Diarrhoea - what is widely called "loose motion" in India - affects almost everyone occasionally. Most episodes are caused by viral or bacterial gut infections, food contamination, or stress, and settle within one to three days with simple home care. The greatest danger is dehydration, particularly in infants, young children, the elderly, and people with chronic illness. Worldwide, diarrhoeal disease still causes around 1.6 million deaths a year, including about 440,000 children under five (World Health Organization). The remedies below are practical, affordable, and chosen for evidence quality. They do not replace medical care for severe, bloody, or persistent diarrhoea.

What Diarrhoea Is - and What It Isn't

Diarrhoea is defined as passing three or more loose or watery stools in 24 hours, or noticeably more frequent stools than is normal for you. It can be accompanied by cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fever, or urgency. A single soft stool is not diarrhoea. A single hard stool with constipation, followed by a loose stool, is not necessarily diarrhoea either.

Acute vs Persistent vs Chronic

Any diarrhoea lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor. Home remedies alone are appropriate only for acute, uncomplicated episodes.

Common Causes of Diarrhoea

• Viral gastroenteritis: rotavirus (especially in young children), norovirus, adenovirus. Self-limiting in most cases.
• Bacterial infection: contaminated food or water - E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Vibrio cholerae. Often with fever and sometimes blood.
• Parasites: Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica are common in India; cause persistent diarrhoea.
• Food poisoning: toxins from bacteria that have grown in poorly stored food; usually short-lived.
• Traveller's diarrhoea: typically E. coli from contaminated street food, ice, salads, or water.
• Medications: antibiotics (disrupting gut flora), magnesium-based antacids, metformin, some chemotherapy.
• Food intolerance: lactose intolerance is common in adults; gluten intolerance (coeliac); artificial sweeteners (sorbitol).
• Stress and the gut–brain axis: emotional stress and anxiety can trigger functional diarrhoea, especially in irritable bowel syndrome.
• Inflammatory bowel disease and other gut conditions: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis - causes of chronic diarrhoea needing specialist care.

Read more about - Effective Home Remedies for Stomach Ache and When Does Viral Fever Need a Doctor’s Attention.

Signs of Dehydration: Adults and Children

Recognising dehydration early is the single most important skill for managing diarrhoea at home.

If any of these signs are present - particularly in a child or elderly person - start ORS immediately and seek medical advice.

Learn more about - Gastroenteritis in Children: What Parents Need to Know.

The First-Line Treatment: Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

How Much ORS to Drink - Adults and Children

• Adults: 200-400 ml (one glass) after each loose stool. Sip steadily - gulping causes nausea.
• Children 5+ years: about 100-200 ml after each loose stool.
• Children 1–4 years: about 50-100 ml after each loose stool, given as small frequent sips by spoon if needed.
• Infants under 1: about 50 ml after each loose stool, given by spoon. Continue breast or formula feeding normally between ORS doses.
• If vomiting: give very small sips (a teaspoon every 1–2 minutes) until vomiting settles, then gradually increase.

Zinc Supplementation in Children

For children aged 6 months to 5 years with diarrhoea, the World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend a daily zinc supplement for 10-14 days alongside ORS:

• Children under 6 months: 10 mg per day for 10-14 days.
• Children 6 months to 5 years: 20 mg per day for 10-14 days.

Zinc reduces the duration and severity of diarrhoea and the likelihood of recurrence in the following 2 to 3 months. Zinc syrups and dispersible tablets are available at most Indian chemists.

20 Evidence-Backed Home Remedies for Diarrhoea

Each remedy below includes how to use it and a brief evidence note. The order is by evidence quality and practical priority - start with the first few and add others as helpful. None replaces medical care for severe or persistent symptoms.

1. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

Why it works: ORS replaces fluids and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) lost in diarrhoeal stools, exactly in the proportions the body needs. The glucose-sodium co-transport in the small intestine allows the body to absorb up to 95% of the fluid even during severe diarrhoea. ORS is the single most life-saving intervention in diarrhoea.

How to use: see the recipe and dose tables above. Start within an hour of the first loose stool.

2. Coconut Water

Why it works: tender coconut water is rich in potassium, magnesium, and natural sugars, with mild electrolyte balance. Useful for mild dehydration, especially when ORS is not immediately available.

How to use: 1-2 fresh tender coconuts per day, sipped slowly. Not a complete substitute for proper ORS in moderate or severe dehydration - the sodium content of coconut water is low.

