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.
The foods in the BRAT diet are low in protein, fat, and fiber, which makes them easy to digest for most people. However, a person who is feeling unwell can eat more foods than those listed in the BRAT diet.
In this article, we look at the benefits and risks of the BRAT diet. We also discuss other more effective ways to treat diarrhea.
The term “BRAT” is an acronym for the foods in the diet, which are:
The theory behind the BRAT diet is that by consuming only bland, easy-to-digest foods, people can reduce the symptoms of a stomach illness. These symptoms typically include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
However, the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) states that the BRAT diet has a limited nutritional profile and that people should avoid using it for long periods of time.
Some people believe that following the BRAT diet can provide several benefits for those with an upset stomach and diarrhea. The supposed benefits include:
- Firmer stools: The foods in the diet are starchy and low in fiber, which may cause loose and runny stools to bind more easily.
- Gentle on the stomach: The foods are low in fat and protein, meaning that they may be less likely to irritate the stomach and put stress on the digestive system.
- Reduced nausea: Due to their bland flavor and lack of strong smells, people theorize that BRAT foods do not tend to cause nausea or vomiting.
However, these foods do not have varied enough nutrients to warrant the long-term use of this diet.
Although people have been recommending the BRAT diet for decades, no recent clinical trials have looked at whether the BRAT diet is effective as a treatment for diarrhea or gastrointestinal illness.
Although the diet may relieve symptoms in some people, doctors do not recommend that they follow this diet. Other, more nutritionally balanced eating plans may be preferable.
However, some researchers have investigated the potential roles of bananas and rice in treating diarrhea.
Bananas contain pectin, a starch that is beneficial for the digestive tract. One
Additionally, a 2023 study found that cooked green banana can help to treat diarrhea in children under 5, alongside standard management therapies.
An older
However, the possible effects of individual foods on diarrhea do not give an accurate picture of how eating a diet that contains only those foods can affect the body. Some nutritional deficiencies could make diarrhea worse.
Following the BRAT diet for a limited time is unlikely to cause significant harm, but people should avoid using the diet in the long term.
Prolonged use of the BRAT diet may lead to malnutrition and low energy because it contains too few calories and not enough of the following vital nutrients:
Due to its risks and restrictive nature, the American Academy of Pediatrics do not recommend the use of the BRAT diet for children with diarrhea.
However, if these foods are part of a child’s usual diet, the child can continue to eat them alongside several other foods.
The IFFGD recommends that a person should not:
- avoid all foods with fiber
- limit diet to only liquids
- stop drinking liquids
- exclude foods that contain potassium and sodium
Those who wish to follow the BRAT diet for a limited time may add other bland foods to their diet. Other bland foods include:
- saltine crackers
- clear broths
- potatoes without added butter, cream, or cheese
- sweet potatoes
- steamed, baked, or grilled skinless chicken without fat
- oatmeal
- watermelon
What is the difference between the bland diet and the BRAT diet for treating diarrhea?
The BRAT diet is restrictive and does not offer a variety of nutritional foods. The bland diet, however, has more variety but still focuses on eating foods that are gentle on the gastrointestinal system. This can help to avoid undernourishment.
The IFFGD provides a list of bland foods, including:
- yogurt
- noodles
- rice
- white bread
- cream of wheat
- lean meat
- bananas
- boiled or mashed potatoes
- small amounts of smooth peanut butter
Fluids
As diarrhea can lead to dehydration, it is important that people drink enough fluids. A person with diarrhea can drink a range of liquids, including:
- water
- clear broths
- herbal teas, especially ginger and peppermint
- coconut water
Oral rehydration products
People can purchase oral rehydration products over the counter at a pharmacy. They are available as a liquid, popsicle, or powder to mix with water.
Oral rehydration therapy can help treat diarrhea in adults and children with mild-to-moderate dehydration. People should take care to follow the instructions on the packaging.
Certain beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics,
Probiotics may help to relieve symptoms of diarrhea associated with antibiotic treatment.
For those who wish to try probiotic-rich food, some options include:
Some foods are more likely than others to trigger nausea, vomiting, or loose stools. These include:
- milk and other dairy products, such as cream, cheese, and ice cream
- legumes, including chickpeas, lentils, peas, and vegetables belonging to the cabbage family
- caffeine
- alcohol
- meats that are high in fat, such as marbled meats and bacon
- sugar-free gum and mints
- large amounts of nut butters or nuts
- foods that are high in fat, such as fried foods
- dried fruits
- prune juice and other fruit juices
- black licorice
People should consult a doctor if diarrhea:
- persists beyond 7 days, or 2 days for vomiting
- is frequent, recurrent, or severe
- accompanies rectal pain or bleeding
Similarly, people should seek medical care for symptoms of dehydration, which include:
- reduced urine output
- dry mouth
- thirst
- feeling light-headed, dizzy, or weak
- sunken
Parents or caregivers should take infants and children to see a doctor if they cannot produce tears, have sunken soft spots (fontanelles), or exhibit any of the symptoms above.
The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast and is meant to help ease symptoms of diarrhea or stomach upset. However, it is restrictive and not intended for long-term use.
Instead, to help prevent undernourishment, people can drink plenty of fluids and eat a bland diet that consists of a wider variety of foods.
