Madeleine Hull
The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, apples or applesauce, and toast, is a short-term diet often recommended for patients suffering from diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach flu. It is a low-fibre, bland food eating plan meant to help ease symptoms of stomach issues and reduce stool production. However, it is not intended for long-term use due to its restrictive nature and lack of varied nutrients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it used for? | To help ease symptoms of diarrhea, stomach upset, or stomach flu |
| What does it consist of? | Bananas, rice, apples or applesauce, and toast |
| What else can you eat? | Other mild foods that ease the GI tract such as saltines, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, crackers, and chicken broth |
| What should you avoid? | Sugary, high-fat, spicy, or dairy foods. This includes citrus fruits, raw vegetables, fried foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol |
| How long should you follow it? | Short-term only, as long-term use may lead to malnutrition and low energy |
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What You'll Learn
Diarrhea
The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce/Apples, and Toast, is often recommended for treating diarrhea. The diet is designed to be bland and gentle on the stomach, and the low fiber content can help firm stools. However, it is important to note that the BRAT diet is nutritionally lacking and should not be used long-term, especially for children, as it may lead to malnutrition and low energy.
The BRAT diet is typically followed after a period of rest for the stomach, during which clear liquids are introduced to replace lost water and electrolytes. It is important to note that there is limited research on the effectiveness of the BRAT diet, and many health professionals no longer recommend it due to its restrictive nature and the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
If you are experiencing diarrhea, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
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Stomach flu
The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is a short-term diet that can be followed to help ease symptoms of the stomach flu, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is meant to be followed for a limited time, usually just a day or two, as the diet lacks essential nutrients and variety and is not intended for long-term use. The BRAT diet is restrictive in nature and focuses on abstaining from foods that are sugary, high in fat, spicy, or contain dairy. It is recommended to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.
The BRAT diet is often recommended for patients suffering from the stomach flu or other stomach-related illnesses, such as norovirus, food poisoning, or gastroenteritis. The diet is designed to be gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, helping to settle the stomach and providing relief from gastrointestinal issues. The foods included in the BRAT diet are soft, bland, and low in fiber, which can be beneficial for an upset stomach.
In addition to the four main foods, individuals following the BRAT diet can also consume other mild foods that are easy on the GI tract. These include saltines, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, skinless chicken breast, broth-based soups, crackers, and cream of wheat. It is important to stay hydrated while following the BRAT diet, as diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. Oral rehydration products and beverages like tea can help replace lost fluids.
While the BRAT diet may provide temporary relief from stomach flu symptoms, it is important to note that it is no longer recommended as the sole treatment for diarrhea, especially in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the BRAT diet for children with diarrhea as it may slow down their recovery due to its restrictive nature and lack of sufficient nutrients. Instead, a more well-rounded and nutritionally balanced diet is preferred, ensuring the body receives the necessary nutrients to recover fully.
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Short-term use
The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples or Applesauce, and Toast, is a short-term diet to help people recover from stomach issues, digestive illnesses, and gastrointestinal issues, especially after a stomach virus. It is meant to help ease symptoms of diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. The diet is made up of bland, easy-to-digest foods that are low in fibre and gentle on the stomach. It is important to note that the BRAT diet is not intended for long-term use as it lacks the necessary variety of nutritional foods and may lead to malnutrition and low energy.
The BRAT diet is often recommended for short-term use to treat acute gastroenteritis in infants and children, although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) no longer supports this recommendation. The diet was previously suggested to help manage stomach problems in children, but it is now recommended less often due to its restrictive nature. It is important to note that children who are ill need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and a well-balanced diet with a mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, yoghurt, and complex carbohydrates is recommended within 24 hours of getting sick.
For adults, the BRAT diet can be helpful for a limited time to treat short-term stomach illnesses, especially after a stomach virus or the stomach flu. It is important to note that the BRAT diet should not be the only treatment for stomach issues, and other mild foods that ease the GI tract can be included, such as saltines, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, crackers, and chicken broth. Staying hydrated is also key to recovery.
