If you or your child has ever had a stomach virus, you may have heard of – and implemented –the BRAT diet. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, which are supposed to be easy on the stomach and help relieve symptoms like nausea and diarrhea.
However, the diet has fallen out of favor since it was first introduced and it may not be the best option anymore. Here's what you need to know.
Kids and adults can try the BRAT diet
The BRAT diet "has been around for about a century, and it was originally developed for pediatricians to give to kids to minimize the amount of diarrhea they have when they get acute intestinal illnesses," says Dr. David Cutler, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center.
Though the diet was primarily invented for sick children, adults suffering from acute stomach problems can also use it to reduce their symptoms. But before starting yourself or your child on the BRAT diet, it's crucial that you know what's causing the symptoms in the first place.
"[There are] many different causes of diarrhea and for some, a BRAT diet definitely would not be a good idea [like] if they have some infection going on, if they have some inflammatory condition in their intestines, or if they're having a dietary reaction," says Cutler.
He warns something more serious could be going on if you're experiencing bloody stool, high fever, or severe abdominal pain. In this case, you should head to your doctor instead of starting the BRAT diet.
The BRAT diet is safe short-term
Let's say you've ruled out the other possible problems, and you're simply dealing with an acute viral intestinal illness like your run of the mill gastroenteritis — like a stomach bug — that'll resolve in a couple of days.
To really recover from a stomach bug, experts believe that you need a full range of vitamins, nutrients, proteins, and healthy fats. The BRAT diet provides a small amount of nutrients like vitamin C in applesauce and the fiber and vitamin B-6 in bananas. But you'll be lacking other key nutrients including protein and healthy fats.
In fact, the BRAT diet isn't as popular or as endorsed by doctors as it once was. "It's been discovered over the years that it nutritionally is very deficient in a lot of things that kids need. So generally, it's fallen greatly out of favor to use," says Cutler.
Therefore, to get the full range of nutrition you'll want to re-introduce a normal balanced diet after one or two days of the BRAT diet to regain your health.
What's even more important than the BRAT diet
Since prolonged diarrhea and vomiting can be very dehydrating, the most important thing is staying hydrated by consuming lots of fluids.
"The best way to treat diarrhea is simply to replace the fluid that you're losing in the diarrhea," says Cutler.
Drink lots of water and consider rehydration solutions such as low-sugar options like G2 or Pedialyte that contain fluids and electrolytes. Avoid high-sugar drinks like regular Gatorade or Powerade because the sugar may actually worsen diarrhea. Soup or plain broths are also good options that are soothing and rehydrating.
"Most experts would now recommend that people just avoid foods that might be aggravating diarrhea, and to stay on a good healthy diet with fiber and protein and mono or polyunsaturated fats," says Cutler.
In addition to sugary drinks, other foods that may upset your stomach and exacerbate your symptoms may include dairy, greasy foods, and foods high in insoluble fiber like beans, nuts, and leafy greens.
The bottom line is the BRAT diet might be helpful short-term, but it's even more important to stay hydrated and avoid aggravating foods when trying to get better. The BRAT diet shouldn't be used for more than a couple of days, for either children or adults.
FAQs
The BRAT diet is safe short-term
Why do we no longer use the BRAT diet? ›
The BRAT diet was often recommended for nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but is no longer because of how restrictive it is.
What do doctors recommend instead of a BRAT diet? ›
The use of cereals, rice and milk as a stop-gap eating plan for stomach upset has been validated as a more effective remedy to manage diarrhea than the BRAT diet by recent research in hospitals in South America and Asia.
What did they replace the BRAT diet with? ›
Alternatives to the BRAT Diet
8 Natural yogurt, kefir, miso soup, and fermented vegetables (e.g., sauerkraut) are great options. While recovering from stomach symptoms and re-introducing solid foods into your diet, it is essential to keep yourself well-hydrated.
Is the BRAT diet still recommended? ›
The banana, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) diet may help treat diarrhea, stomach flu, and other stomach complaints. However, many health professionals no longer recommend it due to the risk of nutrient and calorie deficiencies.
