Leena Watts
The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, is a diet that was once commonly recommended by pediatricians for children with stomach issues. The diet is designed to be bland and easy to digest, giving the gut a chance to rest and reducing stool production. While the BRAT diet was commonly recommended in the past, experts now caution against its use due to its lack of nutritional value. Instead, a well-balanced diet with a mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, yogurt, and complex carbohydrates is recommended for recovery from stomach illnesses.
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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 diet that was once recommended by pediatricians to treat stomach problems in children. The idea was that these bland, easy-to-digest foods would give the gut a chance to rest and reduce the amount of stool produced. The diet is starchy and low in fibre, which may cause loose and runny stools to bind more easily. The foods are also low in fat and protein, so they are less likely to irritate the stomach and put stress on the digestive system.
While bananas and rice have been shown to help treat diarrhoea, there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of the BRAT diet as a whole. Experts now say that the BRAT diet may not be the best option for treating stomach issues, as the diet is low in nutrition and may lead to malnutrition if followed for prolonged periods. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the BRAT diet for children and instead suggests a normal, well-balanced diet with a mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, yoghurt, and complex carbohydrates.
If you are experiencing nausea, queasiness, diarrhoea, or vomiting, it is recommended that you ask your doctor if the BRAT diet may work for you. The BRAT diet is meant to be followed for a limited time and should not be used for weight loss. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a variety of foods to prevent undernourishment. Oral rehydration solutions can be purchased over the counter to help treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea.
In addition to the BRAT foods, other mild foods that can be eaten to ease the GI tract include saltines, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, avocado, steamed or boiled vegetables, low-fibre starches, and soft fruits such as applesauce, canned fruit, and melons. It is important to note that the BRAT diet should not be followed long-term and if symptoms do not improve after 24 hours, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
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Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
The BRAT diet—an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—is often recommended for those recovering from stomach-related illnesses, such as norovirus, that cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The diet is based on the theory that consuming bland, easy-to-digest foods helps reduce symptoms of stomach illnesses.
Diarrhea
The BRAT diet is believed to help with diarrhea due to the foods' low fiber, low-fat, and low-protein content, which makes them easy to digest and less likely to irritate the stomach. The starchy nature of the foods in the BRAT diet may also help bind loose and runny stools, leading to firmer stools. However, it is important to note that the possible effects of individual foods on diarrhea do not provide a complete understanding of how the restrictive BRAT diet may impact the body. The BRAT diet's limited nutritional profile may lead to nutritional deficiencies, which could make diarrhea worse.
Nausea and Vomiting
The bland, mild flavors and lack of strong smells associated with the BRAT diet are thought to help reduce nausea and vomiting. The low-fat and low-protein nature of the foods may also help reduce nausea by being less likely to irritate the stomach. However, it is important to note that the BRAT diet should not be followed long-term due to its limited variety of nutrients.
While the BRAT diet may provide short-term relief for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting associated with stomach illnesses, it is not a long-term solution. The diet's restrictive nature and lack of nutritional variety can lead to malnutrition and low energy if followed for extended periods. Prolonged use of the BRAT diet can result in nutrient and calorie deficiencies. Therefore, it is generally recommended only for a limited time and in conjunction with other bland foods to ensure adequate nutrition.
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Restrictive nature and nutritional deficiencies
The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is a restrictive diet. It is low in dietary fiber, protein, and fat, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies if followed for extended periods. The diet was once commonly recommended by pediatricians to treat stomach problems in children, but experts now advise against its long-term use due to its limited nutritional profile.
The BRAT diet is restrictive in nature due to its limited food options and low nutritional content. It is deficient in dietary fiber, protein, and fat, which are essential for maintaining overall health. The diet's restrictiveness can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially if followed for extended periods. While it may be suitable for short-term relief from stomach ailments, it is not designed for long-term use due to the risk of malnutrition and low energy.
The BRAT diet's restriction of dietary fiber can have negative consequences for gut health. Fiber is essential for feeding healthy gut bacteria and promoting immune function. A lack of fiber in the diet can lead to issues with digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.
