We're talking about the BRAT diet here, which consists of bland meals that are known to calm an upset stomach and foods that your mother most likely gave you when you were a child and sick. This article will explain what it is, how it operates, and how much it can assist you in achieving your goals.
For those suffering from an acute stomach disease characterized by vomiting and/or diarrhea, a previous medical practice recommended a low-fiber, readily digested diet. An acronym was created to help individuals recall a group of bland foods that may be best tolerated when sick: BRAT.
The BRAT diet is sometimes used to treat diarrhea, stomach flu, and other stomach illnesses. This diet, however, has significant drawbacks, including nutritional and calorie deficiency. As a result, numerous health organizations no longer prescribe it for diarrhea or other stomach issues.
The BRAT diet includes foods that are low in protein, fat, and fiber, making them simple to digest for most people.
The BRAT diet's benefits and risks are discussed in this article. We also go over safer ways to treat diarrhea.
What is the BRAT Diet?
The BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is a diet designed to cure and support stomach disorders in both children and adults.
The BRAT diet restricts fiber consumption to minimize the severity of diarrhea and firm up stools by focusing on four easy-to-digest foods. Pediatricians have always prescribed it to treat diarrhea in children.
In addition to bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, the BRAT diet recommends clear broth soups (such as chicken or vegetable), apple juice, water, non-caffeinated tea, canned peaches, and pears, sweet potatoes, crackers, cream of wheat, eggs, and gelatin.
Because they are soft on the stomach and low in fiber, these foods were advised for adults and children suffering from diarrhea. Dairy, alcohol, fried foods, pork, salmon, sardines, raw veggies, citrus fruit like lemons and limes, tomatoes, excessively hot or cold liquids, coffee and caffeinated beverages like soda, and added sugars and sweets are all foods to avoid on the BRAT diet.
The BRAT diet was designed to rest the digestive tract by consuming readily digestible, bland foods that also stimulated the development of solid stool. The theory was that eating normal foods would aggravate diarrhea. These recommendations, however, are no longer given, and here's why.
The BRAT diet is based on the premise that people can minimize the symptoms of gastrointestinal disease by eating only bland, easy-to-digest foods. Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are common symptoms.
Proponents also claim that these foods aid in the recovery of persons suffering from gastrointestinal disorders.
This diet is no longer recommended by doctors since it has a limited nutritional profile and may not promote speedy or complete healing.
The BRAT diet consists of bland, low fiber foods and is commonly used to treat stomach disorders, digestive diseases, and diarrhea. For infants suffering from diarrhea, pediatricians have historically suggested the BRAT diet. What similarities do these foods share? They're all boring and, on the surface, light.
Following this diet after experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may help you recover faster.
While the BRAT diet can be advantageous in the short term, there are hazards to adopting a diet that is low in dietary fiber, protein, and fat for an extended period of time.
Some medical professionals distinguish between a bland diet and the BRAT diet. Most people agree, however, that the BRAT diet permits you to eat more than bananas, applesauce, rice, and toast.
The key is to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods.
Binding foods are acceptable BRAT diet products since they are low in fiber and may help avoid diarrhea by firming up your stool.
Other bland foods are:
- crackers
- cooked cereals, like oatmeal or cream of wheat
- weak tea
- apple juice or flat soda
- broth
- boiled or baked potatoes
- dry cereal
- potatoes
- brothy soups
- sweet potatoes
- steamed, baked, or grilled skinless chicken without fat
- watermelon
- weak tea
- apple juice or flat soda
- plain rice cakes
- popsicles
- Jello
Foods to Avoid
While eating a normal diet is generally good during spells of stomach illness or diarrhea, some foods are more likely to produce nausea, vomiting, or loose stools than others.
Here are a few examples:
- Milk-derived products. Milk, cream, cheese, and ice cream might be difficult for the stomach during an illness. Natural yogurt and kefir, on the other hand, are exceptions since they include beneficial microbes.
- Sugar. Sugary meals including cakes, cookies, drinks, candies, and chocolate may exacerbate symptoms.
- Fattening foods and fried foods. Greasy foods are difficult to digest and may worsen diarrhea.
- Alcohol. Because alcohol is a diuretic, it can dehydrate you. It may also induce gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Caffeine. Caffeine, which can be found in coffee, cola drinks, and black tea, has the potential to act as a mild diuretic.
