Reading Time: 2 minutes
While recently recovering from an intestinal bug this was the smoothie that I consumed most often. This simple blend is gentle on the stomach and provides the soothing benefits of bananas on a sensitive and inflamed digestive system. In traditional medicine, bananas are claimed to regulate bowel function, whether a person is experiencing constipation or diarrhea.
Bananas help to provide a protective coating on the stomach and intestines, which can promote healing when you are getting over food poisoning, stomach flu, or traveler’s diarrhea. In part, this may be due to the presence of water-soluble polysaccharides that are similar to compounds found in anti-ulcer prescription drugs.
Bananas are also a rich source of fructooligosaccharides; prebiotics that provides fuel for friendly bacteria so they are better able to compete when there is an overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms. In this banana smoothie recipe, I also added manuka honey for its antibacterial effects.
I included the vanilla and cinnamon mainly to enhance the flavor. However, vanilla bean has been found to ease nausea as well as having powerful antimicrobial and anti-anxiety benefits. Cinnamon is very well known to regulate blood sugar levels so it can assist you to process the fruit sugars more efficiently.
The Himalayan salt is optional and in this recipe, I included it to help replenish sodium that can become depleted with diarrhea. I also think it helps balance the sweetness of the bananas and honey.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup frozen bananas
- 1 tablespoon manuka honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- Pinch of Himalayan salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth and creamy.
- Enjoy immediately.
All the best for your detox Julie!
It is pretty interesting Gwen. I don’t usually like bananas but after this recent episode it is the fruit I am reaching for the most.
Plus with the delicious bananas we get in SE Asia this smoothie is sure to remain a favorite.
Have diarrhea 3 days now from antibiotics. Will try this smoothie. Is added spinache a good thing or leave out?
Personally I would recommend leaving out the spinach to keep the smoothie more soothing and gentle to the digestive tract.
Can we use fresh banana instead of frozen one’s?
Yes absolutely, but it won’t be as creamy. You may want to replace some of the water with ice cubes if you prefer a colder smoothie.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Can i use flaxseed and chai in this smoothing recovering from gastro?
The chai spices should be fine as long as you don’t overdo it. You don’t want it to be too spicy as the intestinal lining could be easily irritated. What I would do is add a little cardamon and ginger, which would give a similar flavor as chai without the stronger spices like black pepper and clove.
The flaxseed could be a bit harsh while you are still recovering.
So glad it helped
So happy to hear it helped and all the best for your complete recovery!