The BRAT diet, which became popular in the early 1920s was used to help people with digestive issues.
It was approved by the Mayo Clinic for its effectiveness.
The principle of the diet is to use foods that are high in carbohydrates but low in dietary fiber.
The nutrients in oil and fiber are helpful in speeding up digestion.
While bananas, applesauce, toast, and oats are the staples of the BRAT diet, the addition of legumes and vegetables will increase water and the proper balance of nutrients.
There is a BRAT diet for children suffering from nausea and vomiting.
What is the BRAT Diet?
The BRAT diet is a program that uses
It is the acronym of the foods eaten on the diet:
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
It helps relieve stomach issues like nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal conditions.
The diet uses bland food that is low in fiber and high in carbohydrates to regain proper gut function.
The diet is only intended to be used on a short-term basis.
Once the digestive tract is stable, there is no further need for the diet.
The combination of foods helps usher nutrients through the intestines, which means quicker extraction.
It also softens stool. Some people have used the BRAT diet for weight loss. If so, it should be used no longer than two weeks.
BRAT Diet Alternatives
Individuals suffering from extreme digestive issues usually choose the BRAT diet for relief.
There are some alternatives if the BRAT diet is not a viable option. The CRAM diet uses some of the same foods including:
- Cereal
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Milk
Professors at San Francisco Medical Center say that the dairy products added are great BRAT diet alternatives because it helps relieve digestive problems at a quicker rate.
BRAT Diet Foods
What can you eat on the BRAT diet? The food list for the BRAT diet is designed to help with a wide range of gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, and vomiting.
The BRAT Diet is bland, but other foods can be slowly introduced such as soup, light broth and even soft vegetables.
The food list is short yet effective in helping the body’s digestive system get back on track.
For individuals wanting to shed pounds, find a BRAT diet weight loss program allowing for additional foods to be added.
The food is not designed to be flavorful.
The foods are also expected to return consistency of your stool back to normal. Stool back to regular consistency.
The low fiber content in BRAT Diet foods may help stave off constipation.
BRAT Diet for Adults
The BRAT diet is used to help adults who are suffering from mild to serious digestive issues.
The foods on the diet are easy to digest and can even help with gastrointestinal infections.
The diet consists of four bland, starchy, low-carbohydrate foods: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
Once the user eats the allowed foods, they should feel relief. In most cases, the dieter may resume their normal eating schedule within 24-48 hours.
The BRAT diet for adults is not meant to be used for the long-term.
But your physician can tell you how long to stay on BRAT diet. A user still feeling digestive issues after the specified period should seek out a doctor.
BRAT Diet for Diarrhea
Among the many issues, the BRAT diet may help with diarrhea. This condition can be serious and the sufferer could end up quite dehydrated if it isn’t dealt with quickly.
Individuals dealing with diarrhea can use the BRAT diet for relief.
The foods used in the BRAT diet-bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is very gentle on the system.
The low fiber and high carbohydrate value increase the speed of digestion, which makes foods go through the intestines very quickly.
In most cases, the BRAT diet for diarrhea will help individuals see relief within a 24-hour period.
BRAT Diet for Nausea
Nausea is another major digestive issue that the BRAT diet is used for.
Many people suffer from some gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even morning sickness. The BRAT diet is the best prescription for them.
Nausea may be due to some other underlying issue. It involves the often the forced emptying of the stomach, which can be very unpleasant.
The BRAT diet foods, which include bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is easy on the stomach and promotes healing. The BRAT diet for nausea, in most cases, will relieve the symptoms within 24 hours.
BRAT Diet for Upset Stomach
Millions of Americans suffer from upset stomach.
While many opt for over-the-counter remedies, why not try one that is all natural and produces results: the BRAT Diet.
The BRAT diet can help most issues related to an upset stomach, according to Medicinenet.
In fact, the combination of the core BRAT diet foods — bananas, rice, applesauce and toast — does wonders to help the digestive tract.