- Spicy food. These foods can irritate an already sensitive stomach.
- Artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and sucralose might cause diarrhea in some persons.
- Beans and vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, for example, are known to cause gas and bloating in the digestive tract. Beans may have the same effect on some people. While this is usually not a cause for concern, persons suffering from gastrointestinal ailments should avoid certain foods until they recover.
- High-protein foods include steak, pig, and salmon. Protein is difficult to digest and may place additional strain on the stomach, especially if the dish contains a lot of fat.
Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers, and chicken broth are examples of BRAT diet items that are low in fiber and easy on the stomach. Foods that are not bland should be avoided.
The BRAT diet has also been expanded to include the BRATTY diet, which includes the following:
- BRATT: Add decaffeinated tea
- BRATTY: Add yogurt
Eating the foods that are part of the BRAT diet is believed to relieve stomach issues because:
- They are easy on the stomach. The foods mentioned are low in fat and protein, making them less prone to irritate the stomach and stress the digestive system.
- They make firmer stools. Low-starch and low-fiber foods are included in the diet, which prevents loose and watery stools.
- They reduce vomiting and nausea. The diet decreases nausea and vomiting since the foods are bland and lack strong odors. It also provides symptom relief.
Other Methods
There are other things you may do to enhance your recovery from a stomach virus besides adjusting your diet.
Remain Hydrated
Dehydration is a potentially fatal consequence of diarrhea. Drink clear liquids such as:
- water
- broth
- sports drinks
- apple juice
- herbal teas, particularly ginger and peppermint
- coconut water
It's also a good idea to replenish electrolytes. You can drink coconut water, Gatorade, or Powerade, or try over-the-counter (OTC) electrolyte products like Pedialyte (also available in popsicle form).
Products for Oral Rehydration
Oral rehydration treatments are available over the counter at pharmacies. They come in liquid, popsicle, and powder forms that can be mixed with water.
Adults and children with mild-to-moderate dehydration can benefit from oral rehydration therapy. People must be careful to follow the instructions on the packaging.
Drinks with added sugar should be avoided because they may aggravate symptoms in some persons.
Medications to Treat Diarrhea
Anti-diarrheal drugs should be discussed with your doctor because they can aggravate or disguise the underlying reasons for your diarrhea.
Online, there are numerous over-the-counter solutions. These drugs can help you minimize the number of times you get diarrhea.
They will not assist you if your diarrhea is the result of:
- bacteria
- a parasite
- another medical issue
They may also be hazardous to children.
Is the BRAT Diet Effective?
Doctors have previously suggested the BRAT diet, but it is not always the best option. Despite anecdotal evidence, there is a scarcity of research on the BRAT diet's efficacy.
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) no longer recommends this diet for children and newborns after years of endorsement. Because the diet is limited, the body does not get enough protein, vitamins, and macronutrients to repair.
The BRAT diet can be effective as a temporary solution – for a day or two — but it should not be utilized as a daily method of eating, for weight loss, or as a treatment for diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or diverticulitis.
The BRAT diet is deficient in essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B12, protein, and fiber.
In the near term, it's a means to an end. You won't get much nutritional value from it, and you won't get everything you need if you use it long term.
How long does the BRAT diet take to work? The BRAT diet does not always work. If you've been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than a day or two and aren't feeling better, it's time to seek medical attention.
The BRAT diet has been recommended for treating stomach flu, diarrhea, and other stomach issues. The foods included in the BRAT diet are low in protein, fat, and fiber, making them easier to digest. While helpful for short durations, there are risks associated with following this diet for an extended period of time, including nutrient and calorie deficiencies.
If your healthcare professional has prescribed the BRAT diet, or if you want to try it to relieve a brief gastrointestinal (GI) condition, it's critical that you learn how to do so safely and understand your options for eating when you have stomach difficulty.
Although the BRAT diet has been recommended for decades, no current clinical investigations have looked into whether it is beneficial as a treatment for diarrhea or gastrointestinal sickness.
Although the diet may help some people with their symptoms, experts do not advocate it. Other, more nutritionally balanced eating patterns may help with healing and symptom reduction even more.
