Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are the components that are referred to collectively as BRAT.
Paediatricians used to promote the BRAT diet to manage gastrointestinal disorders in youngsters. The theory is that these bland, easy-to-digest foods can alleviate stomach problems and minimize stool production.
Experts now believe that the BRAT diet may not be the greatest option for addressing stomach problems.
What exactly is the BRAT Diet?
The BRAT diet consists of bland, low-fibre meals and is frequently prescribed for stomach problems, digestive diseases, and diarrhoea. Paediatricians have always suggested the BRAT diet for newborns suffering from diarrhoea.
What are the similarities between these foods? They’re all bland and light on the stomach. Following them after experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea may help you feel better quickly.
While the BRAT diet can be beneficial for short periods of time, there are hazards to following a diet that is so low in dietary fibre, protein, and fat for an extended period of time.
This article goes into detail about the science behind the BRAT diet and how well it works to treat stomach problems.
What foods are permitted on the BRAT diet?
The secret to BRAT Diet is to consume bland, easy-on-the-tummy foods.
Acceptable BRAT diet foods are referred to as binding foods, which implies they are low in fibre and may avoid diarrhoea by firming the stool.
Other foods to include in the BRAT Diet are:
- crackers
- sour tea
- flat soda or apple juice
- broth
- potatoes, boiling or baked
- cereals that are cooked, such as oatmeal or cream of wheat
On this diet, people should avoid “non-bland” items. They are as follows:
- milk and dairy products
- whatever is fried, oily, fatty, or spicy
- Steak, hog, salmon, and sardines are examples of proteins.
- Salad greens, carrot sticks, broccoli, and cauliflower are all examples of raw vegetables.
- Berries, grapes, oranges, lemons, and limes are examples of acidic fruits.
- Drinks that are extremely hot or chilly
- Caffeine-containing beverages such as wine and coffee
How to stick to the BRAT Diet
Few research-based guidelines exist for precisely following the BRAT diet; nonetheless, a 3-day plan is recommended. You may want to refrain from eating for the first six hours of illness.
Let your stomach rest, and don’t eat again until you’re done throwing up and going to the bathroom. You can chew on popsicles or ice chips and drink water or sports drinks while you wait for your food. This will help you make up for the water and electrolytes you lost because you were sick.
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.
Discontinue drinking clear drinks if symptoms persist, and wait a few hours before trying again. You should begin following a BRAT diet on the second day after starting it. This diet is restrictive and unnutritious, so you won’t want to stick with it for very long.
On the third day after your illness, if you’re feeling well enough, you can begin gradually reintroducing normal foods to your diet. Prepared fruits and vegetables, as well as white meat such as chicken or turkey, should be the first items on your plate. Listening to your body is the most important thing. Recurring symptoms might be caused by eating an excessive amount of food at the beginning of the meal.
When should you consider the BRAT diet?
A bland diet, like the BRAT diet, is meant to help you feel better after you’ve had stomach problems. People can also utilize the diet in other conditions, such as after surgery, where slow digestion is advantageous.
Previously, healthcare professionals recommended the BRAT diet to help parents manage acute gastroenteritis in babies.
The BRAT diet should not be utilized for long-term weight loss since it lacks essential nutrients. Consult your doctor about the BRAT diet if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation.
Is the BRAT diet beneficial?
The BRAT diet has been recommended by doctors in the past; however, it is not always the greatest option. Despite anecdotal evidence, research on the effectiveness of the BRAT diet is scarce.
After years of endorsement, the AAP no longer recommends this diet for children and babies. Due to the limited diet, the body does not receive sufficient protein, vitamins, and macronutrients for repair. Although there are no clinical trials on the BRAT diet, there are studies on the effect of BRAT foods on diarrhoea.
For instance, bananas contain pectin, a type of carbohydrate that is good for the digestive system. The potassium in bananas facilitates the absorption of water and electrolytes. The pulp of green bananas can aid children with both diarrhoea and constipation.