Foods on the BRAT diet for upset stomach work together to help regulate the system so nutrients will pass through quickly.
This makes the stool softer and firmer. The BRAT diet usually relieves upset stomach issues within 24-48 hours.
BRAT Diet Ideas
Many may ask “What’s the BRAT diet?” and “What is the BRAT diet used for?” The answers are simple — to relieve gastrointestinal issues.
There are few ideas as it relates to BRAT diet. The diet is pretty boring and bland and not intended to be used on a regular or long-term basis.
People can alter the diet a bit if you need flavor. In some cases, clear broth or yogurt can be included.
The only other BRAT diet ideas, if you simply cannot stand the diet is to opt for the CRAM diet.
This one is a bit more palatable because other items can be added.
BRAT Diet Menu
The BRAT diet menu is pretty bland and boring.
Not only do the foods on the plan help with digestive health, but it is also very easy on the system.
If the diet gets a bit too boring, you may be able to introduce other foods such as broth or even yogurt. But again, the acceptable food list is short.
BRAT Diet and Weight Loss
The BRAT diet can be used for weight loss, but it is not advised for the long-term. The BRAT diet is usually used to help with gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and even for morning sickness.
The staples of the BRAT diet is bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
For the BRAT diet weight loss, other items like yogurt, broth, oats and even vegetables can be included.
There are even a few recipes that you can whip up to make the diet more acceptable to the palate. The diet can result in weight loss. But anyone using the BRAT diet should seek out the advice of a doctor.
How Long to Follow the BRAT Diet
The diet program should only be used for the short term. The BRAT diet, regardless of whether it is being used for weight loss or digestive health, should not go longer than two weeks.
If during that period you have not seen relief for gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, should seek out a doctor.
The loss of food options on the BRAT diet can significantly impact your vitamin and nutrient intake.
“So….its that time of year and I’ve seen a lot of people complaining of stomach virus that have struck. One thing that has always helped me is the BRAT diet. Keep your liquids up.”
“Brat diet has been proven to not be as gentle as other options.”
“Day 3 of the brat diet. This is boring! I want real food! my stomach is better, but a long way to go!”
What to Eat After the BRAT Diet
Once you finish the BRAT Diet, individuals can go back to their regular eating schedule after a day or so.
But don’t over do it.
The stomach needs time to heal. If you eat too much too fast, you may be back to square one.
The foods eaten during the BRAT diet are designed to return the gastrointestinal system back to its previous glory.
It is advisable to hold off heavy foods for a few days. There is the possibility that you could have a relapse. So it is imperative that you know what to eat after BRAT diet.
BRAT Diet – For Diarrhea or Weight Loss? Questions & AnswersQ&A
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- Recent:
Q:
How long does it take for the BRAT diet to work?
A:
The BRAT diet begins to help bind your stools within 24 hours.
Q:
What do you eat when you have diarrhea and vomiting?
A:
You will want to eat bland foods: Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
Q:
What is a bland diet for diarrhea?
A:
Foods to eat while suffering from diarrhea include, bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
Q:
What is good to eat after diarrhea?
A:
Once your system begins to recover from diarrhea, you may slowly begin adding regular foods back into your diet. These types of foods may include eggs, oatmeal, lean proteins. Just stick with a low fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids.
Q:
How does applesauce help diarrhea?
A:
Applesauce is good for treating diarrhea because it helps to bind your stool. The natural sugars in the applesauce also help to increase your energy. What can you eat when you have an upset stomach and diarrhea?
Q:
What else can you eat on the BRAT diet?
A:
In addition to the traditional bland foods of the BRAT diet, you can also add in foods like saltine crackers, plain potatoes, and clear broth.
Q:
What does the BRAT diet consist of?
A:
BRAT is an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are the foods that the diet consists of.
Q:
Is the BRAT diet still recommended?
A:
The BRAT diet is still recommended for adults, but not so much for children. It has been found that there is not enough nutritional value in the BRAT diet for kids.