While there are no clinical trials on the BRAT diet, there are some studies on how foods on the BRAT diet affect diarrhea. Bananas, for example, contain pectin, a type of carbohydrate that is beneficial to the digestive tract.
Bananas also contain potassium, which aids in water and electrolyte absorption. According to a comprehensive study, the green banana pulp can help reduce both diarrhea and constipation in kids. Rice soup, when ingested alongside a recommended oral rehydration solution, could effectively treat diarrhea in children.
While these findings are encouraging, they cannot tell if a diet consisting solely of bland foods is helpful and safe for treating gastrointestinal disorders. The BRAT diet's limitations may do more harm than good.
Individual food effects on diarrhea, on the other hand, do not provide an accurate picture of how eating only those foods can affect the body. Some nutritional shortages may aggravate diarrhea.
According to one outdated study, two weeks on the BRAT diet might result in severe malnutrition as well as other medical concerns in youngsters. The study is out of date, and the situation was admittedly extreme.
However, no follow-up studies have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of the BRAT diet. The American Academy of Pediatrics now encourages feeding children a healthy diet as soon as they are well, as well as nursing or giving full-strength formula to babies.
The BRAT diet is probably better for adults and children than not eating anything at all. It's simply not a long-term answer. To avoid malnutrition, return to a normal diet as soon as possible, even if your diarrhea persists.
A more recent study is needed to evaluate whether the BRAT diet can help patients with stomach troubles. If you have stomach pain and want to attempt the BRAT diet, consult your doctor first.
While studies demonstrate that bananas and rice can help alleviate diarrhea, no clinical trials have been conducted to study the BRAT diet. More research is needed to evaluate whether the BRAT diet is a safe and effective treatment for stomach problems.
The BRAT diet has been around forever and plenty of people swear by it. But there’s not much proof behind it, and the chances that it’ll cure your stomach woes are pretty slim. That’s because most cases of diarrhea are caused by intestinal viruses that will clear up on their own within a few days, regardless of what you eat.
How Does It Work Correctly?
Some people feel that adopting the BRAT diet can help people suffering from diarrhea and upset stomachs. Among the obvious benefits are:
- Stools that are substantial. Starchy and low-fiber items in the diet may cause loose and runny feces to bind more easily.
- It's gentle on the stomach. The foods are unlikely to irritate the stomach or disrupt the digestive system because they are low in fat and protein.
- There was less nausea. Because of their bland flavor and absence of strong scents, BRAT meals do not produce nausea or vomiting.
The variety of nutrients in these meals, however, is insufficient to justify long-term use of this diet.
Is the BRAT Diet Healthy?
Following the BRAT diet for a short period of time is unlikely to cause considerable harm, but it should be avoided in the long run.
Prolonged use of the BRAT diet may result in malnutrition and low energy since it contains insufficient calories and the following essential nutrients:
- protein
- fat
- fiber
- vitamin A
- vitamin B-12
- calcium
The BRAT diet is not recommended for children with diarrhea by the American Academy of Pediatrics due to its hazards and restricted nature.
If these foods are part of a child's regular diet, he or she can continue to consume them with a variety of other meals.
There have been no clinical investigations on the efficacy of this diet as of yet. Having said that, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders recommends bland foods when dealing with gastrointestinal distress, which includes some of the items listed in the BRAT diet guidelines.
Soluble fiber-rich meals, such as rice and bananas, can help thicken stools. However, because it is low in fiber, protein, and fat, the BRAT diet is not a long-term solution. As previously stated, as symptoms improve with a bland diet, it's essential to continue including nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean protein sources into your daily routine.
The BRAT diet is safe to use for short periods of time, usually less than 48 hours. However, long-term use of the BRAT diet can be hazardous since it lacks sufficient calories, protein, fat, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics no longer advocates food for the treatment of diarrhea in children, instead favoring oral hydration therapy with rehydration beverages.
Introduce solid foods only after you have been able to keep down liquids for several hours without vomiting.
The BRAT Diet is Safe Temporarily
Let's imagine you've checked out all other possibilities and are only dealing with an acute viral intestinal ailment, similar to a stomach bug, that will resolve in a couple of days.
Experts feel that a complete spectrum of vitamins, nutrients, proteins, and healthy fats is required to fully recover from a stomach virus. The BRAT diet has a few nutrients, such as vitamin C in applesauce and fiber and vitamin B-6 in bananas. However, you will be deficient in other essential nutrients such as protein and good fats.
