The topic less spoken about

The Topic less spoken about
Bowel movements is a topic many people are embarrassed to talk about even to the doctor. In fact, your stools will give you firsthand information regarding your stomach. Most adults will be able to explain how they feel. Children however are not very clear what they feel. The following is a simple guide which adults can consider to educate their children regarding normal motions. Once children are told what is normal, they can tell the parents when they have abnormal motions. Many a times, the motions reflect disturbances much before the other clinical symptoms are seen. Early information is always good information when it comes to health.
What is ok?
The number of times differs from person to person. There is no standard or ideal situation.
What is not ok?
Blood in the stools is not ok. One should consult a doctor when they see blood in the stools.
Stool type- reason - remedy is given below
1. Soft smelly stools
Stools which stick to the sides of the bowl even after flushing. Common when too much non-veg or protein is eaten.  
– Due to increased fat in the diet
 – Include fibre in the diet. Consumption of fruits and vegetables should be increased.
2. Pale stools
Stools which look light or pale yellow in color. Common when bland and insufficiently spiced foods are eaten. 
- Digestion is not proper. Bile is not sufficiently secreted
- Use digestion aids like ginger and spices especially pepper which can stimulate digestion.
3. Dispersed stools 
Stools which are dispersed and are not well formed. 
- There is an increase in the acidic foods consumed. Can be due to very spicy foods, too many acidic fruits or fried foods
-  Cool down the stomach with buttermilk, tender coconut water or just plain curd/yogurt before the next meal.
4. Loose motions
Motions which are loose and watery. 
- If you are sure that it is due to food that you have eaten the previous day, pass 1-2 motions without taking any medication. Expelling the food completely is the body’s natural defense mechanism. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water or ORS (oral rehydration solution). After 2 motions, follow remedy.
- Swallow ¼ tsp of methi seeds along with 1 tbsp of curd or a little buttermilk. For small children powdered methi with a tsp of curd can be given. Do not eat anything for some time. 
5. Hard stools that come out as pellets
- Severe dehydration and too much consumption of stimulants like tea and coffee
- Move towards a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet. Increase water consumption substantially. 
6. Thin stools
- This happens when there is an obstruction in the passage of stools. Common in people who have a desk job and in students who spend a lot of time sitting. 
- Get into some physical activity and walk around or stand up for a couple of minutes for every hour of sitting. 
7. Constipation
- The gastrointestinal tract is absorbing the water content in the stools making the movement very difficult.
- Increase consumption of watery fruits and vegetables during the second half of the day. Bulky insoluble fibre at the end of the day helps push the food eaten throughout the day.