3. The BRAT Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)

Why it works: these are bland, low-fibre, easy-to-digest foods that give the gut a rest. Bananas contain pectin (a soluble fibre that absorbs water) and potassium (lost in stools). The BRAT diet is best used for the first 24 to 48 hours; do not stay on it longer because it is nutritionally incomplete.

How to use: eat small portions every 2-3 hours. Toast in BRAT means plain white toast without butter or jam.

4. Curd and Buttermilk (Probiotics)

Why it works: curd (dahi) and buttermilk (chaas) contain live cultures of Lactobacillus and other beneficial bacteria that help restore healthy gut flora. A Cochrane review found probiotics reduce the duration of acute infectious diarrhoea by about a day.

How to use: 1–2 small bowls of fresh curd, or 1-2 glasses of buttermilk seasoned with a pinch of roasted cumin powder and rock salt, throughout the day. Choose set curd or commercial probiotic curds with live cultures.

Safety: avoid if you are lactose-intolerant - symptoms will worsen. Lassi made with too much sugar is best avoided during diarrhoea.

5. Rice Water (Kanji)

Why it works: the starchy water left after boiling rice provides easily-absorbed carbohydrates, a small amount of electrolytes, and a soothing coat for the intestinal lining. Long used in Indian and Southeast-Asian medicine, and supported by published trials in paediatric diarrhoea.

How to use: boil ½ cup of white rice in 3 cups of water for 15-20 minutes; strain the water, add a small pinch of salt, and drink warm. Particularly useful for children.

6. Isabgol (Psyllium Husk) with Curd

Why it works: isabgol is a soluble fibre that absorbs water and adds bulk to liquid stools. Combined with probiotic curd, it firms up stools and supports gut flora.

How to use: mix 1 teaspoon of isabgol into a small bowl of fresh curd and eat immediately, before it thickens. Once or twice a day.

Safety: drink a full glass of water alongside; not for those with intestinal obstruction.

7. Sabudana (Tapioca)

Why it works: sabudana is almost pure starch - gentle, bland, easy to digest, and energy-dense. Particularly suited to children and to days when appetite is low.

How to use: soak 2 tablespoons of sabudana in water for 2-3 hours, then make a watery khichdi or porridge with a pinch of salt and cumin. Eat warm.

8. Carrot Soup

Why it works: cooked carrots are soft, fibre-modest, and contain potassium, sodium, and antioxidants. Carrot soup has been used in paediatric diarrhoea in the West for over a century.

How to use: boil 3-4 peeled, chopped carrots in 500 ml of water with a small pinch of salt for 30 minutes; blend smooth. Drink warm, half a cup at a time.

9. Khichdi (Rice and Moong Dal)

Why it works: khichdi made with rice and moong dal in a thin consistency is the cornerstone Indian recovery food - easy to digest, mildly binding, and providing carbohydrates, protein, and modest electrolytes.

How to use: cook ½ cup rice and ¼ cup moong dal in 3-4 cups of water with a small pinch of salt and turmeric until very soft. Eat with a little ghee or curd.

10. Methi Seeds (Fenugreek) with Curd

Why it works: methi seeds contain mucilage that acts as a natural bulking agent. Combined with probiotic curd, this is a long-standing Indian remedy for loose motion.

How to use: ½ teaspoon of methi seeds (chewed or swallowed whole) with a small bowl of fresh curd, once or twice a day.

Safety: not in pregnancy in medicinal doses; everyday cooking quantities are fine.

11. Jeera Water (Cumin Water)

Why it works: jeera is mildly antispasmodic and aids digestion. Useful for cramping and gurgling, although evidence is largely traditional.

How to use: boil 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes, strain, and sip warm. 2-3 cups a day.

12. Pomegranate Juice

Why it works: pomegranate contains tannins that have a mild astringent effect on the intestinal lining. Used traditionally in Indian and Mediterranean medicine for loose stools.

How to use: half a cup of fresh, unsweetened pomegranate juice once or twice a day. The juice of the rind is even more astringent in ayurvedic practice but should be used cautiously.

13. Bael Sharbat (Wood Apple)

Why it works: bael (Aegle marmelos) is one of the most respected ayurvedic remedies for diarrhoea and dysentery, with mild astringent and antimicrobial properties.

How to use: scoop out the pulp from a ripe bael, mash with water to a runny consistency, strain, add a pinch of black salt and a teaspoon of jaggery, and drink. Once or twice a day.

