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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 Current recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics state that for most children continuing a normal, age appropriate diet is preferred. The foods from the BRAT diet may be added, but should not replace normal, tolerated foods. Sugary drinks and carbonated beverages should be avoided.

A well-balanced diet is best even during diarrhea, but studies have found that incorporating foods from the BRAT diet can reduce the severity of diarrhea (see Contrary medical advice). Applesauce provides pectin,² as does toast with grape jelly.

The BRAT diet should include additional protein supplements such as tofu or protein pills.

BRAT is the mnemonic acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast, the staples of the diet.¹ Extensions to the BRAT diet include BRATT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Tea) and BRATY (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Yogurt).

Contents 1 Contrary medical advice 2 Alternative 3 Food Summary 3.1 BRAT(TY) Diet 3.2 Alternative (CRAM) 3.3 Contrary medical advice 3.3.1 Avoid 4 References

Contrary medical advice

In 2007, Debora Duro and Christopher Duggan reported that bananas and rice have been shown to have a positive effect on the bowels, but recommended caution in using the diet. In vitro research has found that rice may offer anti-secretory benefits. In studies of choleric patients, rice-based oral re-hydration solutions help decrease stool volume and stop diarrhea sooner. Duro and Duggan referenced a meta-analysis that looked at thirteen studies. The banana’s high content of amylase-resistant starch has been shown to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa in animals and reduce symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia and peptic ulcer in people. Amylase-resistant starch is broken down into short-chain fatty acids in the colon, a process that may reduce water and electrolyte losses and benefit GI symptoms. Duro and Duggan cite one study in which adding pectin or bananas to the diet significantly decreased stool weight and stopped diarrhea much sooner, compared with a rice diet alone.

Adding rice, bananas, or pectin to the diet during diarrhea may be beneficial, but Duro and Duggan point out that the BRAT diet is not nutritionally complete and may be deficient in Calories, fat, protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B₁₂, and calcium. Duro and Duggan also say that food restriction does not benefit diarrhea and actually causes individuals to suffer from diarrhea for longer periods of time, based on randomized clinical trials.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 to avoid salt imbalance. Severe, untreated salt imbalance can result in "extreme weakness, confusion, coma, or death."⁴

Contact your health care provider if the following symptoms occur:

• If there is any blood or mucous present in the diarrhea.
• If the diarrhea is severe or if it lasts longer than 3 days.⁵

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.⁶

Food Summary

BRAT(TY) Diet

• Bananas
• Rices
• Applesauce
• Toast
• Tea
• