Natural Binding Foods to Ease Diarrhea The BRAT Diet Explained

Diarrhea is a distressing problem that troubles people at any age and may be caused by food poisoning a viral infection, or any digestion-affecting disease. Dehydration, fatigue, cramps-all arise when diarrhea sets in. Including binding foods into the diet to reduce diarrhea and speed recovery is among the most successful natural cures. These foods can help to give the stool a little more firmness and can help to curb the frequency of bowel movements. The BRAT diet, a legend in the art of natural cure for diarrhea, is composed of binding foods that together help to reduce most of the symptoms and stimulate recovery.

What is the BRAT Diet?

The BRAT diet is an uncomplicated, gentle diet aimed at four main foods: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are easily digested, low in fiber, and give the needed nutrients to treat diarrhea. Though the BRAT diet is effective, keep in mind that it's intended for short-term use and should be combined with hydration and electrolyte replacement as well. 

Key Benefits of the BRAT Diet

These foods help put the stool together, reducing irritation in the gastrointestinal tract and further digestive disturbance. This is how each food in the BRAT diet helps to control diarrhea:

Bananas 

Bananas are a good source of pectin-a soluble fiber, which aids in bowel liquid absorption that helps solidify the stool. The high potassium content in bananas helps bearings help replenish losses with diarrhea and prevents dehydration, thus helping faster recovery.

Rice 

The plain white rice is very easy on the stomach and gives a starchy carbohydrate that is very easy to digest. This helps to bulk up the stool and has a soothing effect on the intestines. It is low in fiber and therefore does not cause any more distress to the digestive tract. White rice is also gentle enough to provide energy without causing any further digestive distress.

Applesauce

 Applesauce has pectin in common with bananas, which helps to stall the movement of stool. Aside from the pectin, applesauce also provides antioxidants and a wealth of other vitamins such as vitamin C, which is supportive of the immune system. Applesauce is absorbed very well into the stomach due to its smooth nature, while at the same time it offers great nutrition-dense benefits.

Toast

Plain white toast is well tolerated and easy on the stomach. Well tolerated by humans, plain white toast offers simple carbohydrates to fuel the body in the midst of an illness. Low in fiber, it won't irritate an already tense gut. The toast also helps absorb excess stomach acid and fluid in the intestines, thus reducing diarrhea. 

Binding foods are important to cure diarrhea.

Diarrhea senses that the body's digestive system functions energetically to get rid of wastes. This results in the overloading of water in waste material, which makes the stool very loose or watery. Binding foods absorb this excess water and slow down bowel movement. Additionally, these foods are soothing for irritated and inflamed intestines, as the digestive tract has to deal with the rapid movement of food and wastes.

Some Other Natural Binding Foods for Diarrhea

That said, since the BRAT diet is just one start of many, there are other natural binding-that-are-easy-on-the-stomach foods helpful to ease diarrhea. One may include these foods in his/her diet and thus allow for quicker restoration and better digestion.

1. Boiled potatoes

Among the starchy sources, boiled potatoes are very gentle on the stomach. Similar to rice and toast, they serve the function of absorbing excess water in the intestines, thus stopping diarrhea. They also provide a good source of energy without irritating the stomach.

2. Carrots

Carrots prove to be a good natural remedy for diarrhea in boiled form. These have soluble fibers that thicken the stool to minimize the frequency of bowel movement. At the same time, they are very rich in the beta-carotene (Vitamin A) that promotes immune function.

3. Plain crackers

Again, a bland food option that is easy on digestion and potentially helpful in diarrhea. Like toast, they provide an easy carbohydrate source with no gut irritation associated. They also have sodium that retains some of the electrolytes lost during diarrhea.

4. Cooked chicken or turkey

Lean, skinless chicken or turkey is a protein source gentle on the stomach and helps the body rebuild lost nutrients. It is better to keep the meat plain, that is, without any additives, spices, or fats, to avoid a worsening digestive upset. 

Hydration is Key

While binding foods are helpful, drink plenty of fluids. This is done because much fluid and electrolyte are lost during diarrhea, and this causes dehydration. Drinking water, oral rehydration solutions, or natural electrolyte drinks (such as coconut water) can replace lost fluids and help prevent complications. Also avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, for these might aggravate diarrhea.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While the BRAT diet and other natural remedies help alleviate diarrhea, it is also essential to know when to consult a doctor. When diarrhea lasts for longer than two days, when fever, blood in the stool, and signs of dehydration (dry mouth, excessive thirst, or dizziness) occur, it is very important to consult a healthcare professional. The underlying condition may require treatment where diarrhea persists and is severe.

Conclusion

The BRAT diet and other natural binding foods can be very good home remedies to ease diarrhea and help the digestive system recover. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast provide essential nutrients and harden the stool, while food like boiled potatoes, carrots, and plain crackers may also help in the healing. Remember to drink a lot during diarrhea; rehydrate every few minutes from other losses through stools.