The BRAT diet is a bland diet that is often recommended for people with diarrhea or an upset stomach like gastroenteritis. The diet contains foods are easy to digest and can help to soothe an upset stomach by binding to the stool and making it less watery. This can help to reduce diarrhea and make it easier to pass. The diet is also low in fiber, which can help to reduce cramping and bloating.
Foods to eat on the BRAT diet
The BRAT diet includes the following foods:
Bananas
Rice
Applesauce
Toast
You can also include the following foods on the BRAT diet:
Oatmeal
Strained chicken broth
Crackers
Saltine crackers
Yogurt
Mashed potatoes
Popsicles
The BRAT diet is not a long-term solution for diarrhea or an upset stomach. It is meant to be used for a short period of time, until the symptoms improve. If your symptoms do not improve after a few days, or if they get worse, you should contact your doctor.
Here are some tips for following the BRAT diet:
Start with small, frequent meals. Eating too much food at once can make your stomach upset.
Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. These foods can irritate your stomach and make your symptoms worse.
Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is a common problem with diarrhea or an upset stomach. Drink plenty of water, clear broth, or sports drinks to stay hydrated. Pedialyte is a great choice, even for adults.
If you are breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed your baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help to fight off infection.
If you are formula-feeding your baby, continue to give them formula. Formula contains electrolytes that can help to prevent dehydration.
Benefits of the BRAT diet
The BRAT diet has a number of benefits, including:
It is easy to digest. The foods in the BRAT diet are bland and low in fiber, which makes them easy on the stomach.
It can help to soothe an upset stomach. The foods in the BRAT diet can help to coat the stomach and intestines, which can help to reduce inflammation and irritation.
It can help to reduce diarrhea. The foods in the BRAT diet are binding, which means they can help to firm up the stool. This can help to reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea.
It can help to prevent dehydration. The foods in the BRAT diet are high in water content, which can help to prevent dehydration.
Foods to avoid on the BRAT diet
You should avoid the following foods on the BRAT diet:
Spicy foods
Fatty foods
Acidic foods
Caffeine
Alcohol
Sugary drinks
Raw fruits and vegetables
Whole-grain breads and cereals
Nuts and seeds
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