Did you know that during World War I, soldiers who suffered from diarrhea found relief in an unlikely remedy—carrot soup? Prof. Ernst Moro's experiments found that carrot soup decreased the death rate of babies suffering from diarrhea by nearly 50%. Fast forward to today, with an abundance of food options, it can be really confusing to decide what to put on your plate when dealing with an upset stomach. Many people follow the BRAT diet for diarrhea relief, but could there be more effective options? Interestingly, some believe peanut butter can also help manage diarrhea due to its high protein and healthy fat content, which may help firm up stools and provide essential nutrients during recovery. This article aims to explore the efficacy of the BRAT diet and whether peanut butter is a good addition to your diet when dealing with diarrhea.
BRAT Diet For Diarrhea
The word BRAT is an acronym for the foods included in this diet:
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
The BRAT diet is a low-fiber diet consisting of only simple carbohydrates that is hypothesized to treat an upset stomach.
Generally, high-fiber diets are recommended to keep your gut healthy.
However, a low-fiber diet may help you recover when dealing with an upset stomach.
It might be easier to digest and stop diarrhea by making stool firmer.
Although the BRAT diet has existed for a long time, no scientific evidence suggests it works.
Doctors now think that this diet might be nutritionally deficient and can do more harm than good.
How Does It Work?
Those who promote the BRAT diet claim that it helps treat diarrhea for the following reasons:
- The foods in the BRAT diet are gentle on the stomach. It is low in protein, and fat irritates the stomach. This diet puts less stress on the digestive system.
- The BRAT diet is rich in starchy foods that are low in fiber, which might cause firmer stools.
- All the foods in the BRAT diet are bland and don’t have strong smells, which helps manage nausea and vomiting.
Is It Effective?
The BRAT diet has long been recommended as the go-to diet to help soothe an upset stomach.
The foods included in this diet are more accessible to digest and will not irritate an already upset stomach.
Some studies show that bananas and white rice might be beneficial in treating diarrhea.
However, doctors don’t always recommend the BRAT diet because it is not nutritious.
Most foods included in the BRAT diet are low in nutrition and might prolong healing.
Doctors instead recommend eating a nutritionally balanced meal that will help you recover faster without irritating your gut.
Is BRAT Diet With Peanut Butter Good For Diarrhea?
Peanut butter is a low-fiber food that can help treat and manage diarrhea.
It is, in fact, recommended by the IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders) as one of the bland foods to be incorporated into the BRAT diet to avoid undernourishment.
A small amount of peanut butter can help increase nutrient content and electrolytes.
However, it is also one of the most common foods that cause allergies.
If you have a peanut allergy, consuming peanut butter when you suffer from diarrhea can aggravate your symptoms.
Some common symptoms of peanut allergy are redness, hives, swelling or itching around your mouth and throat, diarrhea, and shortness of breath.
Consult your doctor to know if it is safe for you to include peanut butter in your BRAT diet.
What Other Foods Can Stop Diarrhea Naturally?
- Simple starches like white bread, white rice, and pasta are low in fiber and are simple carbs that are easier to digest. While eating low-fiber foods is not usually recommended, it might be helpful when you have an upset stomach. Low-fiber foods are easier to digest and help your stool bind well.
- Cooked vegetables, like steamed broccoli and carrots, can also help soothe an upset stomach. Cooking them softens fibers and makes them easier to digest. They are nutritious and help you fulfill your nutritional needs without aggravating your diarrhea.
- Bananas are a good source of potassium and will help replenish lost electrolytes in your body, as is often seen in those suffering from diarrhea. Bananas also have pectin fiber, which absorbs liquid in your intestines and helps solidify stool.
Best Peanut Butter Recipes To Stop Diarrhea
When you are not feeling well, you probably won’t want to spend too much time cooking a complete meal in the kitchen.
That’s why we recommend starting with snack items that are low effort and can be easily put together.
When dealing with diarrhea, it's important to choose foods that are easy on the digestive system and can help firm up stools. Peanut butter, with its high protein and healthy fat content, can be a helpful addition to a diet aimed at managing diarrhea. Here are some peanut butter recipes that are gentle on the stomach and can aid in recovery:
1. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- A small amount of creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
This smoothie is easy to digest and provides essential nutrients like potassium from the banana and protein from the peanut butter.
2. Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- A small amount of creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook oats according to package instructions.
- Stir in peanut butter and sweetener until well combined.
- Serve warm.
Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber, which can help to absorb excess water in the intestines and firm up stool.
3. Peanut Butter Toast
Ingredients:
- 1 slice whole-grain toast
- 1 teaspoon creamy peanut butter
Instructions:
- Toast the bread until it’s lightly browned.
- Spread peanut butter evenly over the toast.
- Serve immediately.
Whole-grain toast provides fiber, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, making this a balanced option for breakfast or a snack.
4. Peanut Butter Rice Cakes
Ingredients:
- 2 plain rice cakes
- 2 teaspoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions:
- Spread 1 teaspoon of peanut butter on each rice cake.
- Serve as a snack.
Rice cakes are bland and easy to digest, making them a good base for peanut butter.
5. Peanut Butter Apple Slices
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, sliced
- 2 teaspoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions:
- Core and slice the apple.
- Dip or spread peanut butter onto each apple slice.
- Serve as a snack.
Apples provide fiber and vitamins, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats.
Important Considerations
While peanut butter can be beneficial, it is important to consume it in moderation, as it is high in fat and can be difficult to digest in large quantities. Always opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or hydrogenated fats. If you have a nut allergy or sensitivity, avoid peanut butter and consult with a healthcare provider for alternative options.
Summary: Is Peanut Butter Good For Diarrhea?
- The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is traditionally used for diarrhea relief due to its bland, low-fiber foods, but its nutritional deficiencies make it less favored by doctors today.
- Peanut butter, rich in protein and healthy fats, can help firm up stools and provide essential nutrients, making it a recommended addition to the BRAT diet by the IFFGD, provided there are no peanut allergies.
- It is crucial to consume peanut butter in moderation due to its high fat content and to choose natural varieties without added sugars or hydrogenated fats. Individuals with peanut allergies should consult healthcare providers for alternatives.
References
https://research.med.psu.edu/oncology-nutrition-exercise/patient-guides/diarrhea
