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Is Banana Good For Loose Motion? Get Expert Advice

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By Apollo 24|7, Published on - 30 June 2023, Updated on - 06 August 2024

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Loose motions or diarrhoea is a very common digestive disorder that can be attributed to various factors such as changing weather conditions, dietary changes, or physical exertion. While there are numerous medications available to provide instant relief from loose motions, many individuals rely on traditional home remedies. Among these remedies, eating bananas has gained a reputation for its efficacy in alleviating loose motions. Let's explore how is banana good for loose motion and can help those experiencing diarrhoea.

How Does Banana Help Deal With Diarrhoea?

Here’s how consuming banana in loose motion benefits those experiencing diarrhoea.

1. Strong Prebiotic Properties
Prebiotics, a type of dietary fibre, nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut, promoting a healthier digestive system. 

  • Bananas contain inulin, a prebiotic that enhances digestion and bowel function. 
  • Additionally, unripe (green) bananas are rich in resistant starch, which exhibits strong prebiotic properties. 
  • These prebiotic effects of bananas contribute to improving gut health and aiding in the management of loose motions.

2. Makes the Stool Firmer and Bulkier
When experiencing loose motions, the aim is to reduce stool frequency and promote stool firmness. 

  • Bananas, being fibre-rich, add bulk to the stool, improve bowel regularity and make them a helpful aid during loose motions. 
  • Additionally, bananas contain pectin, a starch that aids in absorbing excess liquid in the intestines, leading to firmer stools and a shorter duration of diarrhoea. 
  • The potassium content in bananas also assists in water and electrolyte absorption.

3. Helps Restore Energy
When experiencing diarrhoea, it's common to feel weak and fatigued. Additionally, excessive fluid loss can lead to dehydration. 

  • Bananas, known for being a low-residue food, can help address these issues. They provide a source of easily digestible carbohydrates, which quickly provide energy to combat weakness associated with loose motions. 
  • Furthermore, bananas are packed with essential nutrients that support rapid recovery and contribute to the overall health of your gut microbiome. 
  • The bland nature of bananas makes them easy to digest, and their high potassium content makes them an ideal choice for replenishing electrolytes lost during diarrhoea.

Other Foods to Eat During Loose Motion

Now you know how is banana good for loose motion. Additionally, consuming bland foods when dealing with diarrhoea can promote faster recovery and prevent further stomach discomfort. In addition to bananas, you can have the following food to stop loose motion:

  • White Rice: Commonly recommended for diarrhoea, white rice is low in fibre, which helps in limiting bowel movement. 
  • Toast Made From White Bread: Toasted white bread adds bulk to your stool, making it firmer and adding regularity to your bowel movement.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce: Applesauce contains a soluble fibre known as pectin that works as a prebiotic in your gut and helps absorb liquid in your intestines.
  • Cooked Cereals like Oatmeal: Oatmeal is also rich in soluble fibre that slows the digestion process and makes your stool bulkier.
  • Soup and Crackers: Soup and crackers, with their high salt content, can help recover from the loss of fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients due to diarrhoea. 
  • Electrolyte-Enhanced Water or Vitamin-Enriched Coconut Water: In case of diarrhoea, it’s essential to replace the lost electrolytes and fluids. These drinks can be quite helpful in this regard.

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Fruits For Loose Motion
While it's essential to stay hydrated and rest, certain fruits can help manage and alleviate symptoms. Here’s a guide to the best fruits for loose motion:

  • Apple: Apples contain pectin, which helps bulk up stools
  • Papaya: Contains papain, an enzyme that aids digestion and soothes the stomach.
  • Blueberries: Contains tannins that can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and help firm up stool.
  • Pomegranates: The astringent properties help reduce the severity of diarrhoea.
  • Guavas: The tannins in guavas have astringent properties that can help firm up stools.
  • Pears: Peeled pears contain gentle fibre that can help bulk up stools without irritating the stomach.
  • Apricots: High in potassium, which helps replenish electrolytes lost during diarrhoea.

Foods to Avoid During Loose Motion
While having diarrhoea it is important to consume certain food to stop loose motion and also certain foods should be avoided, which can aggravate the digestive system and worsen symptoms. These foods include:

  • Dairy products (including milk-based protein drinks)
  • Spicy foods
  • Fried, greasy, and fatty foods
  • Processed foods, particularly those with additives
  • Sardines
  • Raw vegetables
  • Corn
  • Onions
  • Citrus fruits
  • Other fruits such as pineapples, seeded berries, cherries, figs, & grapes
  • Soda, coffee, and other caffeinated or carbonated beverages
  • Alcohol
  • Artificial sweeteners, including sorbitol

Takeaway

If you're considering eating a banana as a home remedy for loose motions, combine it with a small amount of curd to reap maximum benefits. This traditional combination can be consumed two to three times a day, depending on the frequency of loose motions. You can have certain fruits and food to stop loose motion. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of fluids, particularly water. For more information talk to an expert.

Consult Apollo’s Gastroenterologists

Digestive Health

Frequently Asked Questions

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