In fact, the BRAT diet is no longer as popular or as widely supported by doctors as it once was. Over the years, it has been established that nutrition is severely lacking in many essential nutrients for children. As a result, it has typically fallen out of popularity.
To regain your health, you should reintroduce a normal balanced meal after one or two days on the BRAT diet to acquire the entire variety of nutrition.
Probiotics and probiotic-rich foods
Probiotics may help you feel better faster by feeding your intestinal system healthy microorganisms. Probiotics, or helpful microorganisms, may help to decrease the duration of diarrhea. The following bacteria show the most potential for curing diarrhea:
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus GG
- Saccharomyces boulardii
Natural yogurt is a great source of probiotic bacteria. Other foods rich in probiotics include:
- kefir
- fermented vegetables
- sauerkraut
- miso soup
- kombucha
Probiotics can be purchased in capsule or liquid form. Probiotics can also be found in fermented foods such as yogurt and kombucha. Prebiotic-rich fiber may also be advantageous since prebiotics feed gut microorganisms.
These fibers can be found in:
- chicory root
- Jerusalem artichoke
- legumes
- berries
- bananas
- onion
- oats
- garlic
Staying hydrated, avoiding specific meals, using antidiarrheal medicine, and consuming prebiotics and probiotics are some approaches to managing your stomach illness.
Before using any drug or supplements, consult your doctor.
How to follow the BRAT diet
If you or your child is suffering from stomach sickness or severe diarrhea, you should try the BRAT diet. Here's a quick rundown of how to follow the BRAT diet:
- If you are vomiting or have severe diarrhea, wait to eat until your symptoms have subsided.
- If possible, suck on ice, popsicles, or sports drinks to stay hydrated and maintain proper electrolyte levels.
- Over the first 24 hours, try apple juice or clear broth to see whether you can handle it and keep it down. If not, continue to rest your stomach.
There are few research-backed suggestions on how to follow the BRAT diet exactly, however, there are recommendations for a 3-day schedule.
You may wish to avoid eating for the first 6 hours of your illness. Allow your stomach to rest and wait to eat until the vomiting and diarrhea have finished.
While you wait for your food, try sucking on popsicles or ice chips and drinking water or sports drinks. This will aid in the replacement of water and electrolytes lost as a result of your illness. Within the first 24 hours after your illness, try to reintroduce clear liquids into your diet, such as water, apple juice, and vegetable or chicken broth.
If your symptoms reappear, discontinue drinking clear drinks and wait a few hours before attempting again.
Begin following the BRAT diet on day two. This diet is restrictive and innutritious, so you won't want to stick with it for very long.
If you feel up to it, you can begin gradually reintroducing normal foods into your diet on day three after your illness.
Begin with soft-boiled eggs, prepared fruits and vegetables, and white meat, such as chicken or turkey.
The key thing is to listen to your body. If you eat too many different foods too soon, your symptoms may recur.
There are no established recommendations for the BRAT diet. After a bout of stomach illness, a 3-day diet plan reintroduces your body to a regular diet with bland meals.
How Long Should the BRAT Diet Be Followed?
It all depends on how you feel. If diarrhea has improved after two days on BRAT, it is okay to progress to a more balanced diet. However, you should still avoid harder-to-digest items (such as nuts and seeds and spicy meals) as well as lactose-containing foods (such as milk, cheese, and yogurt), as these might be difficult on your still-sensitive stomach.
Unlike most popular diets such as keto, vegan, and paleo, the BRAT diet is not designed to be a long-term lifestyle diet; rather, it is a technique to acquire nourishment while suffering from diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive disorders without straining your GI system as much as richer foods.
The BRAT diet should be followed just until you can tolerate more nourishing foods. Because it is low in protein, fiber, fat, vitamins, and minerals, it should not be consumed in excess, as this might lead to deficiencies and malnutrition.
If severe diarrhea and nausea persist for more than two days, or if you are concerned about dehydration or malnutrition, visit your doctor about next actions.
When Is the BRAT Diet Advisable?
Bananas, rice, applesauce, and bread are gentle on the stomach if you have stomach sickness. If you have stomach flu or diarrhea, you should eat soft, bland foods that will not irritate your digestive system.
