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Health Line

What Is the BRAT Diet, and Does It Work?

BRAT is an acronym that stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. In the past, pediatricians would recommend the BRAT diet to treat stomach problems in children. But they recommend a bland diet today. The idea is that these bland, easy-to-digest foods can ease the symptoms of stomach issues and reduce the amount of stool produced. Today, experts believe the BRAT diet may not be the best option for treating stomach issues. This article explores the research behind the BRAT diet and its effectiveness in treating stomach illnesses and other issues. What is the BRAT Diet? The BRAT diet consists of bland, low fiber foods and was often recommended for treating stomach issues, digestive illnesses, and diarrhea. Pediatricians have previously prescribed the BRAT diet for children experiencing diarrhea. Foods allowed on the BRAT diet include: B ananas R ice A pplesauce T oast What do these foods have in common? They're all bland and easier to digest during illness. While the BRAT diet can be helpful for short durations, there are risks associated with following a diet so low in dietary fiber, protein, and fat for an extended period of time. This is why healthcare professionals now recommend a bland diet instead of the BRAT diet. Why choose a bland diet instead? A bland diet is different from the BRAT diet, as it encompasses a greater variety of food and nutrients. This is why a bland diet is now recommended over the BRAT diet. The key to following a bland diet is eating bland foods that are gentle on the stomach. Acceptable foods to eat on a bland diet are considered binding foods, meaning they're low in fiber and may stop diarrhea by firming up your stool. Foods to eat on a bland diet Other bland foods and liquids to consume on a bland diet include: crackers cooked cereals, like oatmeal or cream of wheat herbal or decaffeinated tea broth electrolyte drinks boiled or baked potatoes People should avoid foods and drinks that are 'non bland' on this diet. They include: milk and dairy anything fried, greasy, fatty, or spicy proteins, such as steak, pork, salmon, and sardines raw veggies, including salad greens, carrot sticks, broccoli, and cauliflower acidic fruits, such as berries, grapes, oranges, lemons, and limes alcohol, coffee, or other drinks containing caffeine When to seek help If you do not get better after 24 hours, make an appointment with your doctor. You should also see a doctor if you've been experiencing frequent or severe diarrhea. Your symptoms may be a sign of viral gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, which typically doesn't require medical treatment. But there are other conditions that cause similar symptoms and do require medical treatment. For example, your symptoms may be caused by: bacteria a parasite certain medications food intolerances other issues that may need immediate medical attention Even if you think you just have a stomach flu, you'll want to contact your doctor if you have diarrhea longer than 2 days or if you feel you're dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration include: dry mouth thirst less frequent urination tiredness, weakness, or dizziness dark urine Also call your doctor if you have: severe abdominal or rectal pain bloody or black stools a fever over 102°F (38.8°C) blood or bile in vomit With small children and babies, you should call their doctor if vomiting or diarrhea persist for just 1 day. The bottom line The BRAT diet is not backed by research, but it could be a helpful transition to eating a wider range of foods again after a stomach illness. You may be worried about eating again after experiencing stomach problems, but dehydration is actually the biggest concern. Call your doctor if you: have a dry mouth have excessive thirst stop urinating as frequently feel tired, or have weakness or dizziness have dark urine Dehydration can be life threatening if left untreated. Be sure to sip fluids and try introducing foods as soon as you can tolerate them. Though the BRAT diet isn't supported by research, bananas, potatoes, and cooked grains like rice or oatmeal may help you recover faster.