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The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) was once widely recommended by pediatricians for treating stomach issues in children. These bland, easy-to-digest foods were believed to help reduce stool production and ease symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. However, recent research suggests that the BRAT diet may not always be the best option for recovery. In this blog, we’ll explore its effectiveness, benefits, risks, and alternative approaches to managing digestive health.
The BRAT diet is a bland-food diet often recommended for people experiencing digestive issues, particularly after episodes of diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach upset. The acronym BRAT stands for:
The BRAT diet is designed to be bland and non-irritating, making it easier for the digestive system to recover. It's typically used in the short term, usually for 24 to 48 hours, to help manage symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, such as after a stomach virus, food poisoning, or other digestive upset.
The BRAT diet consists of four main foods that are bland, easy to digest, and typically recommended for people recovering from gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or vomiting. The foods in the BRAT diet include:
While the BRAT diet is often used to soothe digestive distress, it is low in many essential nutrients. If you're following it, be mindful of reintroducing more nutrient-dense foods once the digestive system begins to stabilize. Some other bland, easy-to-digest options that might be added include:
The BRAT diet is easy on the stomach because it avoids fiber, fat, and protein, which can irritate the digestive system when it’s inflamed or upset. These foods help:
Let’s discuss the benefits of following a BRAT diet for people suffering from IBS.
The BRAT diet is particularly beneficial for those with IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant IBS). It includes foods that are easy to digest and help firm up stools. The bananas provide potassium, which can be lost during diarrhea, while rice and toast absorb excess fluid in the digestive tract, helping to slow down bowel movements.
During an IBS flare-up, particularly when there is inflammation or an upset stomach, the bland nature of BRAT foods can help soothe the gut. These foods are unlikely to irritate the digestive system, making them easier to tolerate than spicier or richer foods.
The foods are low in fiber (particularly the white rice and toast), making them less likely to irritate the gut. This can be helpful when the digestive system is hypersensitive or inflamed, which is common in IBS flare-ups.
Since the BRAT diet contains easily digestible carbohydrates, it can help provide a quick source of energy for individuals who may not be able to tolerate more complex foods due to digestive discomfort.
While the BRAT diet is helpful for soothing an upset stomach, it is low in essential nutrients, such as protein, fats, and vitamins. Overuse of the BRAT diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies if it is followed for too long. IBS patients often need more fiber and other nutrients to maintain gut health and support digestion in the long run.
For IBS patients who experience constipation (IBS-C), the low fiber content of the BRAT diet might make constipation worse. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements and ease constipation. Soluble fiber-rich foods, such as oats or apples, are better for people with IBS-C.
Although the BRAT diet is bland and often tolerated well, some IBS patients may find that even bananas or applesauce can cause symptoms like bloating or gas. It’s important to note that individual triggers vary among IBS patients, and some foods that work for one person may not be suitable for another.
Use the BRAT diet for short-term relief during an IBS flare-up, especially if you have diarrhea (IBS-D). It can help settle your stomach and reduce the severity of symptoms.
After 1-2 days, as your symptoms improve, start reintroducing higher-fiber foods and protein sources to your diet, especially if you're transitioning away from diarrhea. Choose gentle, fiber-rich foods like oats, cooked vegetables, and lean proteins.
Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broths, or electrolyte drinks to replenish lost fluids.
If you follow a low-FODMAP diet to manage your IBS, be mindful that applesauce and bananas may contain FODMAPs that trigger symptoms in some people. It’s best to opt for unripe bananas (which are lower in FODMAPs) and avoid high-sugar applesauce if you’re sensitive to fructose.
The BRAT diet can be a useful short-term tool for managing IBS flare-ups, especially when diarrhea is a primary symptom. However, it should not be relied upon as a long-term diet due to its limited nutritional value. After the acute symptoms subside, it's important to gradually incorporate a more balanced and fiber-rich diet, ideally under the guidance of a healthcare provider or dietitian familiar with IBS.
Bland, low-fiber foods that calm the digestive system, the BRAT diet calls for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Short-term relief from diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset is common use for it.
The BRAT diet reduces stool output, absorbs extra fluids, and offers readily digested nutrients, so working. While rice and toast help bind stool, hence lessening diarrhea, bananas assist restore lost potassium.
A. Although the BRAT diet was originally generally advised, many experts now warn against depending on it long-term due of its lack of vital elements including protein, good fats, and vitamins. Rather, one is advised to have a more balanced diet with lean proteins, broths, and foods high in electrolytes.
Adults can follow the BRAT diet for temporary relief from stomach pain or diarrhea. Only utilize it, though, for 24 to 48 hours before switching to a more wholesome diet.
By slowing down bowel motions and lowering discomfort, the BRAT diet may help reduce symptoms of IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant IBS). It does not have fibre, though, which might not be best for IBS-C (constipation-predominant IBS). Those with IBS should see a doctor before beginning the BRAT diet.
Dr. Pranav Shukla
MBBS, MD Anaesthesia
Disclaimer: This communication does not substitute advice of a medical/healthcare practitioner. Please consult your doctor/healthcare professional for any medical/healthcare advice. Although greatest possible care has been taken in preparation of this response, Dr Reddy's shall not be liable to any person for contents of the same. Images appearing herein are for illustration purposes only.
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