What 12 foods stop diarrhea? ›
Common Questions & Answers. What are some foods that are recommended to eat when you have diarrhea? The list includes simple foods like oatmeal, bananas, plain rice, applesauce, boiled potatoes, toast, plain crackers, pretzels, and baked chicken without skin or fat.
Is peanut butter part of brat? ›
Eat BRAT diet foods
Liquids: cranberry, apple and grape juice, tea (without caffeine), water. Snacks: canned peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, crackers, cream of wheat, eggs, gelatin, oatmeal, creamy peanut butter.
Is chicken noodle soup ok for a BRAT diet? ›
Clear Liquid/ Bland Diet
Both children and adults need to drink plenty of fluids while they're sick to prevent dehydration. Water is good, but adding broth, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution such as Pedialyte can help replace lost electrolytes. Broth or broth-based soups (chicken noodle, vegetable, etc.)
Are eggs ok on the BRAT diet? ›
The following day, begin to incorporate foods from the BRAT diet and other bland foods, like crackers, oatmeal, grits or porridge. By day three, you can re-introduce soft foods, like soft-cooked eggs, sherbet, cooked vegetables, white meat chicken or fruit, says Beal.
Can I put butter on my toast for a BRAT diet? ›
Toast is another easily digested, low fiber food that will help to firm up your stool. For added nutrition, you should feel free to spread jam on your toast if you can stomach it. You will probably want to avoid butter and peanut butter, as they are high in fat, which is hard on your stomach.
The BRAT (bananas, rice, apples, toast) diet is often recommended for patients suffering from diarrhea or the stomach flu. In addition to these foods, you may also consume other mild foods that ease the GI tract such as saltines, oatmeal, or boiled potatoes.
Are cheerios good for an upset stomach? ›
Dairy products can make the stomach flu worse, so stick to dry cereal that you can slowly eat. Try to stick with simple cereals like Original Cheerios or Corn Chex; avoid sugary cereals (no more than 10 grams of total sugar and 5 grams of added sugar per serving) because sugar can also complicate the issue.
What kills the stomach virus? ›
There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses. Treatment first involves self-care measures, such as staying hydrated.
What is a better alternative to the BRAT diet? ›
The BRAT diet comprises bland, easy-to-digest foods that are proposed to be gentle on the stomach. The diet is not suitable for long-term use due to a lack of essential nutrients and calories. Alternatives may include staying hydrated, consuming probiotics, and avoiding certain foods can help improve digestive issues.
How many bananas can you eat to stop diarrhea? ›
Bananas are also a low residue food that helps deal with the weakness and dehydration. You can either have it as a fruit or add it to your yoghurt or smoothie. Add 1-2 bananas for 2 times a day to ease the stomach issue.
Are scrambled eggs good for diarrhea? ›
If you have diarrhea, consuming eggs may provide relief. You may consume scrambled or boiled eggs that may slow bowel movements and provide relief from frequent trips to the bathroom. However, if you have constipation, consuming eggs may worsen symptoms.
Why has the BRAT diet lost favor? ›
The BRAT diet used to be a popular eating plan for children with an upset stomach. The diet is no longer as widely recommended because it's low in nutrients. When recovering from a stomach bug, the most important factor is staying hydrated. This article was reviewed by David S.
Is the BRAT diet no longer recommended AAP? ›
This bland diet involved eating bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, which is where the name comes from. Although this diet was the gold standard for many years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and our Plano pediatricians no longer recommend this diet exclusively.
What is the old BRAT diet? ›
“The BRAT diet acronym stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast,” says Lena Beal, M.S., RD, LD, a Piedmont therapeutic dietitian. “Historically, it was used in pediatrics when kids got sick and couldn't tolerate anything. But this diet is helpful for anyone who has nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.”
What is the science behind the BRAT diet? ›
The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) was once a staple of most pediatricians' recommendations for children with an upset stomach. The idea was that it gave the gut a chance to rest and reduced the amount of stool produced. Experts now say the BRAT diet may not be the best option for children who are ill.
