From the Guidelines
The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is recommended for short-term management of mild gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, or upset stomach, and should only be followed for 24-48 hours before gradually returning to a normal diet. This diet is most appropriate for adults and older children with mild symptoms, as it lacks sufficient nutrients for long-term use and may not provide adequate energy and protein content for recovering individuals 1. The BRAT diet works because these foods are bland, low in fiber, and binding, which helps firm up stools and reduce bowel movements. Bananas provide potassium to replace lost electrolytes, white rice and toast are easily digestible carbohydrates that help bind stools, and applesauce offers pectin that can reduce diarrhea.
When following this diet, it's essential to stay hydrated with water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions, as recommended in the management of cancer treatment-induced diarrhea 1. The BRAT diet is also mentioned as part of antidiarrheal interventions in palliative care, along with oral hydration and electrolyte replacement, and antidiarrheal medications like loperamide 1. However, modern medical opinion has shifted toward recommending a faster return to a regular balanced diet while ensuring adequate hydration, as this promotes quicker recovery of the digestive system. Infants, young children, elderly individuals, or those with severe symptoms should seek medical attention rather than self-treating with the BRAT diet.
Key points to consider when using the BRAT diet include:
- Staying hydrated with water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions
- Only following the diet for 24-48 hours before gradually returning to a normal diet
- Monitoring for signs of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or worsening symptoms
- Seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, or if the individual has a weakened immune system or underlying medical conditions.
From the Research
Overview of the BRAT Diet
- The BRAT diet is a dietary approach that consists of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, often recommended for individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting 2.
- The diet is designed to be easy on the stomach and help firm up stool, making it a potential solution for managing symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
Recommendations and Uses
- The BRAT diet has been traditionally recommended by many nurses for managing acute diarrhea, although some evidence suggests that this approach may need to be reexamined in light of newer research on probiotics and other dietary interventions 2.
- There is limited evidence to support the use of the BRAT diet for other gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and limitations 3, 4.
Comparison to Other Dietary Approaches
- Unlike oral rehydration solutions, which are widely recommended for rehydrating individuals with diarrheal illness, the BRAT diet does not provide the same level of electrolyte replenishment 5.
- The BRAT diet may be more restrictive than other dietary approaches, such as exclusion diets or elimination diets based on immunoglobulin G food antibody testing, which may be helpful for some individuals with IBS or other gastrointestinal conditions 4.
Gaps in Research
- There is a need for more research on the effectiveness of the BRAT diet for various gastrointestinal conditions, as well as its potential interactions with other dietary approaches or medications.
- Further studies are also needed to fully understand the role of probiotics and other dietary interventions in managing gastrointestinal symptoms and to inform evidence-based recommendations for patients with these conditions 2, 3.