"Eat bananas and carob
Bananas and carob are both rich in pectin, which binds loose stools. Eat a banana mashed with a tablespoon or two or carob powder: One serving may take care of the problem, or you may need more. This is an especially good remedy for children."
Bananas also have a high potassium content which helps to replace electrolytes that are being lost. We didn't have carob powder, and the only bananas we had were sliced and frozen, thus I decided to have a banana smoothie. I had about 2 bananas worth of slices with rice milk (I am lactose intolerant, so this is all I have, but it was good as well because dairy products are a bad choice when suffering from diarrhea.) and a little bit of vanilla extract. This was quick, simple, tasty and began to ease the problem within the hour. I was still having less severe bouts though with a lot of stomach pain.
To help stop an attack of diarrhea, shred a peeled apple on to a plate, let it turn brown, and eat it. Apples contain pectin, which helps bind loose stools."
Brad peeled and grated an apple for me and spread it out on a plate. After waiting about 3 hours, it had turned brown, but not extremely. I was surprised how long the process was taking, and this was the biggest disadvantage to this remedy. When I am sick like this, I don't want to have to suffer through 3 or more hours first before getting something to help me into my system. By the time I was able to eat the apple, I had already had the banana smoothie which was helping. This did seem to continue to help though as well.
-peppermint tea to calm and relax intestinal cramping and gas - this was a miracle worker for me
-white bread sandwich for easier digestion - whole grains are so important usually, but when you're sick, don't make things harder on your digestive system
-mashed potatoes (white rice is another good option) - again low in fibre means easy digestion
Foods I avoided:
-gas producing foods such as beans, broccoli, cabbage as they increase intestinal gas
-dairy products which become harder to digest as a result of less enzyme lactase
-fatty foods (even good fats) as they speed up contractions in the intestines
Overall it worked very well. The original severity was eased fairly quickly, and by Sunday evening I was significantly better, and then well enough to go back to work on Monday.
What natural remedies do you know of for this ailment?
White rice. As a Crohn's patient I am familiar with diarrhea quite well. When it's at its worst, just make a batch of plain white rice. I usually add a bit of soy sauce to make it more fun to eat (after cooking). Eat a bowl or two (and continue throughout the day) if needed. It helps block you up relatively quickly.
ReplyDeleteMy friend boils water and adds about 1 tsp. each of cinnamon and nutmeg (both grated/powdered), and allows it to steep off heat for about five minutes. This really works for her. I haven't had to try it yet, but I will someday, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteWhen Brad was little we always used the BRAT diet for these problems - Banana Rice Applesauce & Toast - it always worked and kids usually like these options! Your favorite Mother In Law
ReplyDeleteAs a child living in the bush, we where always given grated apple and it worked a treat. I used it for my own children as well.my grandmother raised 12 children so her advice was always valued and usually successful.
ReplyDelete