BRAT diet

The BRAT diet is a historically prescribed treatment for patients with various forms of gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea, dyspepsia, and/or gastroenteritis. The BRAT diet consists of foods that are relatively bland, easy to digest, and low in fiber. Low-fiber foods are recommended because foods high in fiber may cause gas, possibly worsening the gastrointestinal upset.^[1]

BRAT is the mnemonic acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast, the staples of the diet.^[1] Alternative BRAT diet formulas include BRATT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Tea, and Toast) and BRATY (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Yogurt).

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Contrary medical advice

In recent years, the medical community has made contrary treatment recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests children with mild diarrhea "continue to eat a normal diet including formula or milk."^[2]

A CDC study made similar recommendation by stating that "older children accustomed to eating a variety of table foods should continue receiving a regular diet" including "starches (e.g., rice, potatoes, noodles, crackers, and bananas), cereals (e.g. rice, wheat, and oat cereals), soup, yogurt, vegetables, and fresh fruits." It also cautioned against foods high in fat and foods high in simple sugars, such as "soft drinks, undiluted apple juice, Jell-O, and presweetened cereals." The study called the BRAT diet a "reasonable dietary recommendation", but warned against prolonged use to prevent "inadequate energy and protein content in the recovering child's diet."^[3]

In addition to dietary restrictions, medical professionals recommended that all patients, regardless of age, intake plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, along with oral rehydration solutions to replace the depleted electrolytes^[3] to avoid salt imbalance. Severe, untreated salt imbalance can result in "extreme weakness, confusion, coma, or death."^[4]

Alternative

An alternative diet that is being researched is the CRAM diet (Cereal, Rice, and Milk) since it may add more complete protein and needed fat into the diet.^[5]

Food Summary

BRAT(TY) Diet

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast
• Tea
• yogurt

Alternative (CRAM)

• Cereal
• Rice
• Milk

Contrary medical advice

Starches

• Rice
• Potatoes
• Noodles
• Crackers
• Bananas

Cereals:

• Rice
• Wheat
• Oat Cereals

Other:

• Soup
• Yogurt
• vegetables
• Fresh Fruits

Avoid

• Soft Drinks
• Undiluted Apple Juice
• Jell-O
• Presweetened Cereals

References

1. ^ ^{a b} BRAT diet: What is the BRAT diet?. Retrieved on 8, 2007. Retrieved on April 2007.
2. ^ The American Academy of Pediatrics. Treating Diarrhea and Dehydration. Retrieved on 8, 2007. Retrieved on April 2007.
3. ^ ^{a b} Duggan C, Santosham M, Glass R (1992). "The management of acute diarrhea in children: oral rehydration, maintenance, and nutritional therapy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention". MMWR Recomm Rep 41 (RR-16): 1-20. PMID 1435668.(Full text)
4. ^ McLaughlin, Eileen (24). salt imbalance. Retrieved on 8, 2007. Retrieved on April 2007.
5. ^ Gail Rosenblum. Take That, BRAT!: CRAM beats BRAT when it comes to treating diarrhea. Sesame Street Parents. Retrieved on 8 April 2007.