BRAT is an acronym that denotes bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. This diet has been suggested for managing stomach flu, diarrhoea, nausea and other gastrointestinal woes. It is also known as a bland diet and comprises foods that are easy to digest and low in fat, protein and dietary fibre.
The BRAT diet has a mild flavour and is less acidic assisting in the smooth digestion process and fewer bowel movements. While being low on nutrients, this diet is advisable for short durations, thereafter a regular diet is recommended to minimise nutritional deficiency. Raw and undercooked foods are avoided.
What is a BRAT Diet?
The BRAT diet is a low-calorie, low-fibre and bland meal plan which is recommended for treating digestive ailments and diarrhoea. Following this diet, while dealing with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may help to improve the condition and reduce the symptoms. The key to this diet is to focus on foods that are easy on the tummy.
Also Read: Digestive Disorders: 7 Ways To Improve Gut Health
An acronym was framed to help people remember a set of bland foods that are best tolerated when ill. The BRAT diet has also been extended to the BRATTY diet which includes the following:
BRATT- include decaffeinated tea
BRATTY –include yoghurt
How Does It Work?
Consuming the foods that are part of the BRAT diet is believed to get rid of stomach issues because the foods are:
Gentle on the stomach and less likely to irritate the stomach and add stress to the gastrointestinal tract.
Produce firmer stool as it is low on starch and fibre which puts off loose and watery stools.
Lessens nausea and vomiting as the foods are bland without any irritants and strong flavours and it provide respite from symptoms.
Some of the other foods to be included in the BRAT diet include:
Crackers
Soft-cooked cereals like oatmeal and porridges
Apple juice
Broth
Boiled potatoes
Soft fruits like bananas, applesauce, avocado and pumpkin
Home-made ORS solution
Gut-friendly beneficial bacteria like probiotic may help to reduce the severity of diarrhoea like yoghurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut and fermented vegetables are good options. As soon as the patients recover from symptoms it is essential to re-introduce solid foods into the diet and drink plenty of water to maintain hydration. In addition to water and mild tea, other options are clear broth and electrolyte drinks.
Also Read: Diarrhoea: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Foods To Be Avoided
Spicy and flavoured food including onion, garlic, sauces and seasonings.
Deep-fried, greasy and fatty foods
Raw vegetables and salad greens, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower
Beans
High-protein foods like meat and salmon
Acidic fruits such as lemons, grapes, oranges and berries
Caffeinated beverages and alcohol
How To Follow The BRAT Diet?
The BRAT diet is ideally recommended to follow for 3 days.
Within the first 6 hours of illness, it is best to avoid food completely.
This gives time for the stomach to rest and wait to eat until vomiting and diarrhoea have stopped.
It is ideal to have popsicles or ice chips and sip water while you are avoiding food. This helps to replace lost water and electrolytes due to illness.
Then start with clear fluids like water, apple juice and vegetable or chicken broth within the first 24 hours.
If the symptoms do not settle, stop drinking clear fluids and wait for a few hours before resuming to eat again.
On day two start following the BRAT diet. However, as the diet lacks the needed nutrients it is not advisable to continue for more than 2 days.
On day three the patient should slowly start including normal foods back into their meal plan. It is best, to begin with soft foods like cooked vegetables and fruits. It is important to adapt to your body’s cues and it is not advisable to eat too much variety too soon, as the symptoms may soon return.
Benefits Of The BRAT Diet
Some of the merits of BRAT diet for treating upset stomach and diarrhoea include:
The foods permitted in the diet make the stools firmer. As they are considered binding foods and are low-fibre, bland and starchy. These foods allow to replenish nutrients the body needs and have lost due to vomiting and diarrhoea.
They don't irritate the tummy, thus following a BRAT diet after episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting may help the body ease back into the normal eating pattern.
Health Guidelines Of BRAT Diet
Choose liquids that contain some amount of salt and sugar to avert dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance.
Take rest and avoid overexertion to give the system time to recover
Consult your physician about the medication needed and also if symptoms last for more than 24 hours.
Seek immediate medical help if you cannot even tolerate clear liquids.
Diarrhoea initially may be acute, beginning abruptly and settling over a few days with dietary modifications or it may be a chronic ongoing process. If diarrhoea lasts for more than 4 days, then seek medical help.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Foods Are In A Brat Diet?
The BRAT diet consists of:
Bananas
Rice
Applesauce
Toast
These foods are bland, low in fiber, and easy on the stomach, which is why they were traditionally used to help manage symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Why Is the BRAT Diet No Longer Recommended?
The BRAT diet is not recommended these days, because it lacks essential nutrients needed for recovery. It is low in protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, which are necessary for healing, especially during illness. Prolonged use of the BRAT diet can lead to malnutrition, particularly in children and those with weakened immune systems.
- What 12 Foods Stop Diarrhea?
Certain foods can help manage and reduce diarrhea by firming up stools and replenishing lost nutrients. These include:
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
- Boiled potatoes
- Plain crackers
- Steamed carrots
- Bland chicken (no seasoning)
- Yogurt (probiotic-rich)
- Oatmeal
- Broth-based soups
- Herbal teas like chamomile (to soothe the digestive tract)
- What Replaced The BRAT Diet?
The BRAT diet has been replaced by a more balanced approach focusing on hydration and a variety of nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest. Experts now recommend including a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with electrolyte-rich drinks like oral rehydration solutions or broths. Probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, can also help restore gut health.
Conclusion:
The BRAT diet is formulated to assist people in recovering from stomach ailments. It is also helpful in other situations like post-surgery, where a smooth digestion process would be beneficial. It is safe to follow for three days until digestion improves. As per the current guidelines by the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), it is not recommended for infants. It is always best to seek advice from the doctor if the symptoms do not settle and to know if the BRAT diet works for you or not.
(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
https://med.virginia.edu/ginutrition/wp-content/uploads/sites/199/2015/11/DuroArticle-June-07.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242524660_The_BRAT_diet_for_acute_diarrhea_in_children_Should_it_be_used