14. Lemon Water with Salt and Sugar (Nimbu Pani)

Why it works: a glass of nimbu pani with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar is an improvised oral rehydration drink, with the added vitamin C of lemon. Better than nothing if no ORS is to hand, but proper ORS is preferred.

How to use: squeeze half a lemon into 200 ml of clean water, add ¼ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar, stir well, drink slowly.

15. Ginger Tea

Why it works: ginger has mild anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties, useful when diarrhoea is accompanied by nausea or cramping.

How to use: grate 1-2 cm of fresh ginger, boil in 250 ml water for 8 minutes, strain, drink warm with optional honey (for over-1s).

Safety: avoid large amounts if you are on blood thinners.

16. Chamomile Tea

Why it works: chamomile is a gentle antispasmodic and helps with cramping and bloating; it is also calming, useful when stress is a trigger.

How to use: one chamomile tea bag or 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in hot water for 5 minutes; 2-3 cups a day.

17. Peppermint Tea

Why it works: menthol in peppermint relaxes intestinal smooth muscle and reduces gas and bloating.

How to use: fresh mint leaves (5-7) or 1 teaspoon dried mint in hot water for 8 minutes.

Safety: not in severe reflux - peppermint relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter; avoid in infants and very young children.

18. Fennel Seeds (Saunf)

Why it works: fennel is mildly antispasmodic and carminative, helpful for bloating and gas during the recovery phase.

How to use: chew a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals, or steep 1 teaspoon in hot water for 5 minutes and drink.

19. Turmeric Water

Why it works: curcumin in turmeric is anti-inflammatory and has modest in-vitro antimicrobial activity. Direct clinical evidence in diarrhoea is limited, but turmeric is safe and traditional.

How to use: a small pinch of turmeric stirred into warm water with a pinch of salt, once or twice a day.

Safety: avoid high-dose curcumin supplements in pregnancy; everyday cooking quantities are fine.

20. Cinnamon with Honey

Why it works: cinnamon has mild antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. Combined with honey it is a soothing, palatable adjunct.

How to use: ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey, taken once or twice a day in warm water.

Safety: not for children under 1 year (honey-related botulism risk).

Note on remedies not included: 

You may see other "loose motion remedies" recommended online - including apple cider vinegar as a "natural antibiotic", mustard water, and high-dose nutmeg. These have weak or no published evidence in human diarrhoea, can irritate an already-inflamed gut, and in some cases (nutmeg, large amounts) are actively harmful. We have not included them.

Read more about - Constituents of a Healthy Diet and Constipation Symptoms.

Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid

A traditional Indian "BRAT-plus" plate during recovery: thin khichdi, a small bowl of fresh curd, a banana, and weak salt-jeera buttermilk. Simple, complete, gentle.

Home Care for Children: Age-Banded Guide

Infants Under 6 Months

• Continue exclusive breastfeeding more frequently than usual - breast milk is the safest fluid and helps the gut recover.
• For formula-fed infants, continue normal formula in normal strength (do not dilute) and offer more frequent feeds.
• Give 50 ml of ORS after each loose stool by spoon or feeding cup.
• Give 10 mg of zinc daily for 10-14 days (under paediatric guidance).
• Do NOT give honey, nutmeg, mustard, apple cider vinegar, or any "kitchen remedy" not specifically listed for this age.
• Do NOT use loperamide or other antidiarrhoeal medicines.
• See a doctor the same day if there is any concern.

6 to 12 Months

• Continue breastfeeding (or formula) on demand.
• Offer 50-100 ml of ORS after each loose stool.
• Continue age-appropriate weaning foods that the child usually tolerates well: well-cooked dal-rice, mashed banana, khichdi, curd, plain idli.
• Give 20 mg of zinc daily for 10-14 days.
• No honey under 1 year. No cow's milk in large amounts during the diarrhoeal episode.

1 to 3 Years

• Encourage frequent small sips of ORS, water, dal water, weak coconut water, or weak nimbu pani.
• 50-100 ml of ORS after each loose stool.
• Continue normal meals - khichdi, curd, banana, mashed potato, plain idli, soft chapati with curd. Avoid spicy curries, fried snacks, sweets, and biscuits during the episode.
• Give 20 mg of zinc daily for 10-14 days.
• Avoid loperamide and antiemetic syrups unless prescribed.

