With monsoon knocking at our door, and metabolism being sluggish due to the humid temperature, sensitivity to food is a common phenomenon and diarrhea is the most aggravating problem. The need to rush to the restroom every single time, not only drains you off but makes you dehydrated as well due to the frequent and loose stools flushing out water and essential salts from the body.
Fluids, a bland diet, and over-the-counter medicines can ease diarrhea and manage the symptoms. Over the years BRAT diet (B: Banana, R: Rice, A: Apple, T: Toast) was a trend for individuals with stomach upset. However, experts now say that it is not the best option for someone suffering from diarrhea.
From a nutritionist point of view, here are some foods that you can include in your diet that would aid in forming bulky stools and combating diarrhea away:
Curd:
It all starts when the gut-friendly “Lactobacillus” species is eliminated from the body. Curd helps in restoring those friendly creatures back in the stomach and aids in digestion along with healthier bowel movements.
Banana:
Fiber is something that needs to be eliminated from the diet during loose stools, however, the resistant starch, as well as fiber present in banana, helps absorb water in the colon and makes stools firmer. Being one of the richest sources of potassium, it also brings digestion back to normal.
White rice:
White rice is easier to digest as compared to other fiber-rich whole grains. It also makes the stool more solid. A soft dal khichdi or curd rice should be on your list to reload that energy back into your body.
Apple:
Being a rich source of pectin which has binding properties, skinned or stewed apples can be eaten. You can also make a smoothie out of yogurt incorporating apples or make applesauce to spread it on the toast.
Fluids:
It is important to replenish the lost sodium, minerals and most importantly, “Water” from the body to hydrate oneself. If you are tired of drinking plain water, coconut water, orange juice, pomegranate juice and buttermilk can be good options.
Of course, there’s a lot apart from the above that you can do to ease the discomfort like avoiding dairy products, fried and fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol and those gas causing lentils like rajma and chole. One should always try eating at small intervals to avoid excessive churning of hydrochloric acid in the stomach which ultimately leads to acidity and flatulence. Make sure you carry your own water bottle and avoid eating at places where hygiene plays no role for the better flora of the gut-friendly bacteria in your stomach.
