Macaroons are a delicious dessert, usually made using coconut, egg whites, vanilla, sugar and other ingredients. However, aside from being a tasty cookie, macaroons also might help decrease the incidence of diarrhea. Macaroons are not a substitute for medications or medical treatment for this condition, characterized by loose, watery stools, abdominal discomfort, gas and bloating, but they could be useful in the event of an acute attack.
Benefits of Coconut
Coconut is a versatile fruit that is the source of coconut oil, coconut meat and coconut milk. Coconut milk, also known as coconut water, is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and trace elements. In addition, coconut water contains more potassium per serving than a banana. Coconut water is also a good source of electrolytes, which are often lost during a bout of diarrhea. Coconut meat contains similar benefits, since it is the source of coconut water.
Causes and Effects of Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by illness, food poisoning, medications or medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. MayoClinic.com notes that diarrhea also can be caused by food allergies or lactose intolerance, which is an inability to digest the sugars naturally found in milk and milk products. Treatment for diarrhea generally depends on the cause and can include over-the-counter medication that you can buy at your local pharmacy.
Macaroons and Diarrhea
Coconut macaroons can provide your body with much needed electrolytes and potassium, which can both be depleted by bouts of diarrhea. In addition, a 2010 study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that administration of coconut extract was as effective as an over-the-counter antidiarrhea medication in controlling the problem. If you have access to coconut water, it can help preserve potassium and electrolyte stores as well as reduce the risk of dehydration. Dietician Marianita Jader Shilhavy, on the website The Coconut Diet, adds that some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome and Chron's disease have reported relief from diarrhea by incorporating coconut into their diets.
Considerations
Bouts of diarrhea lasting more than three days can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Diarrhea that lasts more than a week can indicate an underlying serious illness, such as colitis. Contact your doctor about severe abdominal pain accompanied by a fever that occurs with diarrhea. If you're experiencing an acute episode of diarrhea, however, coconut meat or water might help relieve your symptoms. Note: Coconut meat is a source of fat and consuming too much can cause weight gain.
References
- Epicurious: Coconut Macaroons
- The Coconut Diet: Digestive Health and the Coconut Diet; Marianita Jader Shilhavy, CND; 2011
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Effect of Plants Used in Mexico to Treat Gastrointestinal Disorders on Charcoal-Gum Acacia-induced Hyperperistalsis in Rats.; F. Calzada, et al.; 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Diarrhea -- Causes