This regimen, often known as the BRAT diet, has been believed to help relieve symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. But, because many of the foods in the BRAT diet lack key nutrients, is it healthy to follow? Is it truly making you feel better?
Smaller meals are easier on your tummy. If you're actively vomiting, though, you should stick to liquids. Even if you're eating bland foods, staying hydrated is essential for recovery - and will assist with symptoms like diarrhea.
A bland diet, such as the BRAT diet, is intended to help you recover from gastrointestinal problems. People can also take the diet in other instances where slow digestion is useful, such as after surgery.
Previously, healthcare experts advised the BRAT diet to help parents manage newborns' acute gastroenteritis.
The BRAT diet should not be used for long-term weight loss since it is nutritionally deficient.
If you have nausea, queasiness, diarrhea, or vomiting, consult your doctor about the BRAT diet.
The BRAT diet is designed to help you recover from stomach issues but is not recommended for infants. If you experience stomach distress, ask your doctor if the BRAT diet may work for you.
Doctors recommend keeping an eye out for signs such as blood in your feces, severe stomach discomfort, a high temperature, and persistent vomiting—you should contact your doctor if you see any of these, as they could indicate a more serious health condition than simple diarrhea.
Why Isn't the BRAT Diet Advisable?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stopped endorsing the BRAT diet in the late 1990s because it was deficient in nutrients, notably fiber, fat, and protein. More study has shown that children with diarrhea can eat regular food without problems; also, a regular diet gives greater nutrition, allowing the kid or adult to acquire the nutrients they need to heal.
The BRAT diet is severely restricted and nutritionally deficient. Furthermore, following the BRAT diet for an extended period (more than a few days) can result in malnutrition.
The Current Recommendations
Other suggestions based on the most recent research are now in place for children and adults suffering from diarrhea. When it comes to moderate, short-term diarrhea, the AAP recommends keeping an eye on dehydration.
As a result, an electrolyte mixture designed for children, such as Pedialyte, is recommended to keep the youngster hydrated. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against making your own homemade combination since Pedialyte (and other electrolyte solutions advised by your doctor) are manufactured with a specified ratio of minerals to aid in hydration.
Once dehydration is no longer an issue, the child should eat everything they can tolerate. Sugary meals, such as sweets and soda, as well as fried foods, may irritate the stomach and should be avoided at this time. Call your pediatrician right away if your kid has severe diarrhea (defined as watery bowel movements every one to two hours or more) and signs of dehydration.
Adults should rehydrate with an electrolyte beverage first, then resume a normal diet, avoiding fried foods and those high in added sugar.
However, if the diarrhea is persistent, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) should be consulted in order to determine the root cause of the problem and develop a treatment strategy that is specific to the condition. If you go to the website of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, you will be able to locate an RDN in your area.
Side Effects of the BRAT Diet
You shouldn't stay on the BRAT diet for an extended amount of time because of its potential for negative side effects, but in general, it's not hard to follow and has few drawbacks.
Because it is so low in calories, nutrients, and fiber, the BRAT diet is not one that should be followed for an extended period. It is possible that it could contribute to constipation as well as deficits in nutrients, particularly protein.
Calcium, vitamin B12, protein, and fiber are all in short supply in this diet. It is possible that in the long run, it will cause damage to your hair, skin, nails, teeth, and bones, as well as keep you sick for a longer period of time.
What’s Even More Crucial Than the BRAT Diet?
Because prolonged diarrhea and vomiting can be quite dehydrating, the most important thing is to keep drinking a lot of fluids in order to keep your body from becoming dehydrated.
The most effective treatment for diarrhea is to simply replace the fluid that is being lost as a result of the condition.
Consume a lot of water and think about using rehydration solutions like G2 or Pedialyte, which are low-sugar alternatives to rehydration drinks that contain fluids and electrolytes. Drinks that are heavy in sugar, such as ordinary Gatorade or Powerade, should be avoided because the sugar may actually make diarrhea worse. In addition to rehydrating and relaxing, soup and basic broth are both terrific options to consider.
The majority of experts would now recommend that patients simply avoid foods that might be worsening diarrhea, and that they continue to eat a good nutritious diet that includes fiber and protein, as well as mono or polyunsaturated fats.
