What diet helps to mitigate diarrhea?

The correct answer focuses on the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet is specifically recommended for managing diarrhea as it includes foods that are easy to digest and can help firm up stools.

Bananas provide potassium, which can be depleted during diarrhea, and they also help bulk up stools. Rice serves as a binding agent that can absorb excess fluid in the digestive system. Applesauce is gentle on the stomach and adds some sweetness while also being easy to digest. Toast offers carbohydrates that can also aid in binding the stool. Together, these elements create a balanced approach to managing the symptoms of diarrhea effectively.

The other options introduce different components that, while they may have nutritional benefits, are not specifically designed for mitigating diarrhea. For example, avocados, while healthy, contain higher levels of fiber and fats that may not be suitable during an episode of diarrhea. Similarly, barley has a higher fiber content than what is recommended during digestive distress. Thus, the BRAT diet remains the most appropriate option for this situation.