There are Food good for diarrhea , With which you can follow a diet both to prevent it and to treat it and improve or reverse its symptoms. In this article we leave you a list of the best 19.
The most common cause of diarrhea is a viral or bacterial infection that contaminates the digestive tract through water or ingested food; But fortunately, it can be prevented by following simple preventive methods.
Some basic precautions include avoiding fast food or prepared on the street and always wash your hands properly before eating.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the causes of diarrhea include bacteria, viruses, parasites, antibiotics and diseases that affect the stomach or small intestine.
Diarrhea is merely a manifestation of a malfunction of the digestive system. It usually occurs when there is excess fluid in the intestine, which affects bowel movements, resulting in different types of diarrhea that vary from person to person.
It takes about 3-4 days for the diarrhea to heal, depending on the intensity of the impact caused by the disease or infection. Duration and severity may also depend on personal history.
During episodes of diarrhea, it is advisable to follow a diet with foods that favor hydration, recovery of the intestinal mucosa and help normalize bowel movements.
List of 19 good foods for diarrhea
The following is a list of foods that, according to their nutritional properties, favor these functions.
1- Coconut Water / Barley / Rice
These are starch-rich and fairly thick liquids that help reduce excess water in the intestine. This starch forms a viscous substance similar to gelatin that fixes excess water avoiding osmotic diarrhea, that is, that which occurs by high passage of water from the bloodstream to the interior of the intestines.
Coconut water, barley and rice also have a calming effect on the gastric mucosa. Intake of these fluids should be every 5 hours or 2-3 times a day, depending on the severity of the diarrhea.
2- Yogurt
The beneficial bacteria that reside in the intestine constantly fight against germs and harmful bacteria that cause disease. Often diarrhea occurs when disease-causing bacteria begin to multiply and prevail over beneficial bacteria.
To restore the proper bacterial balance in the intestine and stop the diarrhea, it is necessary to provide the intestinal tract with more friendly bacteria. A completely natural way to do this is through fermented foods and probiotics.
In particular, the yogurt Has been used for centuries to treat diarrhea. A study at a New York hospital confirmed that between 1/3 and 1/2 cup of yogurt stopped severe infant diarrhea twice as fast as the standard antidiarrheal drug called neomycin .
However, the type of yogurt you consume can make a big difference. The label of the yogurt to be consumed must say that it has"active cultures". Some companies pasteurize the product after it has done so, and this kills the remaining beneficial bacteria, therefore, without exerting its effect.
Other cultured foods that benefit the digestive tract by providing beneficial bacteria include buttermilk, cottage cheese or whey.
3- Home-made sauerkraut
Other fermented foods healthy for intestinal health is the sauerkraut home. It provides one of the broadest varieties of beneficial bacteria that are known to protect against all kinds of intestinal problems such as diarrhea.
Only in case of not having fermented foods or with probiotics, Like yogurt Or sauerkraut, it is possible to resort to some probiotic supplement to restore healthy intestinal flora.
Yogurt is always the easiest vehicle to consume along with other foods that can complement the proper diet for diarrhea cases. It can be mixed with fruits like a banana so that it tastes better.
4- Seeds of fenugreek
The main reason why these seeds are an excellent food for diarrhea is that it has a high content of mucilage . Mucilages are plant compounds that attract water molecules and avoid passage through the intestinal mucosa, making them excellent for cases of diarrhea.
Another property that mucilages have is that they do not irritate the bowel or cause constipation.
The seeds of fenugreek Must be ground. This is done in order that the mucilages have contact with the water and exert their effect. It is also recommended to mix with yogurt before ingesting. Add a little cumin seed too to help improve its overall flavor.
These seeds can be consumed up to 3 times a day to see a result.
5 - Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is very useful for controlling the spastic pains often associated with diarrhea. Chamomile has soothing and astringent properties and contributes to repair and decrease inflammation of the intestinal mucosa.
In order to make the taste of chamomile tea be better, you can add some fresh lemon juice.
Alternatively, only warm water with lemon juice can be used to calm spasms, especially fasting.
6- apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be used to help cure diarrhea. The main mechanism of action is its potent antibacterial and antifungal action. By reducing the pH of the digestive tract, the environment becomes very unfavorable for bacterial growth.
To consume it is recommended to dilute a teaspoon in a glass of water or to drink it alone and then to take yogurt to avoid the resabio in the mouth. It is possible to do this twice daily until the diarrhea has improved.
