Leena Watts
The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is a temporary diet that was once considered the go-to for an upset stomach. It consists of foods that are low in fibre, protein, and fat, which are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. While the BRAT diet can be helpful for short durations, it is no longer recommended for long-term use due to the risk of nutrient and calorie deficiencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What does BRAT stand for? | Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast |
| What is the purpose of the BRAT diet? | To help people recover from stomach issues, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea |
| Who is the BRAT diet for? | Adults; the BRAT diet is no longer recommended for children |
| How long should the BRAT diet be followed? | A maximum of 1-3 days |
| What foods can be eaten on the BRAT diet? | Bland, low-fibre, starchy foods that are gentle on the stomach |
| What foods should be avoided on the BRAT diet? | Non-bland foods |
| What drinks can be consumed on the BRAT diet? | Clear liquids such as water, apple juice, broth, sports drinks, and rehydration solutions |
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What You'll Learn
Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast
The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, is a temporary diet that was once considered the go-to for an upset stomach. It consists of foods that are low in fibre, protein, and fat, making them easy to digest for most people. The idea behind the BRAT diet is to give the gut a chance to rest and reduce the amount of stool produced. Bananas, for example, contain pectin, a starch that is beneficial for the digestive tract.
While the BRAT diet can be helpful for short durations, it is no longer recommended for long-term use due to the risk of nutritional deficiencies. It is also not recommended for children, as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that it is too restrictive and doesn't provide enough nutrients to support a child's gastrointestinal tract recovery.
If you are experiencing nausea, queasiness, diarrhoea, or vomiting, consult your doctor to see if the BRAT diet may be suitable for you. It is important to remember that this diet should only be followed for a limited time and is not a substitute for a well-balanced diet.
During the BRAT diet, it is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Water is good, but you can also add broth, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution to help replace lost electrolytes. It is also recommended to eat small meals every few hours and progress to a "regular" diet as your symptoms improve.
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Liquids to drink
The BRAT diet is a temporary, restrictive diet that was once considered the go-to for an upset stomach. It is recommended for a maximum of three days to treat nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The diet consists of bland, low-fibre foods that are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. It is important to stay hydrated while on the BRAT diet, so be sure to drink plenty of liquids.
Water is a good choice to drink on the BRAT diet, as it is clear and helps to prevent dehydration. You can also add ice to your water, starting with ice chips if you are still feeling nauseous. You can also drink clear liquids such as apple juice, but be sure to avoid citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits. Other clear liquids that can be included are vegetable or chicken broth, and weak tea.
Drinks with electrolytes are also a good choice, as they can help to replace lost electrolytes and prevent dehydration. These include sports drinks and clear nutritional supplement drinks. Oral rehydration products are available over the counter at a pharmacy and can be purchased as liquids, popsicles, or powders to mix with water.
It is important to note that the BRAT diet is no longer recommended for long-term use due to the risk of nutritional deficiencies. It is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new diet, especially if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.
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When to use the BRAT diet
The BRAT diet is a short-term solution to help people recover from stomach issues, digestive illnesses, and diarrhea. It is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of malnutrition and low energy. The diet is designed to be followed for a limited time, usually a few days, to help ease symptoms and give the gut a chance to rest.
Historically, the BRAT diet was often recommended by pediatricians to treat stomach problems in children. However, it is no longer advised for this purpose due to its limited nutritional profile. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that children resume a normal, well-balanced diet within 24 hours of getting sick, including a mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, yogurt, and complex carbohydrates.
The BRAT diet can be beneficial for adults and children recovering from stomach viruses, such as norovirus, or experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is important to note that solid foods should be avoided if vomiting or diarrhea is still active, and clear liquids should be consumed to maintain hydration. Once the vomiting has stopped, the BRAT diet can be introduced to help the body ease back into normal eating. This diet may also help reduce nausea, especially during pregnancy.
The BRAT diet is not recommended for long-term use due to its restrictive nature and lack of varied nutrients. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new diet, especially if you are experiencing specific health issues or symptoms. They will be able to provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your individual needs and circumstances.
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When not to use the BRAT diet
The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is a temporary diet that was once considered the go-to for an upset stomach. However, it is no longer recommended due to its lack of essential nutrients. Here are some scenarios when you should not use the BRAT diet:
When Experiencing Prolonged Vomiting and Diarrhea
If you are experiencing prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, it is important to seek medical advice. The BRAT diet may not be sufficient to address these issues, and you may need additional fluids and nutrients to recover.
When Needing a Nutritious Diet
The BRAT diet is not recommended for long-term use as it lacks essential nutrients, including protein, fat, and fiber. Prolonged use of this diet may lead to malnutrition and low energy. It is crucial to ensure you are consuming a well-balanced and nutritionally adequate diet.
When Recovering from Stomach Illness
While the BRAT diet was previously recommended for recovering from stomach illnesses, current recommendations suggest otherwise. The diet may not provide enough nutritional support for the gastrointestinal tract to recover effectively. It is recommended to resume a normal, well-balanced diet within 24 hours of getting sick, including a mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, yogurt, and complex carbohydrates.
When Used as a Weight-Loss Strategy
The BRAT diet should not be used for weight loss purposes. It is not designed as a long-term nutritional plan and does not provide the necessary calories and nutrients required for overall health and well-being.
When Managing Children's Diarrhea
The BRAT diet is no longer recommended for children with diarrhea by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They consider it too restrictive and lacking in essential nutrients to support a child's gastrointestinal recovery. Instead, children should resume a normal, well-balanced diet within 24 hours of falling ill.
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Other bland foods
The BRAT diet is a temporary and restrictive eating plan that consists of consuming bland, low-fibre foods that are gentle on the stomach. While the BRAT diet is designed to help treat stomach issues, it is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Crackers
Like toast, crackers are dry and starchy, making them a good option for those on the BRAT diet. They are also low in fibre and easy to digest, which can help to reduce symptoms of an upset stomach.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is a clear liquid that can be easily digested and is gentle on the stomach. It is also a good source of fluids and electrolytes, which can help to replace those lost due to illness.
Cooked Fruits and Vegetables
Soft, cooked fruits and vegetables are easy to digest and can provide additional nutrients. Examples include cooked apples, pears, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
White Meat
White meat, such as chicken or turkey, is a good source of protein and can be easily digested when cooked thoroughly. It is important to remove the skin and avoid adding too much fat or oil during cooking to maintain the bland nature of the dish.
Eggs
Soft-cooked or poached eggs are gentle on the stomach and provide a good source of protein. They can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit individual preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
BRAT is an acronym that stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It consists of bland, low-fibre foods that are gentle on the stomach and can help treat digestive illnesses and diarrhoea.
The BRAT diet was once a staple of most pediatricians' recommendations for children with an upset stomach. However, it is no longer recommended for children due to the risk of nutritional deficiencies. The diet can be followed by adults for a day or two when they are at their sickest, but it is not suitable for long-term use.
The BRAT diet can help ease the symptoms of stomach issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, by providing bland, easy-to-digest foods that are gentle on the stomach. The low-fibre content of the diet may also help to reduce stool production and firm up loose stools.
