This diet has been around for a while now. But if you are new to this diet and want to learn everything about it, you have landed in the right place. Read on to get all the information about the BRAT diet. Scroll down! 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 whether it is safe for children or not. 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. In 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, 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 bananas, 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
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.
Is the BRAT diet no longer recommended? No, doctors do not recommend the BRAT diet anymore because it is limited in nutritional intake. Is peanut butter OK for the BRAT diet? Yes, you can eat peanut butter in small quantities when you are on the BRAT diet as it is easy to digest. Are Cheerios okay for the BRAT diet? Yes, you can consume dry cereals like Cheerios as they are low in fiber and may help stop diarrhea. What can I use instead of the BRAT diet? You can consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains instead of the BRAT diet to speed up recovery. Can I eat pasta on the BRAT diet? No, avoid pasta or any product made from refined flour as it can aggravate your diarrhea. You can eat pasta or products made from wheat flour instead.
