What is the BRAT Diet? Breaking Down its Pros and Cons
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Table of Contents
BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. It’s a meal plan filled with simple foods. They are kind to your belly when it’s feeling off.
This post introduces you to the BRAT diet. We’ll talk about where it came from and how it affects digestion. We’ll list its ups and downs and how it stacks up against different treatments. Plus, we’ll answer some often-asked questions.
Did you know?
People once suggested the BRAT diet for upset stomachs. More so for kids. Today, thoughts on the diet are mixed. Some people say it is okay for certain situations. Others suggest other plans with more balanced nutrients. Let’s get into the history of this diet.
The BRAT diet became known in the 1900s. Doctors needed a way to handle patients with severe diarrhea or stomach bugs. The diet includes bland, light fiber, and easy-to-digest foods. This sort of diet is proposed to let the stomach rest and recover without complex nutrients causing stress.
Stomach bugs that cause diarrhea and vomiting result in loss of the body’s nutrients like potassium and sodium. Enter, the BRAT diet. It’s rich in these two elements. Also, its simple nature is supposed to lower discomfort from eating strongly flavored or hot meals.
Now, let’s break down the BRAT diet. It has four main parts:
The BRAT diet has two famous versions that add other foods. These are as follows:
In my opinion, the BRAT diet is the one that contains food items that do not cause stomach discomfort and are easy on your digestive system. The BRAT diet is used to alleviate the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
What does the BRAT diet do? It’s a plan for simple, easy-to-digest meals for upset stomachs. To grasp the diet’s benefits, we should look at what it does to the digestive tract and overall diet.
The simplicity of the BRAT diet soothes the belly’s irritation. It’s low-fat and protein foods mean less strain on the tummy and guts. Also, low fiber means firm stools, which may ease diarrhea.
BRAT diet foods most likely won’t cause throwing up because they are bland. Foods like bananas and applesauce contain soluble fibers. These fibers may firm up loose stools, helping with diarrhea.
Where the BRAT diet has basic nutrients like potassium and sodium, it falls short on other key ones. It doesn’t have enough vitamins or minerals. It’s also is low in protein. Over time, this could cause health problems.
Recap table:
Effects of the BRAT Diet | Impact on the Digestive System | Impact on Diarrhea and vomiting | Nutritional Value |
Gentle on the stomach | Reduces strain | Low irritation, bland foods | Limited variety |
Stool binding properties | Firmer stools | Soluble fibers to solidify stools | May not provide adequate nutrition |
The BRAT diet, according to me, is a bland diet given to people who are sick and suffering from conditions such as stomach flu and diarrhoea. This diet contains food items such as banana, rice, applesauce, and toast.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Just like any diet, the BRAT diet has good and bad points. It’s best to think about these before you decide to use this diet for you or your family.
Let’s check out some benefits of the BRAT diet:
Now, let’s take a look at some downsides of the BRAT diet:
Transition to the table:
| Pros of BRAT diet | Cons of BRAT diet |
| Easy on the stomach | Lack of essential nutrients |
| Reduces diarrhea duration | Not suitable for long-term use |
| Low in cost and preparation time | May not be effective for severe cases |
Whether the BRAT diet fits you depends on your situation and how long you use it.
Back in the day, doctors said the BRAT diet was okay for kids with diarrhea. But now, groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics don’t recommend it. They worry that it lacks enough nutrients.
Adults recovering from belly bugs might find the BRAT diet good for a while. That said, everyone should aim to get back to a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. This will help them stay healthy and avoid deficiencies.
The BRAT diet may offer quick relief. Still, other methods like hydration (water, herbal teas like ginger or mint, clear broths, and coconut water), oral rehydration solution, prebiotics, probiotics, and avoiding some foods (good idea to skip triggers like hot meals, fatty or fried foods, alcohol, caffeine, and dairy) can also help. These might be more balanced and nutritious ways to handle quick-onset belly bugs. Also, our healthcare provider may suggest over-the-counter anti-diarrhea meds. These can control diarrhea symptoms. But these drugs might not fit everyone, or all causes of diarrhea.
Recap table:
| Children | Adults | Comparison with Other Treatments |
Suitability of the BRAT Diet | Not recommended | Short-term use acceptable | Oral rehydration, probiotics, diet adjustments |
Speaking to a doctor is important when certain issues come up. This ensures you get help in time and treat diarrhea and belly bugs right.
If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, comes with a fever of 102°F, or leads to pain or bleeding, it’s time to see a doctor.
Severe cases of diarrhea can cause dehydration, lack of nutrients, and other issues. These could need medical help.
Recap table:
When to seek medical help | Symptoms | Complications & Risks |
| Prolonged diarrhea | Dehydration, malnutrition |
| Fever / rectal pain | Underlying medical issues |
| Bleeding | Untreated conditions |
The BRAT diet might give relief for short bouts of diarrheas or upset stomachs. However due to its lack of enough nutrients, it’s not recommended for extended use. This is particularly true for kids who need nutritious alternatives. It’s key to seek medical advice for long-lasting or intense belly troubles. Moving back to a balanced, varied diet as soon as you can is also advised.
When you have belly bugs, you might find alternative treatments helpful. Like drinking enough liquids, eating probiotics, dodging trigger foods, and taking meds under your doctor’s watchful eye.
The BRAT diet isn’t recommended anymore for everyday use. Because it has limited nutrients. It’s low in vital vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for overall health. Following it for a long time could make you deficient.
Peanut butter could be added to the BRAT diet in small amounts. It’s easily digested. But a lot of it might cause belly discomfort because it’s high in fat.
Mainly, the BRAT diet is for short-term handling of diarrhea and other belly worries. Both kids and adults can use it. It’s not meant for long-term use or other health issues.
Adding balanced foods to the BRAT diet won’t mess with its potential benefits. Foods like boiled chicken, yogurt, or clear broth can make the diet richer in nutrients while being gentle on the stomach.
Only stick with the BRAT diet for a short while. Not more than 48 hours. Any longer could lead to a lack of nutrients and general health issues. It’s key to go back to a normal, balanced diet as soon as your belly issues are over.
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