Is it normal to have a lot of loose stool?

Is it normal to have a lot of loose stool?

Most of us refer to any frequent or watery stool as loose stool. The term can be inaccurate at times when the bowel movement is frequent but the stool is of a normal consistency, or where the bowel habit is normal but the consistency of the stool is more watery than usual.

What’s the difference between loose stools and diarrhea?

It’s important to understand the difference between loose stools and diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, you’ll also have loose or watery stools. However, if you have loose stools from time to time, it doesn’t mean you have diarrhea. In order for loose stools to be considered diarrhea, they have to occur repeatedly.

When to seek medical attention for loose stools?

With the help of these home remedies, diarrhea caused by dietary trends, infections or food poisoning should return to normal after a few days. Loose stools or diarrhea that does not improve after 1 week should be given immediate medical attention. This can be a sign of a more serious medical condition and may worsen without treatment.

What’s the best way to get rid of loose stool?

1. Fiber! Fiber is your friend. Fiber is good for diarrhea and loose stool in general, but how well it works and which type of fiber you should lean toward will depend on your specific problem. Insoluble fiber cannot be dissolved in water and so passes through your system whole to the bowel where it adds bulk and solidity to your stool.

What does it mean when you have a loose stool?

Loose stool, also known as loose bowel movements or diarrhea, is caused by infectious agents, inflammatory bowel diseases, intake of various medications, and systemic disorders. When a person has loose stool for less than two weeks, the condition is said to be acute.

What foods can cause loose stools?

Food and drinks. Some drinks and food can cause loose stools. Coffee is a common cause because it stimulates the intestinal muscles. Oily and spicy foods are also a problem for some people because they can irritate the stomach.

What causes frequent loose stools?

Infectious Causes. Intestinal infections are another cause of frequent, loose stools, although other symptoms, such as cramping, nausea, and watery diarrhea tend to be present.

How do you treat loose stools?

Luckily, there are steps you can take to treat loose stool. Drink more liquid: Dehydration is one of the biggest risks of loose stools. Drinking more water will help you avoid dehydration, and can also help with clearing out viruses during illnesses. Aim to drink between eight to 12 glasses of water each day.