3 to 5 Years

• Frequent small drinks: ORS, coconut water, weak buttermilk, rice kanji, plain lemon water with a pinch of salt.
• 100 ml of ORS after each loose stool.
• Bland normal diet: khichdi, curd, rice with moong dal, banana, plain toast or rusk, sabudana porridge.
• Give 20 mg of zinc daily for 10-14 days.

Above 5 Years

• 200 ml of ORS or fluid after each loose stool.
• Bland diet with curd, khichdi, banana, rice, plain dosa, light vegetable soup.
• Avoid loperamide unless specifically advised; ginger or chamomile tea can help with cramps.

Diarrhoea in Pregnancy: What Is Safe

• Safe and helpful: plenty of ORS, coconut water, plain water, curd and buttermilk, khichdi, banana, rice kanji, plain ginger tea (in moderation), and rest.
• Use with caution: isabgol is generally safe; methi seeds in medicinal doses should be avoided in pregnancy (cooking quantities are fine); peppermint tea in small amounts is fine but not in large quantities; high-dose curcumin supplements should be avoided (everyday cooking turmeric is safe).
• Avoid: loperamide is best avoided unless prescribed; bismuth-based antidiarrhoeals are not recommended in pregnancy; nutmeg medicinal doses are not safe; do not self-prescribe antibiotics.
• See a doctor early: any diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours in pregnancy, or accompanied by fever, blood, severe cramping, or signs of dehydration. Dehydration can affect blood flow to the baby and trigger contractions.

Diarrhoea in the Elderly

Older adults dehydrate more quickly than younger adults - they often feel less thirsty even when they need fluid, have a smaller margin of reserve, and may be on diuretic, blood-pressure, or diabetes medications that worsen the picture. For anyone over 70 with diarrhoea:

• Start ORS within the first few loose stools, before thirst kicks in.
• Check medications - diuretics, ACE inhibitors, metformin, and SGLT2-inhibitor diabetes drugs all need temporary review (do not stop without medical advice).
• Have a low threshold for seeing a doctor - older adults with diarrhoea have higher mortality, particularly from C. difficile and bacterial dysentery.
• Avoid loperamide if there is fever or blood; use only on medical advice.
• Continue to eat - older adults lose nutrition reserves faster; offer small, frequent, bland meals.

Traveller's Diarrhoea ("Delhi Belly")

Whether you are an Indian travelling within India or a visitor from abroad, traveller's diarrhoea is typically caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli or similar bacteria picked up from contaminated water, ice, salads, or street food. Most episodes settle within 3-5 days.

• Self-care: start ORS immediately; rest; bland diet; consider a probiotic curd or yoghurt; avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• See a doctor if: symptoms last more than 3 days, you have fever above 38.5°C, bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration. Antibiotic treatment is sometimes warranted but should always be physician-prescribed.
• Prevention: drink bottled or boiled water; avoid ice unless made from safe water; eat freshly cooked hot food; peel fruits yourself; avoid pre-cut salads and raw seafood; consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination if travelling to high-risk areas.

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea and C. difficile

Antibiotics can disrupt the normal gut flora and allow overgrowth of resistant bacteria, particularly Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This is becoming more common in India, especially in hospitalised and elderly patients. Suspect C. diff if diarrhoea begins during, or within 2 months after, a course of antibiotics particularly broad-spectrum ones like clindamycin, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins, or carbapenems. C. diff diarrhoea is often profuse, with cramping, fever, and sometimes blood. Do not treat C. diff with loperamide or kitchen remedies alone - see a doctor for stool testing and specific antibiotic treatment (oral vancomycin or fidaxomicin). Probiotic curd or specific probiotic supplements may help reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea when started early in the antibiotic course.

When NOT to Take Antidiarrhoeal Medicine

Antimotility drugs (loperamide, brand names Imodium and others) slow down gut transit. In some situations this is the wrong thing to do, because trapping infected stool in the gut allows the infection to worsen.

• Do NOT take loperamide if there is fever above 38.5°C.
• Do NOT take it if there is blood, mucus, or pus in the stool (suspected dysentery).
• Do NOT use it in children under 12 unless specifically advised by a doctor.
• Do NOT use it in suspected C. difficile or in severe IBD flares.
• Antibiotics for diarrhoea require diagnosis. Antibiotic combinations sold over the counter (such as ornidazole-ofloxacin) treat specific organisms - using them empirically promotes resistance and can worsen C. diff. See a doctor.

