Introduction:
The BRAT diet is a dietary approach that is often recommended for individuals who are experiencing digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The diet includes foods that are low in fiber and easy to digest to help reduce digestive distress.
What Does the BRAT Diet Include?
The BRAT diet includes the following foods:
Bananas: Bananas are a good source of potassium, which can help to regulate fluid balance in the body. They are also easy to digest and can help to reduce inflammation in the gut.
Rice: White rice is low in fiber and easy to digest, making it a good option for individuals who are experiencing digestive distress.
Applesauce: Applesauce is low in fiber and easy to digest, making it a good option for individuals who are experiencing nausea or vomiting.
Toast: White bread toast is low in fiber and easy to digest, making it a good option for individuals who are experiencing digestive distress.
Other foods that may be included on the BRAT diet include boiled potatoes, chicken broth, and plain crackers.
Foods to Avoid on the BRAT Diet:
The BRAT diet recommends avoiding foods that are high in fiber, fat, or sugar, as these foods can be difficult to digest and may worsen digestive distress. Foods to avoid on the BRAT diet include:
High-fiber foods: Whole grains, nuts, seeds, and raw fruits and vegetables should be avoided as they can be difficult to digest and may worsen diarrhea.
High-fat foods: Fried foods, fatty meats, and dairy products should be avoided as they can be difficult to digest and may worsen digestive distress.
Sugary foods: Sweetened beverages and candy should be avoided as they can worsen diarrhea and dehydration.
Potential Benefits of the BRAT Diet:
The BRAT diet may offer several potential benefits for individuals who are experiencing digestive distress, including:
Reducing inflammation: The BRAT diet includes foods that are low in fiber and easy to digest, which can help to reduce inflammation in the gut and promote healing.
Reducing symptoms: The BRAT diet can help to reduce symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea by providing easy-to-digest foods that do not aggravate the digestive system.
Preventing dehydration: The BRAT diet includes foods that are high in potassium and sodium, which can help to prevent dehydration.
Criticisms of the BRAT Diet:
The BRAT diet has been criticized for being too restrictive and potentially lacking in essential nutrients, such as protein and fiber. While it may be helpful for short-term digestive issues, it may not be appropriate for individuals who need a more balanced dietary approach.
Is the BRAT Diet Right for You?
The BRAT diet may be appropriate for individuals who are experiencing short-term digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, it should not be used as a long-term dietary approach as it may be lacking in essential nutrients. If digestive issues persist, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Conclusion:
The BRAT diet is a dietary approach that includes low-fiber, easy-to-digest foods that can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing digestive distress, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. While it may offer potential benefits in the short-term, it should not be used as a long-term dietary approach as it may be lacking in essential nutrients. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of digestive issues and appropriate treatment.
Additionally, the BRAT diet may not be appropriate for individuals who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, as it may not provide sufficient nutrients to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
If you are considering trying the BRAT diet, it is recommended to do so for a short period of time and to gradually reintroduce other foods as symptoms improve. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, or broth.
In summary, the BRAT diet is a dietary approach that can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing short-term digestive distress, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, it should not be used as a long-term dietary approach and may not be appropriate for individuals who have certain medical conditions. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of digestive issues and appropriate treatment.
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FAQs
Avoid fried, fatty, greasy and spicy foods. Avoid pork, veal, salmon and sardines. Avoid raw vegetables such as parsnips, beets, sauerkraut, corn on the cob, cabbage family, onions. Avoid citrus fruits: pineapples, oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes.
Why is the BRAT diet no longer recommended? ›
Because BRAT diet foods are low in fiber, protein, and fat, the diet lacks enough nutrition to help a child's gastrointestinal tract recover. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that kids resume eating a normal, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age within 24 hours of getting sick.
What do doctors recommend instead of a BRAT diet? ›
The use of cereals, rice and milk as a stop-gap eating plan for stomach upset has been validated as a more effective remedy to manage diarrhea than the BRAT diet by recent research in hospitals in South America and Asia.
