Use of the BRAT diet (consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and tea or toast) for exclusive treatment of diarrhea is not recommended. This diet is deficient in protein, fat, and energy. Traditionally the BRAT diet excluded the use of any formula and led to further nutritional decline.
Full Answer
What is the BRAT diet and does it work?
The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) was once a staple of most pediatricians' recommendations for children with an upset stomach. The idea was that it gave the gut a chance to rest and reduced the amount of stool produced.
Can I eat bananas on the BRAT diet?
Some doctors specify that a bland diet is different from the BRAT diet. But most agree that you can eat more than just bananas, applesauce, rice, and toast on the BRAT diet. The key is to eat bland foods that are gentle on the stomach.
Should you follow the BRAT diet after a bad diarrhea attack?
Instead of strictly following the BRAT diet after a bad bout of diarrhea, focus on rehydration, says Freuman, who recommends balanced rehydration solutions instead of Gatorade or plain water. She recommends products that are labeled as oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, Ceralyte or Amazon's Basic Care Electrolyte Solution.
When is medical attention required when on the BRAT diet?
Medical attention is required when on the BRAT diet if any blood or mucus is present in the diarrhea, if the diarrhea is severe, or if it lasts longer than 3 days.
Why is the BRAT diet no longer recommended?
Experts now say the BRAT diet may not be the best option for children who are ill. Because BRAT diet foods are low in fiber, protein, and fat, the diet lacks enough nutrition to help a child's gastrointestinal tract recover.
Why are bananas in the BRAT diet?
The BRAT diet consists of foods low in fiber that are gentle on the stomach, like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers and chicken broth. Non-bland foods should be avoided.
Are bananas on the BRAT diet?
If you're sick, eating bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce and toast may alleviate symptoms.
Is applesauce good for BRAT diet?
Begin to add bland, low-fat foods as listed above, like bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers, cooked cereals (Farina, Cream of Wheat), toast and jelly, yogurt, cooked carrots, and chicken or turkey. Eat small meals every few hours.
Why toast vs bread on the BRAT diet?
Bread Facts The bread called for on the B.R.A.T. diet is white bread, not whole-grain, high-fiber bread. White bread is soothing to a sore stomach and the starch in it works as a binding agent without the fiber that would encourage elimination. Toast is usually recommended, but white bread can also be eaten untoasted.
Is banana and toast good for diarrhea?
Here's another bit of good advice from Mom for treating diarrhea – eat the BRAT diet: bananas, rice (white), applesauce and toast. When your health is good, physicians usually recommend whole-grain, high-fiber foods.
Why does applesauce help diarrhea?
If you have diarrhea, eating soluble fiber can help absorb liquid in the intestines while preventing constipation. Applesauce is a better choice than an apple, as the fruit's skin contains insoluble fiber that can put a strain on your digestive system.
What replaced the BRAT diet?
The CRAM diet (cereal, rice, applesauce, and milk) is a short term dietary treatment for diarrhea and gastroenteritis. The CRAM diet has more complete protein and fat content than the BRAT diet.
Why is toast good for diarrhea?
BRAT diet. The term “BRAT” stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. This diet is often recommended to those experiencing diarrhea because these foods are gentle on the stomach and the low fiber content can help by firming stool.
Is applesauce good for your stomach?
Digestive Health The soluble fiber in applesauce, in the form of pectin, can be helpful in treating digestive issues, such as diarrhea and constipation. It can help to neutralize the effects of irritable bowel syndrome. Pectin also acts as a prebiotic, which feeds good gut bacteria and promotes good digestive health.
Are bananas good for upset stomach?
Bananas are easy to digest and are known to ease stomach pain. They have a natural antacid effect and can relieve symptoms such as indigestion. This high potassium fruit also increases mucus production in the stomach which helps prevent the irritation of the stomach lining.
Are bananas good for diarrhea?
Foods to eat when you have diarrhea BRAT stands for “bananas, rice, apples, toast.” These foods are bland, so they won't aggravate the digestive system. They're also binding, so they help firm up stool.
Nutritional analysis
The BRAT diet is no longer generally recommended. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that most children should continue a normal, age appropriate diet. The foods from the BRAT diet may be added, but should not replace normal, tolerated foods. Sugary drinks and carbonated beverages should be avoided.
Alternatives
Additionally, other medical professionals advise first aid treatment for gastroenteritis by briefly limiting the diet to bland, easy-to-digest foods (similar to the BRAT diet) and plenty of liquids (including oral rehydration therapy, e.g. oral pediatric electrolyte solutions sold at retail).
Avoid certain foods
Pay attention to the foods you eat. Some foods may be harder for your stomach to digest, triggering diarrhea.
Anti-diarrheal medications
Ask your doctor about anti-diarrheal medications, as they can worsen or mask underlying causes of your diarrhea.
Probiotics and prebiotics
Feeding your intestinal tract good bacteria with probiotics may help get you feeling better fast.
BRAT Diet Basics
Perhaps you're wondering: Why would someone ever limit themselves to eating only bananas, rice, applesauce and toast? The objective of the BRAT diet is to reduce uncomfortable GI symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Why the BRAT Diet Is No Longer Recommended
Despite being on doctors' radars since the 1950s, the BRAT diet is no longer recommended during recovery from vomiting or diarrhea, per a January 2004 article published in Emergency Medicine News.
BRAT Diet Alternatives for Diarrhea
If diarrhea is your main issue, there are many adjustments you can make to your diet to help make things more regular.
The Bottom Line
While only eating bananas, rice, applesauce and toast is no longer advised, the recommendation to keep your plate plain if you're struggling with diarrhea or nausea isn't totally off-base.
Is This an Emergency?
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. If you think you may have COVID-19, use the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker .
Warnings
If you cannot stay hydrated or have symptoms that last for an extended period of time, visit your doctor immediately. These methods are meant to help you feel better but medical attention should be sought if the symptoms are prolonged or get worse.
About This Article
This article was co-authored by Roy Nattiv, MD. Dr. Roy Nattiv is a board-certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, California. who specializes in a broad range of pediatric gastrointestinal and nutritional illnesses such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux, food allergies, poor weight gain, SIBO, IBD, and IBS. Dr.
Fluids
As diarrhea can lead to dehydration, it is important that people drink enough fluids. A person with diarrhea can drink a range of liquids, including:
Oral rehydration products
People can purchase oral rehydration products over the counter at a pharmacy. They are available as a liquid, popsicle, or powder to mix with water.