Q:
What is the best thing to drink when you have diarrhea?
A:
It is imperative to keep hydrated when you have diarrhea. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water, and drinks that replace your electrolytes. These types of drinks include Gatorade and Pedialyte.
Q:
How long do you have to be on the BRAT diet?
A:
Ideally you will only need to be on the BRAT diet for 24-48 hours. After that, you may begin adding in regular foods.
Q:
What can I take to stop diarrhea?
A:
If you’re looking for an over the counter remedy, you may take Immodium, Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate. You can also try probiotics.
Q:
Is Toast good to eat when you have diarrhea?
A:
Yes, toast is a good food to eat when you have diarrhea as it has elements in it that will firm up your stool.
Q:
How do you stop Diarrhea?
A:
It really depends on the cause of your diarrhea. Ideally, you will want to hydrate, follow the BRAT diet, take over the counter medication and/or probiotics, and avoid foods that will make diarrhea worse. Foods to avoid include alcohol, greasy foods, most dairy, spicy food, coffee, etc.
Q:
What can I do to calm diarrhea?
A:
You can begin by taking an over the counter medication and then move on to bland, starchy, foods and plenty of liquids.
Q:
What can you give a 2-year-old for diarrhea?
A:
To prevent dehydration, you will want to give your toddler a drink that replaces electrolytes such as Pedialyte. You will not want to give him/her over the counter medication unless your doctor says it’s ok.
Q:
What medicine should I take for diarrhea?
A:
Over the counter medication for diarrhea includes Immodium, Pepto-Bismol, and Kaopectate.
Q:
What is the cram diet?
A:
The CRAM diet is an alternative to the BRAT diet. CRAM stands for cereal, rice, applesauce, and milk.
Q:
What gets rid of diarrhea fast?
A:
To get rid of diarrhea fast, change your diet to bland, starchy foods, hydrate and if necessary, take an over the counter medication.
Q:
Can you use the BRAT diet to lose weight?
A:
The BRAT diet is not recommended for weight loss. You do not get enough nutrition to provide sustainable energy.
Q:
What do you eat after the BRAT diet?
A:
After the BRAT diet you may begin incorporating regular foods back into your diet.
Q:
What can you give a dog for diarrhea?
A:
For dogs that are healthy, you will want them to follow the dog version of the BRAT diet. Make sure they have plenty of water and replace their normal food with boiled white meat and rice.
Q:
What do you feed a child with diarrhea?
A:
The complete BRAT diet is not recommended for children as there isn’t enough nutritional value for their growing bodies. You can do a combination of the BRAT and CRAM diet. Feed them several small meals throughout the day that consists of easy to digest foods such as, rice, cereal, pasta, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, cooked beans, etc.
Q:
What is the BRAT diet for adults?
A:
The BRAT diet for adults includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. You may also add tea and other bland foods.
Q:
What settles your stomach when you have diarrhea?
A:
Bland foods such as broth, bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and tea can help to settle your stomach when you have diarrhea.
Q:
Why are bananas good for diarrhea?
A:
Bananas are high in potassium which is great for replacing lost electrolytes. They are also a good source of soluble fiber which will help with absorbing some of the liquid sloshing around in your intestines.
Q:
What is the best food to eat when you have diarrhea?
A:
It is best to stick to the BRAT or CRAM diet when you are experiencing diarrhea. These foods are bland and will be easy on your intestinal tract.
Q:
What can you eat on a bland diet?
A:
Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, tea, crackers, lean proteins, and broths are all good to eat on a bland diet.
Q:
What foods to eat after a bout of diarrhea?
A:
Once your bout of diarrhea is over, you may begin slowly adding in your normal foods. You will want to begin with just less bland food at first, and then work your way up to your normal diet.
Q:
What can I eat to stop my diarrhea?
A:
You will want to eat foods that will help bind your stools. These foods include toast, applesauce, bananas, rice, tea, and low fiber vegetables.