Prevention: Stopping Diarrhoea Before It Starts

• Wash hands: with soap and water for 20 seconds before eating, before preparing food, and after using the toilet. The single most effective prevention.
• Drink safe water: boiled, filtered (RO or UV), or sealed bottled water - especially when travelling.
• Eat freshly cooked, hot food: avoid food that has been sitting out unrefrigerated for hours, particularly meat, fish, and dairy.
• Be cautious with street food and pre-cut fruit: a leading source of food-borne illness in Indian cities.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours: and reheat thoroughly before eating.
• Vaccination: rotavirus vaccination for infants is part of the Universal Immunisation Programme in India and dramatically reduces serious rotavirus diarrhoea. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended for travellers.
• Don't share towels, plates, or cups with anyone who has diarrhoea or has been ill within the past few days.

Recovery and Refeeding

Once the diarrhoea begins to settle, return to normal eating gradually:

• Days 1-2 of recovery: thin khichdi, curd, banana, plain rice with dal, sabudana, soft idli or dosa.
• Day 3 onwards: add cooked vegetables, soft chapati, well-cooked dal, lean chicken or fish if you are non-vegetarian.
• Day 5-7: usual diet, but ease back into rich foods, spices, alcohol, and street food gradually.
• Continue probiotic curd or buttermilk for 1-2 weeks to help gut flora recover.
• Hydrate well; expect appetite and energy to take a few days to fully return.

When to See a Doctor: Red Flags

The Institute for Digestive & Liver Diseases at BLK Max Hospital offers complete evaluation for acute, persistent, and chronic diarrhoea, including stool culture and microscopy, blood tests, imaging, endoscopy and colonoscopy as needed, and outpatient and inpatient rehydration when required.

Prescription medicines such as antibiotics or antimotility drugs need a proper diagnosis. Do not self-prescribe based on internet searches or pharmacy advice - the correct treatment depends entirely on the cause.

Conclusion

Most episodes of loose motion settle within one to three days with simple, evidence-based home care: oral rehydration solution, bland easy-to-digest foods, probiotic curd, and rest. The 20 remedies in this guide cover the most reliable, affordable, and culturally familiar options for Indian households, used safely by adults and - with the noted exceptions - by children. The single most important principle is to replace fluids and electrolytes early; the second is to recognise warning signs that mean home care is no longer enough. Infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic illness should have a lower threshold for seeing a doctor. Diarrhoea is rarely the disease itself - it is the body's way of clearing an infection or irritant. Support that process gently, watch for danger signs, and get help when you need it.

For severe, persistent, or recurrent diarrhoea, book a consultation with the Institute for Digestive & Liver Diseases at BLK Max Hospital. Our team of gastroenterologists and paediatricians offers complete diagnostic work-up - stool culture, blood and imaging tests, endoscopy where needed - and treatment plans tailored to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can I stop loose motion instantly at home?

You cannot truly stop diarrhoea instantly — and you usually shouldn't try, because the body is clearing an infection or irritant. What you can do immediately is replace fluids with ORS, eat bland foods (banana, curd, rice, khichdi), and rest. Most acute episodes settle within 24 to 48 hours.

Q2. Is jeera water good for loose motion?

Jeera water is a gentle traditional remedy that helps with cramping, gas, and gurgling. It does not stop the diarrhoea itself, but eases discomfort and is safe to use alongside ORS.

Q3. What foods should I avoid during loose motion?

Avoid full-cream milk and cheese, spicy curries, deep-fried snacks, raw salads, high-fibre vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, strong tea and coffee, alcohol, and fizzy drinks. Curd is the exception to "no dairy" — it is helpful, not harmful.

Q4. Is fenugreek (methi) good for loose motion?

Yes, in modest amounts. Methi seeds contain mucilage that helps bulk up stools. Swallow ½ teaspoon with a small bowl of curd once or twice a day. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy.

Q5. Can I eat curd during diarrhoea?

Yes — fresh curd with live cultures is one of the most useful foods during diarrhoea. The probiotic bacteria help restore gut flora. Choose plain set curd or commercial probiotic curds; avoid sugary lassi.

Q6. How to stop diarrhoea in adults fast?

