The BRAT Diet

BRAT is an acronym for the foods included in the diet. They are bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (1). It is also called the bland diet and is suggested for individuals with acute diarrhea and/or vomiting.

Though the diet is being followed for a long time now, there are many questions surrounding it. In this article, we will address all of them.

More On The BRAT Diet

The BRAT diet consists of foods that are easy to digest and low in fat and fiber. Raw and uncooked foods are not recommended. This diet has a mild flavor and is less acidic, enabling fewer bowel movements.

The diet is low in nutritional value. Hence, following it for two to three days and then getting back to a regular balanced diet is recommended.

In addition to the foods in the diet, you can also consume low-fat dairy products, pudding, fruit juice, vegetable stew, eggs, and lean meat. More food options can be added on the second and third days of the BRAT diet.

One major concern with the BRAT diet is if it is safe for children. Let’s find out in the following section.

Is The BRAT Diet Safe For Children?

Though the BRAT diet was once recommended to children with acute diarrhea, experts now suggest against its use for longer periods as it lacks in fat and several other micronutrients (2).

Proper feeding in children with the food appropriate for their age must continue. This must be a standard of nutritional care during acute diarrhea in children.

Let’s now understand how this diet works.

How Does The BRAT Diet Work?

The BRAT diet consists of foods high in starchy carbohydrates and low in dietary fiber. These foods make the stool firm. They are also low in fat and protein and hence do not upset the stomach. Since they are not spicy, they also do not cause nausea.

This way, the BRAT diet can help treat diarrhea in both toddlers and adults.

BRAT Diet For Toddlers

Children with diarrhea and/or vomiting must be introduced to ORS initially. If the child is being breastfed, continue doing so (3). You can also introduce milk formula if the child can tolerate it.

After giving liquid foods, wait and watch for any symptoms. You can then introduce the BRAT diet. The foods are soft, mildly seasoned, low in fiber, and easily digested. This reduces the irritation of the digestive tract.

The BRAT diet can be given to children only for a short while as it cannot replace other healthier food options. Regular food must be resumed after two to three days. The following food pattern can help:

• Coconut water/milk formula (if the child can tolerate)
• Dry toast/mashed potato or sweet potato
• Mashed banana/cooked vegetables
• Rice with boiled lentils
• Broth/clear soup

BRAT Diet For Adults

If you have vomited, rest for a while, and do not consume anything for some time (4). Once you feel that you can tolerate some liquid, sip on regular water and have coconut water, apple juice, and broth. Start with lower quantities and gradually increase your intake.

A few hours after you are able to tolerate liquids, you can eat some bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and dry toast.

After 24 to 48 hours, you can resume your regular diet (with foods that are easy to digest). Avoid spicy and fried foods to keep your stomach from getting irritated again.

The following food pattern can help:

First few hours – After you feel your stomach has settled, drink plain water or an electrolyte beverage.

• First 24 hours – Consume clear liquids like coconut water, fruit juice, and broth. If the symptoms of vomiting/diarrhea do not return, you can continue drinking something every two hours (5).
• 2nd day – You can consume foods from the BRAT diet – including banana, rice, applesauce, and dry toast.
• 3rd day – You can get back to a regular diet. Add fruits and vegetables to your meal for nutrition.

We have discussed the foods you can include in a BRAT diet. There also is a list of foods you must avoid.

Foods To Avoid On The BRAT Diet

Mentioned below are the foods to avoid in the BRAT diet (1):

• Spicy and highly-flavored food, including onions, garlic, hot sauces, and seasonings.
• Fried and fatty foods, including meat (as they cannot be digested in this condition).
• Dairy products like milk, cheese, etc. (you can give milk formula to children if they can tolerate it).
• Sugary foods like cookies, cakes, doughnuts, candy, cold drinks, and ice creams.

Conclusion

If you have recently had an upset stomach or diarrhea, your doctor may suggest that you limit your diet to bland foods that will not irritate your stomach. The BRAT diet is safe to follow for only two to three days until your digestion improves as this is low in dietary fiber and does not provide nutrition.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

When to see a doctor?

You must visit a doctor if you have the following symptoms:
You have diarrhea or are vomiting for more than 3 days.
• Your body temperature is 101º F or higher.
• You experience dehydration, lightheadedness, decreased urination, and severe fatigue.
• You have bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.
• You have insulin-dependent diabetes and experience vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea.
• You are under treatment for a medical condition and have acute diarrhea and vomiting.

What are the possible risks of a BRAT diet?

Prolonged use of the BRAT diet can lead to severe malnutrition. The diet substantially lacks vital nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, calcium, and vitamins A and B12.

What does research on the BRAT diet say?

According to several studies, following a restrictive diet for a long time can result in malnutrition (6). During any illness, a balanced diet should be given to compensate for the loss of nutrients in the body.
Age-appropriate foods should be included in the diet to keep the nutrition levels optimum. Formula milk or breastfeeding should be continued for infants.
Children and adults should return to their regular diets once they start tolerating normal foods.

Can You Lose Weight On The BRAT Diet?

The BRAT diet is effective for anyone with severe diarrhea and/or vomiting. Though one can lose weight with the BRAT diet, it is not recommended in the long run.

References

1. “Bland diet” National Center for Biotechnology Information.
2. “The BRAT Diet for Acute Diarrhea in Children: Should it be used?”, Practical Gastroenterology, Nutrition Issues in Gastroenterology.
3. “2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Diarrhea”, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Oxford Academic.
4. “Diarrhea and vomiting” Student life, University Health Service, University of Michigan.
5. “The BRAT diet” The Oregon Clinic.
6. “Impact of restrictive diets on the risk of undernutrition in a free-living elderly population” Clinical Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

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