7- White rice
Some people avoid eating white rice. However, it is an excellent cereal, especially the Carolina or Double variety. These rice grains contain starch granules with a component called Amylose Which is easier to digest by the enzymes of the digestive tract, which makes it a food fit to be consumed in situations of diarrhea.
On the other hand, well cooked rice is an excellent food with astringent power. When all the fiber has been removed, the starch comes in contact with the water, forms a gel and, thus, prevents the accelerated intestinal transit.
When the rice is boiled, the cooking water can be removed and used between meals to be drunk in order to increase the effect.
8- Bananas or bananas
One of the fruits with greater content of potassium are the bananas or bananas. Due to the loss of electrolytes, including potassium, replenishment of this mineral is one of the main targets when treating diarrhea.
Potassium regulates the amount of water inside the cells and, for this reason, must be replenished as a first step in a diet for diarrhea.
It is recommended to consume the ripe bananas and with a teaspoon of honey.
9- Lassi
This is a blend of probiotics made with ½ cup fresh natural yogurt (ideally made at home), ½ cup water, and ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger. It is allowed to stand and drink.
This probiotic drink is easy to digest and has similar effects to yogurt, but enhancing its Properties with ginger .
10- Green tea
Green tea is available in different flavors and everyone can consume it on a regular basis without the fear of adverse side effects.
In general, it is recommended to drink green tea daily as it can soothe stomach aches and reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea.
The Tannins Are chemicals found in some foods and have astringent ability, ie the ability to bind to water and remove it from the tissues.
They attach to the protein layer of inflamed mucous membranes (ie the irritated bowel in the case of diarrhea) and causes them to thicken, which slows the absorption of toxins and hinders secretion, helping the body to retain liquids .
Tannins are contained in the agrimony , Mulberry leaves or raspberry leaf tea and green tea. These teas also replenish lost fluids, which is important to prevent dehydration that can result from prolonged diarrhea.
11- Carrots
The carrots contain the calls Pectins , A type of soluble fiber that adds volume to the stool and relieves the digestive tract. "Pectate"is an over-the-counter antidiarrheal drug containing pectin.
The pectins are not digested and reach the intestinal tract forming salts with toxic substances, so they are of great help in bacterial infections.
12- Apples
Both the skin and the pulp of the apple is rich in pectin, the main reason why apples and applesauce are one of the best foods for diarrhea.
Apples pectin also helps combat constipation as it acts as a mild laxative.
12- Blueberries
Berries work well against diarrhea, as they are rich in tannins and pectin. In addition, thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties, blueberries are also excellent for preventing the development of colon cancer .
13- Algarroba
According to a 1989 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 41 infants with bacterial or viral diarrhea were given 1.5 g. (Per kilogram body weight) of carob powder, which resulted in the cessation of diarrhea in only 2 days.
Normalization of stools, body temperature and weight, as well as cessation of vomiting, occurred more rapidly with the addition of carob to the diet.
14- The seeds of Psyllium
Psyllium seeds are a rich source of mucilages and are easy to take dissolved in water or juice. If you have allergies or asthma, it is advisable to use this herb with caution.
Psyllium seeds are suitable for both diarrhea and the management of constipation.
15- Garlic, onions and leeks
The consumption of known foods with Prebiotics (Nondigestible compounds that stimulate the growth of"good"bacteria in the digestive tract) may be useful in preventing diarrhea.
Natural sources of prebiotics include garlic , Onions and leeks (which are also antiseptic).
Eating adequate portions of these foods can stimulate the immune system and prevent colonization of the bacteria that cause diarrhea.
16- Granada
The pomegranate seeds contain a potent astringent and sweet juice that helps to bind the cells of the intestines and prevents the passage of water into the intestinal lumen.
17- Steamed or boiled chicken
Boiled or steamed chicken meat is an excellent source of proteins of high biological value that are denatured by heat. This allows the intestinal mucosa to be restored. In addition, being denatured, these proteins are easier to digest by avoiding excessive secretion of digestive juices.
18- Zapallo
Like potatoes, squash contains starch, but in a way more easily assimilated by the body. In addition, the insoluble fiber content is relatively low, so it will not produce mechanical irritation of the intestine.
19- Canned fruit
Canned fruits with a good choice, since they are always cooked, skinless and seedless. In this way, they are an excellent source for regulating bowel movements without causing constipation.
Avoid fruits that can promote bowel movements, such as plums and apricots.
And what other beneficial foods for diarrhea do you know?