Diarrhoea – Frequent, Loose Bowel Movements
Diarrhoea is defined as passing loose, watery stools more often than usual — typically three or more times per day. While it is often short-lived and triggered by infection or dietary factors, it can also result from food intolerances, digestive disorders, or stress. The key focus is on restoring hydration, calming the digestive system, and preventing further irritation.
Common Triggers
- Viral or bacterial infections (e.g., norovirus, food poisoning)
- Food intolerances (lactose, gluten, fructose)
- High-fat or greasy foods
- Excess caffeine or alcohol
- Stress and anxiety
- Medications such as antibiotics
- Chronic gut conditions (IBS, IBD, coeliac disease)
Relief & Management Goals
- Prevent dehydration and electrolyte loss
- Rest the digestive tract while maintaining essential nutrition
- Calm bowel spasms and reduce urgency
- Identify and avoid dietary or behavioural triggers
Quick Guide
- Hydration: Sip oral rehydration solution (ORS) or diluted electrolyte drinks regularly.
- Pain scale: Aim to reduce cramping and urgency from severe to mild within 24 hours.
- Success signs: Firmer stools, reduced urgency, improved energy levels.
Step-by-Step Diarrhoea Relief & Recovery Program
Step 1 — Immediate Hydration (First 24 hours)
Goal: Replace lost fluids and electrolytes quickly
- Sip small amounts of water or ORS every 5–10 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- If ORS is unavailable, mix 1 litre of water with ½ teaspoon salt and 6 teaspoons sugar.
- Avoid very cold drinks, which may trigger more bowel activity.
- Include light broths for both hydration and minerals.
Success: Urine is pale yellow and you feel less fatigued within hours.
Step 2 — Gentle Diet Progression (BRAT-style for 24–48 hours)
Goal: Rest the bowel and reduce irritation
- Base meals on bananas, white rice, applesauce, and plain toast.
- Avoid dairy, fatty foods, and high-fibre vegetables for now.
- Eat small portions every 2–3 hours instead of large meals.
- Reintroduce lean proteins (e.g., chicken, white fish) gradually once stools begin to firm.
Success: Reduced frequency of bowel movements and less urgency.
Step 3 — Abdominal Cramp Release (2–3 minutes, as needed)
Goal: Relax bowel muscles and ease discomfort
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat.
- Place hands on your lower abdomen.
- Take slow, deep breaths through your nose, feeling the belly rise.
- On each exhale, imagine the muscles softening and any cramp unwinding.
Success: A noticeable drop in tension or spasm in the belly.
Step 4 — Gentle Re-Activation (Day 3 onwards)
Goal: Support normal bowel rhythm without overloading
- Once stools have firmed, slowly reintroduce fibre starting with cooked vegetables.
- Continue avoiding excess caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat foods for at least 5–7 days.
- Take gentle walks to stimulate healthy gut movement.
Success: Return to normal stool form and stable digestion within a week.
Practical Tips
- Always wash hands thoroughly to avoid spreading infection.
- During travel, use bottled or boiled water and avoid raw produce unless peeled.
- Track any food triggers that repeatedly cause loose stools.
- Use probiotics after antibiotic-related diarrhoea to restore gut balance.
When to Seek Medical Help
- Diarrhoea lasts more than 3 days without improvement
- High fever (>38.5°C), severe abdominal pain, or blood/mucus in stools
- Signs of dehydration: dizziness, very dark urine, rapid heartbeat
- Diarrhoea occurs in infants, elderly, or those with compromised immunity