Additionally, the BRAT diet is low in several vital nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and D, B complex, protein, and healthy unsaturated fats. These nutrients are crucial for various bodily functions, and their absence can lead to health issues. For example, vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health, while protein helps with tissue repair and keeping us feeling fuller for longer.
The lack of protein and healthy fats in the BRAT diet may also lead to feelings of hunger and dissatisfaction. This can cause individuals to deviate from the diet or overeat the allowed foods, potentially leading to an unbalanced intake of nutrients.
Furthermore, the BRAT diet's restriction to a few specific food items can result in a monotonous and unappealing diet. This may lead to a decreased appetite and further contribute to nutritional deficiencies. It is important to remember that the human body requires a diverse range of nutrients, which cannot be adequately provided by the limited food choices in the BRAT diet.
In conclusion, while the BRAT diet may offer temporary relief from stomach ailments due to its bland and easy-to-digest nature, its restrictive nature and nutritional deficiencies make it unsuitable for long-term use. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional or dietitian before starting any restrictive diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
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Oral rehydration solutions
The BRAT diet, comprising bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, was once a go-to recommendation by pediatricians for children with stomach problems. The idea was that these bland, easily digestible foods could ease stomach issues and reduce stool production. However, experts now believe that the BRAT diet may not be ideal, especially for children, due to its low fibre, protein, and fat content.
ORS can be bought over the counter or obtained via prescription. It is important to note that ORS should generally only be used when prescribed by a doctor, as improper use can lead to salt toxicity or hypernatremia. Mild dehydration can often be treated with plain water or clear broth, while moderate dehydration may warrant the use of ORS.
The ideal ORS should contain a minimum of 60 mmol of sodium, 20 mmol of potassium, 80 mmol of chloride, and provide at least 50 kcal of energy per litre of water. Most commercial rehydration solutions provide slightly higher levels of these electrolytes and glucose. Homemade ORS may be an option in some situations but should not be used for more than a day.
Oral rehydration therapy has been highly successful, preventing millions of deaths due to diarrhea since 2007, especially in children. It is also useful for older individuals and those with medical conditions who are at a higher risk of dehydration.
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Alternative treatments and recommendations
The BRAT diet is not recommended for infants and children by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Instead, the AAP suggests that children resume a normal, well-balanced diet within 24 hours of falling sick. This diet should include fruits, vegetables, meat, yoghurt, and complex carbohydrates. It is important to ensure that children and infants are well-hydrated. In addition to water, this could include broth, sports drinks, or a rehydration solution to replace lost electrolytes.
For adults, the BRAT diet is not recommended for long-term use. Doctors generally do not recommend it due to the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Instead, a more nutritionally balanced eating plan is preferable. If you are experiencing nausea, queasiness, diarrhoea, or vomiting, consult your doctor about whether the BRAT diet is suitable for you.
If you are experiencing diarrhoea, it is important to focus on rehydration. Balanced rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, Ceralyte, or Amazon's Basic Care Electrolyte Solution, are recommended. These solutions are designed to maximise fluid uptake and reduce stool output.
Including soluble fibre in your diet can also help relieve diarrhoea. Soluble fibre creates a gel-like texture in the gut, slowing down transit time and creating more formed stools. It is also recommended to minimise your consumption of insoluble fibre, which has the opposite effect.
If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, there are foods that you may want to avoid as they are more likely to trigger these symptoms. These include milk and other dairy products, such as cream, cheese, and ice cream, as well as legumes, including chickpeas, lentils, peas, and vegetables belonging to the cabbage family.
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Frequently asked questions
BRAT is an acronym that stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
The BRAT diet is meant to help ease symptoms of diarrhea, acute gastroenteritis, nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.
The BRAT diet is made up of bland, starchy, and low-fibre foods that are gentle on the stomach and can help solidify stools.
While the BRAT diet was once recommended for children with upset stomachs, experts now say that it is too nutritionally lacking for long-term use and may even be harmful. It is best to consult a doctor before starting this or any other diet.
In addition to bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, other mild foods that can be consumed on the BRAT diet include saltines, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, and other bland foods.
