Loose Stools

Diarrhea, loose stools and loose motions mean nearly the same health problem, i.e. passing watery stools frequently. Affecting people of all age groups, diarrhea is a common reason for kids remaining absent in school. When combined with other notable symptoms, this common digestive problem may signify underlying medical conditions. Educate yourself about the probable loose stools causes, so that you can avoid them in future. Also, confirming the same is imperative to adopt correct treatment approaches.

What Causes Loose Stools?

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), loose stools that accompany weakness signs are identified under spleen qi deficiency. And the main triggering factors are poor diet and stress. Truly speaking, the causal reasons for loose stools are many, and may signify a mild digestive health problem or some serious medical complications. Hence, ruling out the probable causes of loose stools is the first and foremost step to promptly address this discomfort bowel problem. Mild watery stool causes are related to poor digestion and consumption of unhealthy food items.

Based on the length of diarrhea episode, loose stools can be an acute condition or a chronic problem. While the former lasts for a few days to a week's period, chronic diarrhea continues for several weeks. Loose stools after eating specific foods is a case of acute or temporary condition, and will subside within a week or so. The same is applicable to loose motions triggered by poor diet and food poisoning. On the other hand, chronic diarrhea may be a referred sign of gluten allergy, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, Whipple's disease and life-threatening bowel cancer.

How to Treat Loose Stools?

Before you search your medicine cabinet, or make a visit to pharmaceutical store for loose stool medication, try effectual diarrhea home remedies to manage the condition. Taken at a glance, the treatment options for this bowel problem depend upon the causes. Say for example, if diarrhea after eating is related to food intolerance or sensitivity to certain food items, treatment involves identification of the foods, and avoiding them in the daily diet. Likewise, natural remedies for loose stools vary according to the cause.

• In traditional Chinese medicine, consumption of dairy products, raw fruits and vegetables, fried foods and carbonated drinks exacerbate qi deficiency. Hence, avoiding them is a part of treatment regime for this bowel problem.
• Other foods to be eliminated during the episode of passing loose stools are caffeine, fatty foods and spicy foods. Making changes in the daily diet plan and limiting intake of triggering food items are effectual for restoring normal bowel movement.
• Sipping warm cinnamon tea and ginger tea helps in reducing the frequency of passing watery stools. The point is to avoid foods that make the body cold, while increasing warm foods and beverages.
• Coming to diarrhea diet, banana, rice, applesauce and toast (simply abbreviated as BRAT) are considered to be best foods for consumption during the diarrhea episode. To learn more about this diet, refer to BRAT diet plan for diarrhea.
• Also drink healthy fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration, especially for cases of loose stools in toddlers and children. For increased frequency of passing watery stools, consider taking electrolyte solutions to replenish lost salts.
• Last but not the least, take proper rest and follow proper stress management strategies. Physical exertion and any form of stress may worsen diarrhea, and lengthen the course of this bowel problem.

In case, loose motions persist for more than a week, it is recommended to consult a trusted doctor. The notable sign of colon cancer is irregular bowel movement, which encompasses loose stools, thin stools, hard stools, etc. Thus, for suspected chronic loose stools or chronic watery diarrhea, take medical attention as soon as possible. The doctor will perform colonoscopy and necessary diagnostic procedures to diagnose the causes for chronic diarrhea. Accordingly, therapeutic intervention will be suggested for addressing this abnormal bowel movement condition.