What are the benefits of the BRAT diet? ›
The theory behind the BRAT diet is that by consuming only bland, easy-to-digest foods, people can reduce the symptoms of a stomach illness. These symptoms typically include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Proponents also believe that these foods promote a quick recovery from a stomach illness.
Which of the following foods is avoided if you are on BRAT diet? ›
(DAY THREE) - Progress to a “regular” diet by adding such things as soft cooked eggs, sherbert, stewed fruits, cooked vegetables, white meat of chicken or turkey. Avoid milk and dairy products for three days. Avoid fried, fatty, greasy and spicy foods. Avoid pork, veal, salmon and sardines.
What 12 foods stop diarrhea? ›
Common Questions & Answers. What are some foods that are recommended to eat when you have diarrhea? The list includes simple foods like oatmeal, bananas, plain rice, applesauce, boiled potatoes, toast, plain crackers, pretzels, and baked chicken without skin or fat.
Can I put butter on my toast for a BRAT diet? ›
Toast is another easily digested, low fiber food that will help to firm up your stool. For added nutrition, you should feel free to spread jam on your toast if you can stomach it. You will probably want to avoid butter and peanut butter, as they are high in fat, which is hard on your stomach.
How many days should you stay on the BRAT diet? ›
The BRAT diet is a self-care approach to eating when you have nausea or diarrhea, but it is not a treatment or cure. If you find it helpful to follow the BRAT diet, you should only use it for a day or two.
What is the best BRAT diet? ›
Besides bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, other foods recommended on the BRAT diet include clear broth soups (like chicken or vegetable), apple juice, water, non-caffeinated tea, canned peaches and pears, sweet potatoes, crackers, cream of wheat, eggs, and gelatin.
What kills the stomach virus? ›
There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses. Treatment first involves self-care measures, such as staying hydrated.
The BRAT diet lacks vital nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, protein and fiber. “In the short term, it's kind of a means to an end,” says Dr. Beers. “But you're not getting any great nutritional value from it and you're not going to get everything that you need if you use it long term.”
What to do when the BRAT diet doesn't work? ›
If you do not get better after 24 hours on the BRAT diet, make an appointment with your doctor. You should also see a doctor if you've been experiencing frequent or severe diarrhea. Your symptoms may be a sign of viral gastroenteritis, which typically doesn't require medical treatment.
Why do we no longer use the BRAT diet? ›
The BRAT diet was often recommended for nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but is no longer because of how restrictive it is.
Can you drink water on the BRAT diet? ›
Drink small amounts of water frequently to avoid dehydration. Later that day, you can progress to clear liquids — anything you can see through and sip. “Clear liquids include things like water, apple juice, flat soda, Jello, weak tea or broth,” Beal says.
How to stop diarrhea fast naturally? ›
Bland, low-fiber foods are the best choice. Some low-fiber foods include potatoes, white rice, bananas, apples, fish, and chicken or turkey without the skin. Changing your diet and drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration can help treat diarrhea symptoms faster.
Can you eat scrambled eggs on the BRAT diet? ›
By day three, you can re-introduce soft foods, like soft-cooked eggs, sherbet, cooked vegetables, white meat chicken or fruit, says Beal. Avoid using strong seasonings. Fruits and meats should be cooked down so they are soft and easy to consume.
Is chicken noodle soup ok for a BRAT diet? ›
Clear Liquid/ Bland Diet
Both children and adults need to drink plenty of fluids while they're sick to prevent dehydration. Water is good, but adding broth, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution such as Pedialyte can help replace lost electrolytes. Broth or broth-based soups (chicken noodle, vegetable, etc.)
Is peanut butter ok for a BRAT diet? ›
Eat BRAT diet foods
Soups: clear broth, such as chicken, vegetable or beef. Liquids: cranberry, apple and grape juice, tea (without caffeine), water. Snacks: canned peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, crackers, cream of wheat, eggs, gelatin, oatmeal, creamy peanut butter.