Start ORS within the first hour. Eat banana, rice, curd, khichdi. Rest. Sip jeera water for cramps. Avoid milk, fried, and spicy food. If diarrhoea is severe, bloody, or lasting more than 48 hours, see a doctor.

Q7. Is it safe to take loperamide for loose motion?

Sometimes — but not always. Loperamide is safe in mild, watery, non-bloody adult diarrhoea without fever. It is NOT safe when there is fever, blood in stool, suspected bacterial dysentery, in children under 12, or in recent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Use only on medical advice.

Q8. Should I give my baby anything for loose motion?

For infants and young children: ORS (50–100 ml after each loose stool), continued breast or formula feeding, zinc supplement (10–20 mg/day for 10–14 days), and a doctor's review if there are any red flags. Do not give honey to babies under 1, and do not give antimotility drugs.

Q9. Can ORS be made at home?

Yes. Mix 6 level teaspoons of sugar and ½ level teaspoon of salt in 1 litre of clean, boiled-and-cooled water. Measure carefully — too much salt is dangerous for children. Commercial WHO-formula ORS sachets are preferable when available.

Q10. Is coconut water as good as ORS?

Coconut water is helpful for mild dehydration but has less sodium than ORS, so it is not a complete substitute in moderate or severe dehydration. Use it alongside ORS, not in place of it.

Q11. How long does loose motion usually last?

Most viral or food-poisoning episodes settle in 24 to 72 hours. Bacterial diarrhoea may last 3 to 5 days. Anything over 14 days needs a doctor's evaluation for possible parasitic infection or other causes.

Q12. What is the BRAT diet, and is it still recommended?

BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast — a bland low-fibre diet for the first 24–48 hours. It is still useful in early diarrhoea, but should not be the only food for more than a couple of days because it is nutritionally incomplete. Khichdi with curd is an excellent Indian equivalent.

Q13. Can stress cause diarrhoea?

Yes — the gut-brain axis is well established. Anxiety and stress can trigger diarrhoea, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome. Stress-reduction practices help; if symptoms are chronic and stress-related, see a gastroenterologist.

Q14. Is it safe to take antibiotics for loose motion?

Only on medical advice. Most acute diarrhoea is viral and does not need antibiotics. Self-prescribing antibiotics is unsafe — it promotes antibiotic resistance and can cause C. difficile infection, which is harder to treat than the original problem.

Q15. What is traveller's diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea picked up from contaminated food or water while travelling, usually caused by E. coli. Most episodes settle in 3–5 days with ORS, bland diet, and rest. See a doctor if there is fever, blood, or severe symptoms.

Q16. Can I exercise during diarrhoea?

Best to rest. Strenuous exercise increases fluid loss through sweat and can worsen dehydration. Gentle walking is fine if you feel up to it.

Q17. Does ORS stop the diarrhoea?

No — ORS does not stop the diarrhoea itself. It prevents dehydration, which is what makes diarrhoea dangerous. The diarrhoea stops when your body clears the underlying cause.

Q18. What about diarrhoea during pregnancy?

Generally safe home remedies in pregnancy: ORS, coconut water, bananas, plain rice, curd, khichdi, plain ginger tea in moderation. Avoid medicinal-dose methi, nutmeg, and high-dose curcumin supplements. See a doctor if it lasts more than 24 hours or with any concerning symptoms - dehydration can affect the baby.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Decisions about medication should always be made with a qualified doctor. Take particular caution with infants, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic illness - seek medical advice early in these groups.

Reference List

• Allen, S. J., Martinez, E. G., Gregorio, G. V., & Dans, L. F. (2010). Probiotics for treating acute infectious diarrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2010(11), Article CD003048. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003048.pub3
• Behera, J. P., Mohanty, B., Ramani, Y. R., Rath, B., & Pradhan, S. (2014). Effect of aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos unripe fruit on inflammatory bowel disease. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 46(6), 614–618. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7613.144925
• Bhutta, Z. A., Das, J. K., Walker, N., Rizvi, A., Campbell, H., Rudan, I., & Black, R. E. (2018). Interventions to address deaths from childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea equitably: What works and at what cost? The Lancet, 381(9875), 1417–1429. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60648-0
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Diarrhea — Hydration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/diarrhea/about/index.html
• Goldenberg, J. Z., Yap, C., Lytvyn, L., Lo, C. K., Beardsley, J., Mertz, D., & Johnston, B. C. (2017). Probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in adults and children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12(12), Article CD006095. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006095.pub4