can banana stop loose motion - #16555
I am really at my wits end here! Last week, I started having this awful case of loose motion, like seriously just non-stop trips to the bathroom. I didn't eat anything weird, but I remember having a smoothie with banana a couple days before it all started. I heard a friend say that "can banana stop loose motion?" and it got me thinking — could it have helped if I had some banana during this whole mess? Anyway, I have been avoiding solid food since my stomach is just a mess, but I feel like maybe a banana could make things better, right? I've read that bananas are supposed to be good for the stomach and can help with diarreah, but I don’t know how it all works. Should I really try eating banana, or is it better to stick with the bland diet of rice and toast that everyone tells me about? Also, if banana can stop loose motion like they say, how many do I actually need to eat? Ugh, I just want to feel normal again, like can banana stop loose motion surely? Feels like a silly question, but I'm really desperate at this point, and I just want to figure out what's best for me. Thanks in advance for any thoughts or advice!!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Bananas can indeed be quite helpful when you’re dealing with loose motions. They contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help absorb excess fluid in the intestines and can thicken the stool. This might help decrease the frequency and improve the consistency of bowel movements. Additionally, bananas are gentle on the stomach and supply potassium, an important electrolyte that can get depleted with diarrhea. Eating a banana might contribute to quicker recovery by balancing electrolytes and assisting with digestion. It’s perfectly reasonable to incorporate ripe bananas into a bland diet like the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) often recommended for diarrhea. Including one or two bananas daily can be beneficial, but it’s essential not to consume large quantities as too many bananas could cause constipation. However, what’s most important is to stay hydrated. Frequent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s crucial to drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes, such as oral rehydration solutions or clear soups. If your symptoms persist for more than a couple of days, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues. Keep an eye out for red-flag symptoms like severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or fever, which would require immediate medical attention. If you’re also dealing with nausea or vomiting, consider how much you can tolerate solids like bananas. They could be tried in small amounts initially. Remember, when reintroducing foods after a bout of diarrhea, start slow and small to reassess tolerance.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.