Do Bananas Stop Diarrhea Fast? Here's What You Should Know
Why Bananas Are Always Mentioned for Diarrhea
The BRAT diet and bananas
Ah yes—the BRAT diet. If you've ever googled what to eat when you have diarrhea, you've probably seen this one. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are known to be gentle on the stomach, and bananas top the list for a reason.
Bananas are packed with pectin, a soluble fiber that absorbs liquid in the intestines. In theory, that can help firm up loose stools. They’re also rich in potassium, which helps replenish electrolytes lost through diarrhea. That’s kinda crucial, since dehydration is what really messes you up during a bad stomach spell.
But wait—what kind of banana are we talking about?
Unripe (greenish) bananas have more starch and pectin, which may be better at firming up the stool. Ripe ones? Still helpful, but a bit more sugary and softer on the digestion front. So if you're dealing with a serious case of the runs, maybe reach for that banana that’s not quite ready yet.
So... Do Bananas Stop Diarrhea Fast?
Honestly? Not always.
Bananas can help, sure. But they’re not a magic cure. If you’ve got a light case of diarrhea caused by something you ate or mild stress, a banana might work pretty quickly—like within a few hours or so.
But if your diarrhea is from an infection (like a stomach bug or food poisoning), then sorry to say: bananas won’t fix it overnight. They can ease symptoms, yes, but they won’t fight off bacteria or viruses. That’s your immune system’s job.
I once tried relying solely on bananas during a travel mishap in Mexico (bad tacos—rookie mistake). Let’s just say, it helped a bit, but I still had to wait it out for two days with plenty of water and rest.
What Else Should You Eat (or Avoid)?
Foods to eat alongside bananas
White rice – super bland, super binding
Boiled potatoes – plain, no butter
Plain toast or crackers
Applesauce – again, for the pectin
Keep it low-fat, low-fiber, and avoid spicy or greasy stuff like the plague.
Big no-nos when you’ve got diarrhea
Dairy (even if you're usually fine, it can mess you up more)
Caffeine – can make everything move faster in your gut
Alcohol – just… don’t.
Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol – seriously, these are in gum and diet drinks and can make diarrhea worse
When Bananas Just Aren’t Enough
If your diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours, especially with other symptoms like fever, severe cramps, or blood (yikes), you should stop DIY-ing it and see a doctor. Bananas might help ease things, but they’re no substitute for real treatment when it gets serious.
Also, if you're dehydrated—dry mouth, dizziness, barely peeing—you may need oral rehydration salts (ORS) or even IV fluids in some cases.
Final Thoughts (Yeah, We Changed Our Mind a Bit)
At first glance, bananas might seem like the ultimate go-to for diarrhea. They're easy, natural, and honestly kinda comforting. And yes, they can help—especially if you're dealing with a mild, passing case.
But do they stop diarrhea fast? Hmm... not always. More like they help your body recover, rather than stop the problem instantly.
In the end, bananas are a solid (pun intended) ally—but not a superhero. Pair them with good hydration, light meals, and maybe a bit of patience. And next time? Maybe avoid the suspicious gas station sushi.
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Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.