What Causes Loose Motion, and How Can It Be Treated Quickly? - #14461
I have been dealing with loose motion (diarrhea) over the past few days, and while I have been staying hydrated, I want to understand what causes it and how to treat it quickly. Some people say that spicy foods and infections are common causes, but I am unsure whether stress or gut imbalances could also trigger loose stools. Loose motion can be caused by food poisoning, infections, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), lactose intolerance, or digestive issues. Many doctors recommend staying hydrated with electrolyte solutions, eating a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), and taking probiotics. Some people also use Ayurvedic remedies like pomegranate peel powder, bael fruit, or buttermilk with cumin to soothe digestion. However, I want to know whether chronic loose motion could indicate an underlying gut disorder like colitis or Crohn’s disease. For those who have had persistent loose motion, what treatments worked best for quick relief and restoring gut health? Would love insights into the best ways to stop diarrhea naturally and whether medical attention is needed for prolonged symptoms.
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Loose motion (diarrhea) can be triggered by a variety of factors, including infections, food poisoning, stress, gut imbalances, and certain food intolerances like lactose. Spicy foods or high-fat meals can also irritate the digestive system and lead to loose stools. If the diarrhea is short-term and resolves within a few days, it’s typically due to a mild infection or digestive upset. For quick relief, staying hydrated with water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions (ORS) is key, along with following a bland diet like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). Probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Ayurvedic remedies like pomegranate peel powder, bael fruit, or buttermilk with cumin are known for their digestive-soothing properties and can aid in calming the intestines. However, if diarrhea persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by symptoms like weight loss, blood in stools, or severe abdominal pain, it could indicate a more serious condition like IBS, colitis, or Crohn’s disease, and medical attention should be sought. In such cases, a doctor may recommend further testing and a tailored treatment plan, which could include anti-inflammatory medications or dietary changes. To prevent future occurrences, managing stress, avoiding irritants, and maintaining gut health through a balanced diet and regular probiotics can be helpful.
Loose motion, yeah, can be kind of complicated—typical causes include everything you mentioned like infections, spicy food, stress or imbalances in digestive fire, what Ayurveda calls Agni. Acute ones might just be from that spicy curry, you know? But chronic loose stools could sometimes point to deeper issues like colitis or Crohn’s disease. Those are a big deal and really need proper medical diagnosis and treatment by a professional.
Now, Ayurveda really digs into the whole person—your body, mind and that unique dosha thing. When vata dosha goes outta whack, it can often lead to diarrhea. Spicy food can mess with pitta, causing loose motions too. But hey, stress! You bet, it plays a big role and can seriously impact gut health, often irritating the bowel. So when you notice this going on for a while, it’s smart to check in with a doc to clear up any major health scares.
For quick relief when you know it’s not something chronic, drinking warm water is key to reaping the benefits of Ayurveda’s healing vibes. It’s well advised to avoid cold beverages and hard-to-digest foods—they complicate your digestive system. Try adding some ginger tea into your routine. It’s kind of magic for stabilizing your agni. You can prep it by boiling fresh ginger slices with water, and sip it slowly.
Maybe, give pomegranate a shot, they’re pretty cool. Mix pomegranate peel powder with a little warm water and drink it like, twice a day. Bael fruit can really help, it’s got astringent properties that firm up those loose stools. Buttermilk, spiked with a pinch of roasted cumin and rock salt, balanced with a little time on your hands, works wonders to smooth any digestive turmoil. Plus, it’s pro-tip is pretty tasty.
Don’t forget the basics though, slowly easing back into foods with the BRAT diet might help calm things down a lot. Eat light, like soups and mushy rice—go easy on your insides. If it doesn’t settle after a few days or you notice blood or severe stomach pain, really, don’t wait too long—get in touch with a healthcare provider pronto.
Make sure those remedies fit your unique constitution and lifestyle! But stick close to your body’s signals, and hydrate, seriously don’t skimp on that.

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.