Q:
What can be eaten on the BRAT diet?
A:
BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are the foundational foods to the BRAT diet.
Q:
What is the BRAT diet used for?
A:
The BRAT diet is used to help ease the discomfort of an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Q:
What is the best food to eat when you have a stomach bug?
A:
You will want to eat foods that will help to settle your stomach. This includes crackers, rice, cereal, and even gelatin.
Q:
What foods to eat when you have gastroenteritis?
A:
It is important to stay away from foods that will irritate your stomach. Eat as normal as possible while eating a bland diet.
Q:
What is good for a stomach virus?
A:
The BRAT and CRAM diets are good to follow while suffering from a stomach virus. Make sure that you keep hydrated.
Q:
How do you know you have a stomach virus?
A:
Common symptoms of a stomach virus include diarrhea, nausea, head or muscle aches, and fever.
Q:
What is a stomach infection?
A:
A stomach infection is caused by inflammation of the stomach and/or small and large intestines.
Q:
What settles the stomach after vomiting?
A:
Once you are done vomiting and can keep liquids down, reintroduce bland foods into your diet while tolerated.
Q:
What is good to eat with a stomach virus?
A:
Bland foods are the best to eat when you have a stomach virus as to not irritate your stomach. Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, tea, lean proteins, and low fiber vegetables.
Q:
How long does it take for the stomach flu to last?
A:
On average, the stomach flu lasts 1-3 days.
Q:
What not to eat when you have gastro?
A:
Do not eat foods that are greasy, high in sugar, and spicy. It is best to avoid most dairy, caffeine, and alcohol.
Q:
What not to eat when you have the stomach flu?
A:
It is best to steer clear of foods that are greasy, high in sugar, and spicy. It is best to avoid most dairy, caffeine, and alcohol.
Q:
What should you eat after food poisoning?
A:
A bland diet is recommended after a bout of food poisoning; toast, bananas, crackers, rice, and applesauce are recommended.
Q:
What not to eat when you have an upset stomach?
A:
Avoid fried and spicy foods. Also, avoid dairy and foods that are high in fat and sugar.
Q:
What helps an upset stomach?
A:
Some over the counter medications like Pepto-Bismol help with an upset stomach. Easy to digest foods will also help.
Q:
What do you feed a baby with an upset stomach?
A:
If your baby is old enough for cereal, you can give cereal. You want to make sure they have plenty of fluids. You can also try frozen yogurt smoothies.
Q:
What foods harden your stool?
A:
Foods that can help to harden your stool include white bread, peeled potatoes, applesauce, bananas, rice, white pasta and low fiber vegetables
Q:
What should you eat after vomiting during pregnancy?
A:
You will want to eat bland foods if you are vomiting during pregnancy. Some foods include crackers, toast, and cereal. Eat foods that are easy on your system, and tolerable to you.
Q:
What foods to eat when you have gastro?
A:
Follow the BRAT and CRAM diet. You will want to eat foods that will not further irritate the systems. These foods include bananas, rice, toast, milk, applesauce, and tea.
Q:
What not to eat after stomach flu?
A:
Steer clear of foods that are difficult for your stomach to digest. These foods include greasy and spicy meals. Also, stay away from foods that are high in fat and sugar.
Q:
How long should you stay off work with a stomach bug?
A:
Ideally you should stay home from work for a minimum of 3 days.
Q:
How do I stop throwing up?
A:
Once there is a break in the vomiting, do not eat anything for half hour or so. You can then begin to add small amounts of fluids and progress your way up to the BRAT diet.
Q:
Is it good to drink Gatorade after throwing up?
A:
Gatorade is a recommended beverage after the loss of fluids because it replaces sugars and electrolytes.
Q:
What foods can bind you up?
A:
Foods that can help to bind your stool include white bread, peeled potatoes, applesauce, bananas, rice, white pasta and low fiber vegetables.
