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
But this diet is helpful for anyone who has nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.” Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast are easy to digest, and eating these foods will help you hold down food. The fiber found in these foods will also help solidify your stool if you have diarrhea.
What foods are allowed on the 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.
Why is the BRAT diet no longer recommended? ›
The banana, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) diet may help treat diarrhea, stomach flu, and other stomach complaints. However, many health professionals no longer recommend it due to the risk of nutrient and calorie deficiencies.
Which of the following foods is avoided if you are on BRAT diet? ›
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.
Can I eat yogurt on a BRAT diet? ›
You can also eat cooked vegetables, but they should be soft. Avoid vegetables that have been steamed or blanched. Good sources of protein on the bland diet include skinless roasted or baked chicken, eggs, low-fat milk and yogurt, and smooth peanut butter and other nut butters.
Can you put butter on 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.
Can you eat eggs on a BRAT diet? ›
Start with things like soft-cooked eggs, cooked fruits and vegetables, and white meat, like chicken or turkey. The important thing is to follow your body's cues. If you eat too much variety too soon, your symptoms may return. No formal guidelines for the BRAT diet exist.
Can you eat mashed potatoes on a BRAT diet? ›
Beverages should be clear liquids ( Sprite, 7-Up, Tea, Ginger Ale ). NO DAIRY PRODUCTS. Follow this diet until diarrhea subsides for 24 hours. You may then gradually add soft, bland foods ( Scrambled eggs, noodles, mashed potatoes ) as tolerated.
Is pasta ok for a BRAT diet? ›
Refined grains, including white bread, white rice or pasta. Lean proteins, such as tofu, skinless poultry or white fish. Steamed or boiled vegetables, including carrots, squash, green beans or potatoes. Soft fruits, such as bananas, avocados, pumpkin, melons and canned fruit.
Are cheerios good for an upset stomach? ›
Dairy products can make the stomach flu worse, so stick to dry cereal that you can slowly eat. Try to stick with simple cereals like Original Cheerios or Corn Chex; avoid sugary cereals (no more than 10 grams of total sugar and 5 grams of added sugar per serving) because sugar can also complicate the issue.
What foods help diarrhea go away? Eating bland foods can help diarrhea clear quicker and prevent stomach upset and irritation. This can include bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, toast, boiled potatoes, unseasoned crackers, and oatmeal.
Can you put peanut butter on toast for a BRAT diet? ›
Peanut butter could be added to the BRAT diet in small amounts. It's easily digested. But a lot of it might cause belly discomfort because it's high in fat.
Is avocado OK on BRAT diet? ›
However, there are also binding foods[4] that are also low on fiber and have the capacity to stop diarrhea, if that's the case. Other bland foods that you can eat while following the BRAT diet include[5]: Soft fruits: Bananas, applesauce, avocado, pumpkin, canned fruit (packed in water, not heavy syrup), and melons.
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.)
Can I eat pickles on a BRAT diet? ›
Foods to avoid on an upset stomach
Fatty foods (fried foods, full-fat dairy, fatty meat) Whole grains. Pickles. Nuts and seeds.
Does the BRAT diet help you lose weight? ›
The BRAT diet is not a weight loss regimen and is not intended to be used over the long term. It is low in protein, fat, and fiber so it is not ideal from a nutritional standpoint for long-term use. The low-fiber nature of the diet can help make loose stools firmer, and the bananas provide a needed source of potassium.
How many days should you stay on the BRAT diet? ›
As you feel better, return to a normal, healthy diet. The BRAT diet doesn't provide all the nutrients of a healthy diet. You should be able to start eating a more regular diet, including fruits and vegetables, within about 24 to 48 hours after vomiting or having diarrhea.
Are scrambled eggs on the BRAT diet? ›
Beverages should be clear liquids ( Sprite, 7-Up, Tea, Ginger Ale ). NO DAIRY PRODUCTS. Follow this diet until diarrhea subsides for 24 hours. You may then gradually add soft, bland foods ( Scrambled eggs, noodles, mashed potatoes ) as tolerated.
Is it necessary to do the BRAT diet? ›
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.”
