Have Diarrhea? Have a Cookie
Can cookies cure diarrhea? Yes, it appears that they can, if they’re the right kind of cookies.
I first read about it in a newspaper article a few months ago, and have since come across more references and testimonials.
The cookies in question are coconut macaroons, and even people who have suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Chrohn’s Disease for many years are finding relief by eating just a couple of cookies per day.
But it’s not just for chronic sufferers. Several people mentioned using it for occasional digestive upsets – and some keep it on hand for their dogs – although the dogs got half a cookie rather than two cookies.
Why do cookies help?
It’s the coconut oil. Macaroons are mainly composed of dried coconut, which is 60-70% fat (coconut oil.) Unlike polyunsataurated oils such as soy, corn, and other vegetable oils, coconut oil contains “medium chain triglycerides, or fatty acids known as MCT’s. These MCT’s are more easily absorbed in the intestines, and apparently help other nutrients become absorbed as well.
Polyunsaturated oils contain longer chain fatty acids (LCT’s), which increase inflammation in the intestines. Interestingly, studies done in Denmark and Belgium have shown that when eaten along with MCT’s, the LCT’s are absorbed more readily.
Thus, the coconut oil puts the brakes on diarrhea by helping your body absorb the food you eat.
For many, the use of coconut oil for cooking has allowed them to resume eating fried foods that had become off-limits. Others found that they were able to regain weight lost as a result of chronic diarrhea.
Pure virgin coconut oil is available at health food stores, or on line from Tropical Traditions.
Posted: September 3rd, 2009 under Uncategorized.