain bacteria, virus , parasites causes inflammation of the stomach and small intestine which enters through contaminated food , water or hands leading to loose stools.

Certain medical conditions may cause loose stools:

Ex: Diseases relating to digestive system like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's disease.

Stress :

Stress releases hormones which effects the gastric motility causing loose stools. In people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome stress aggravates the condition.

Intake of too much spicy and oily food , caffeine may also cause loose stools.

Do's during loose stools :

 Drink lots of fluid : 

Drink more water, fruit juices, oral rehydrate solutions to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes . Electrolytes are important for muscle contraction and fluids for overall functioning of the body.

Diet :

• Follow BRAT diet . B for banana, R - Rice, A -Applesauce and T - Toast.
• Banana is rich in potassium levels which is needed and helps in binding of stool. 
• Rice is a good source of carbohydrates. You can eat rice porridge which gives much required energy.
• Eat soft  unspicy cooked foods rather than raw foods.
• Eat fruits especially apple and vitamin C rich oranges, grapefruit.

Drink buttermilk : 

Filter the buttermilk if it is made up of thick curd to remove fat. Curd is a natural probiotic  rich in Lactobacillus bacteria good bacteria

Hygiene :

Wash hands after using wash room. 

Rest:

Take proper rest which helps you to regain strength and reduces stress which is good for Gastro Intestinal system.

Don'ts during loose stools :

Diet :

Avoid Milk, Caffeine, Spicy food and Oily food : 

Avoid these foods for few days as this aggravates  the condition. 

Do not eat in unhygienic places.

Note : If loose stools is associated with vomiting it is advisable to consult doctor immediately as risk of dehydration is high which may lead to other complications.


Conclusion:

Loose stools is common and usually will subside within few days with or without treatment. Be aware of the Do's and Don'ts so that you go through the phase at ease. If symptoms, persists longer consult doctor. Follow simple hand washing to prevent the incidence and spread of loose stools.

Thank you,

Divya Lokesh.