Other items that, in addition to sugary beverages, have the potential to irritate your stomach and make your symptoms worse are dairy products, greasy foods, and foods that are high in insoluble fiber, such as beans, nuts, and leafy greens. Sugary drinks are also a culprit.
The BRAT Diet is Suitable for Both Children and Adults
The BRAT diet has been around for close to a century now, and it was initially devised for clinicians to administer to children so that they would have less diarrhea when they had severe intestinal infections.
Although the diet was developed primarily for sick children, it is also beneficial for adults who are experiencing acute stomach problems and can be used to minimize the severity of those difficulties. But it is absolutely necessary to have a solid understanding of the root cause of the symptoms before you go on the BRAT diet, whether for yourself or for your child.
There are a lot of different things that can induce diarrhea, and some people should not follow a BRAT diet at all if they are already dealing with an illness, if they have an inflammatory condition in their intestines, or if they are experiencing a reaction to the food that they are eating.
The Way to Better Health
The BRAT diet is a diet that consists of eating only bland foods and is suggested for both adults and children. The following are some of the advantages of using the BRAT diet as a treatment for upset stomach and diarrhea:
- The items that you eat while on the diet cause your feces to become more solid. This is due to the fact that certain foods are classified as "binding" foods. These foods are bland, starchy, and poor in fiber content.
- Because of the vomiting and diarrhea, your body has lost the nutrients that it needs, and the foods help replace those nutrients. For instance, bananas contain a significant amount of the nutrient potassium.
Your stomach will not be irritated by foods that lack flavor. If you've been sick with diarrhea or vomiting, the BRAT diet might help your body ease back into normal eating by using certain foods. Additionally, several women report that following this diet helped relieve nausea and vomiting they experienced throughout pregnancy.
You are free to include other tasteless meals in your BRAT diet. For instance, you might want to try saltine crackers, plain potatoes, or broths made from clear soups.
Do not immediately begin consuming dairy products, foods high in sugar, or foods high in fat. These meals could make you sick to your stomach or give you more diarrhea.
When Should You Seek Assistance?
If after 24 hours on the BRAT diet you are not feeling better, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.
You should also make an appointment with a physician if you have been having diarrhea that is persistent or severe.
Your symptoms could be an indication of viral gastroenteritis, an illness that, in most cases, does not require treatment from a doctor.
However, other illnesses might cause the same symptoms that do necessitate treatment from a medical professional. For instance, the following may be contributing to your symptoms:
- bacteria
- a parasite
- certain medications
- food intolerances
- other issues that may need immediate medical attention
If you experience diarrhea that lasts for more than two days or if you feel like you are dehydrated, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician even if you think you may just have a stomach bug.
Some of the symptoms of dehydration are as follows:
- dry mouth
- thirst
- less frequent urination
- tiredness, weakness, or dizziness
If you have significant discomfort in your abdomen or rectal area, bloody or black feces, or a temperature that is higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.8 degrees Celsius), you should also call your doctor.
If your child has been experiencing persistent vomiting or diarrhea for even one day, you need to make an appointment with their pediatrician.
A stomachache or diarrhea can make you feel like the worst version of yourself. Because it can result in tiredness and dehydration if it is not addressed, it is essential to make sure that your body receives the nourishment it needs. After experiencing diarrhea or throwing up, it can be challenging to figure out what foods are safe to consume again. Both conditions can be effectively managed with the help of the BRAT diet (which consists of bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast).
Concerns for Your Doctor
- What if I find that eating the things on the BRAT diet gives me an upset stomach?
- If you follow the BRAT diet for an excessively long period, is constipation possible?
- Is rice a more desirable food than potatoes?
Things to consider
- Stay with little sips of clear beverages for the time being. If you have been throwing up or have diarrhea, drinking a beverage that contains electrolytes (a mixture of vital minerals) may help you keep your body from becoming dehydrated.
- When someone is actively throwing up, it's not a good idea to give them solid foods like those on the BRAT diet. This applies to both adults and children. After you have finished throwing up, you should cautiously try eating again to see if you are able to keep anything down.
- When coping with an upset stomach or diarrhea, it is important to follow the directions given to you by your doctor regarding the sorts of meals to eat.