While the BRAT diet can be beneficial for short-term use, it is not recommended for long-term use due to its lack of nutritional value and potential health risks. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you are experiencing chronic diarrhoea or other additional symptoms.
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Long-term use risks
The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is meant to help ease symptoms of diarrhoea or stomach upset. While it can be followed for a limited time, it is not recommended for long-term use due to the following risks:
Malnutrition and Low Energy:
Prolonged adherence to the BRAT diet may lead to malnutrition and low energy levels. This is because the diet lacks sufficient calories and vital nutrients such as protein, fat, fibre, and micronutrients. It is important to consume a nutritionally balanced diet to ensure adequate energy levels and support overall health.
Restrictive Nature:
The BRAT diet is restrictive in terms of food choices, which can make it challenging to follow for an extended period. It may not provide enough variety to meet an individual's nutritional needs, especially for growing children who have different nutritional requirements. A more diverse diet that includes a range of nutrient-dense foods is generally recommended to promote overall health and well-being.
Potential Delay in Recovery:
For children with diarrhoea, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against the BRAT diet because it may slow down their recovery process. This is due to the limited variety of foods and the lack of specific nutrients needed to support the gastrointestinal tract's healing process. It is crucial to provide children with a well-rounded diet that meets their nutritional requirements to ensure optimal growth and recovery from illness.
Lack of Clinical Evidence:
There is a lack of recent clinical trials and research supporting the long-term effectiveness of the BRAT diet. While it may provide temporary relief from gastrointestinal symptoms, there is insufficient evidence to recommend it as a long-term solution. More comprehensive studies are needed to determine its safety and efficacy beyond short-term use.
In conclusion, while the BRAT diet may be helpful for a limited duration during periods of stomach illness, it is not designed or recommended for long-term use due to the potential risks outlined above. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any restrictive diet, especially if you have specific health concerns or nutritional requirements.
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Bland diet foods
A bland diet is an eating plan that includes foods that are easy to digest. It is sometimes called the BRAT or BRATT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are mild in flavor, soft in texture, low in fibre, and easy to chew. The bland diet is often recommended for people with gastrointestinal distress, including heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. It can also be used to treat peptic ulcers, especially when coupled with lifestyle changes such as reducing stress.
The bland diet includes low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, and mildly-flavoured cheeses, such as cottage cheese. It is important to note that lactose intolerance and milk protein intolerance are common, so some people may need to avoid dairy altogether. Lean, tender meats, such as poultry, whitefish, and shellfish, can be included as long as they are steamed, baked, or grilled with no added fat. Eggs are another good source of protein on the bland diet.
Some vegetables can be included in the bland diet, but they should be steamed or boiled with little to no butter or other types of fat. Examples include lettuce and other salad greens, carrots, green beans, and squash. It is best to avoid vegetables that are raw, cruciferous, or gas-producing, such as broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
Fruits that are cooked or canned without seeds or skin are generally approved for a bland diet. Examples include applesauce, bananas, and peaches. It is important to avoid fruits with skin or tiny seeds, such as berries, as these have too much fibre. Dried fruits and fruit juices, especially citrus and tomato juices, should also be avoided due to their high acidity, which can trigger heartburn.
In terms of grains, the bland diet includes refined, hot cereals, such as Cream of Wheat (farina cereal), and breads, crackers, and pasta made with refined white flour. However, high-fibre, whole-grain foods should be avoided. It is also important to stay hydrated, so drinking plenty of fluids is recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples or Applesauce, and Toast.
The BRAT diet is used to help people recover from stomach issues, digestive illnesses, and gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is meant to be followed for a short duration and consists of bland, easy-to-digest foods that are gentle on the stomach.
In addition to bananas, rice, apples or applesauce, and toast, other mild foods that can be eaten include saltines, oatmeal, boiled potatoes, crackers, and chicken broth.
Sugary, high-fat, spicy, and dairy foods should be avoided on the BRAT diet, including citrus fruits, raw vegetables, fried foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol.