A 2016 study found that rice soup is an effective treatment for acute diarrhoea in children. Although these results are encouraging, they do not indicate whether a diet consisting only of bland foods is effective and safe for treating gastrointestinal diseases.
The restrictions of the BRAT diet may cause more harm than good. According to an old study, two weeks on the BRAT diet could lead to severe malnutrition and other medical issues in children. The study is obsolete, and the circumstance was admittedly dire. However, no follow-up studies on the effectiveness of the BRAT diet have been done.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends a nutritious diet for children as soon as they are healthy, as well as breastfeeding or giving infants full-strength formula.
The BRAT diet is probably preferable to starvation for both adults and children. Simply said, it is not a long-term solution. Even if diarrhoea persists, return to a normal diet as soon as possible to avoid malnutrition.
A more recent study is required to determine whether the BRAT diet can assist patients with gastrointestinal issues. Consult your physician prior to attempting the BRAT diet if you suffer from stomach aches.
When should you seek assistance?
Make an appointment with your doctor if you do not feel better after 24 hours on the BRAT diet. You should also visit a doctor if you have frequent or severe diarrhoea. Your symptoms could be caused by viral gastroenteritis, which usually does not require medical attention.
However, there are other illnesses that elicit identical symptoms and necessitate medical attention. Your symptoms, for example, could be caused by:
- bacteria
- a parasitic organism
- certain drugs
- food allergies
- additional problems that may necessitate prompt medical intervention
Even if you believe you have a stomach illness, you should see a doctor if your diarrhoea lasts more than two days or you feel dehydrated.
Dehydration symptoms include:
- arid mouth
- thirst
- urinating less frequently
- fatigue, weakness, or dizziness
If you experience severe abdomen or rectal pain, bloody or black faeces, or a temperature of more than 102°F (38.8°C), see your doctor. If vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day in a little kid or baby, contact their doctor.
Other therapies
There are other things you may do to enhance your recovery from a stomach virus besides adjusting your diet.
Stay hydrated.
Dehydration is a major potential side effect of diarrhoea.
Drink clear liquids such as:
- water
- broth
- sports beverages
- apple juice
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.
Certain foods should be avoided.
Take note of the items you consume. Some foods may be difficult for your stomach to digest, resulting in diarrhoea. While the BRAT diet is not recommended as a long-term remedy to stomach trouble, you may wish to avoid fried, fatty, or spicy meals for a few days.
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine can also be beneficial.
Medications to treat diarrhoea
Anti-diarrheal drugs should be discussed with your doctor because they can aggravate or disguise the underlying reasons for your diarrhoea. Online, there are numerous over-the-counter solutions. These drugs can help you minimize the number of times you get diarrhoea.
They will not assist you if the cause of your diarrhoea is:
- bacteria
- a parasitic organism
- another medical problem
They may also be hazardous to children.
Prebiotics and probiotics
Probiotics may help you feel better faster by feeding your intestinal system healthy microorganisms.
Lactobacillus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii are the strains indicated for diarrhoea. According to a 2015 study, both strains could help minimize the length of illness by one day.
Probiotics can also be found in fermented foods such as yoghurt and kombucha. Prebiotic-rich fibre may also be advantageous since prebiotics feed gut microorganisms.
These fibres can be found in the following materials:
- berries
- oats
- legumes
- chicory root
- bananas
- onion
- artichokes
- garlic
In conclusion
The BRAT diet is not supported by studies; however, it may be a useful transition back to eating a larger variety of foods following a stomach sickness. You may be concerned about eating again after experiencing gastrointestinal issues, but dehydration is the greater concern.
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
- have a parched mouth
- have an insatiable appetite
- reduce your frequency of urination
- tiredness, weakness, or dizziness
If left unchecked, dehydration can be fatal. Drink plenty of fluids and begin introducing foods as soon as you can tolerate them. Though evidence does not support the BRAT diet, bananas, potatoes, and cooked grains such as rice or oatmeal may help you recover faster.
Eat a varied, balanced diet as soon as you are able to recover your general nutrition and energy levels.