- As soon as you start to feel better, go back to eating normally and making healthy choices. The BRAT diet does not supply all of the necessary nutrients that are found in a healthy diet. Within around 24 to 48 hours after throwing up or having diarrhea, you should be able to start eating a more regular diet, including fruits and vegetables.
Research on the BRAT Diet
In spite of the fact that the BRAT diet has a significant amount of celebrity support and is backed by anecdotal evidence, there is a startling paucity of studies on its efficacy and potential hazards.
There is some preliminary evidence to show that eating bananas and rice can be beneficial in lessening the symptoms of diarrhea.
According to several studies, children with diarrhea who followed a diet that included green banana supplements recovered from their illness more quickly than children who did not.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What exactly is the BRAT diet?
A: The BRAT diet is a list of easily digested foods designed to reduce stomach sickness, diarrhea, and vomiting symptoms. These foods' low fat and protein content aid in the production of firm stool and the prevention of stomach irritation.
Q: Are there any BRAT diet alternatives?
A: Yes, there are other options besides the BRAT diet. Other stomach-calming meals include saltine crackers, clear broth, oats, and sauerkraut, among others. If you are on a bland diet for more than a few days, make sure to include a variety of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Q: Is the BRAT diet good for IBS?
A: The BRAT diet may help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but it should only be used for a short time due to the danger of nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, other diets, such as the low-FODMAP diet, can help with IBS, so it's a good idea to first review all of your treatment choices with a healthcare expert.
Q: When should someone with a stomach ache go to the emergency room?
A: If you have persistent stomach pain, you should seek medical attention at the nearest emergency room (ER) right away if any of the following apply:
- You are pregnant
- The pain began approximately one week after abdominal surgery or a gastrointestinal operation
- You have undergone either a gastric bypass or a bowel resection surgical procedure
- The pain started after sustaining significant damage to the abdomen region
- You have a bruised abdomen that is also quickly enlarging
- You may be experiencing symptoms such as a rigid abdomen, bloody coughing, dizziness, continuous vomiting, pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades, or vomiting blood
In Conclusion
The BRAT diet is a traditional prescription for children and adults who are coping with diarrhea; nevertheless, the diet is very restrictive and does not provide enough nutrients. When you have diarrhea, you should follow the more recent rules that have been set, which have been based on research. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional if you are concerned about any aspect of your health.
The vast majority of us are able to recall at least one instance of having a stomach illness when we were younger. You may remember how awful you felt, to the point that even going to school would have been more fun than watching your favorite cartoons or TV shows while sick on the couch. This is something you might remember.
When you finally started regaining your ability to keep down some food, your mother, father, or whoever was taking care of you undoubtedly attempted to convince you to eat a few bites of plain toast, some white rice, or something else that was bland and easy to digest.
The BRAT diet is focused on relieving stomach discomfort with foods that are simple and easy to digest. When you have stomach flu, diarrhea, or nausea, following the BRAT diet can be a beneficial method to keep your strength up without increasing your GI symptoms.
Continue reading if you find yourself in need of a rescue remedy for nausea and loose stools and we will provide you with information regarding the BRAT diet. We hope you aren't feeling nauseated right now.
The BRAT diet could be a helpful transition to eating a wider range of foods again after a stomach illness.
After experiencing stomach issues, you might be concerned about eating again, but in reality, you should be more concerned about not drinking enough water.
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
- have a dry mouth
- have excessive thirst
- stop urinating as frequently
- feel tired, or have weakness or dizziness
If treatment is not received, dehydration can become life-threatening. Be sure to keep drinking fluids, and as soon as you feel you can handle it, experiment with eating again.
Even though the BRAT diet isn't backed by research, eating bananas, potatoes, and cooked grains like rice or oatmeal might help you heal from an illness or injury more quickly.
Eat a meal that is both diverse and balanced as soon as you are able to do so in order to recover both your general nutrition and your energy levels.
Viruses that affect the stomach are common and easy to get, but they can leave you feeling awful. When dealing with moderate cases, straightforward home treatment is suggested.
The BRAT diet is not something that should be followed for more than a couple of days, and this applies to both children and adults.
In most cases, a stomach bug does not constitute a serious medical emergency; however, experiencing both vomiting and diarrhea is probably not anyone's idea of a good time.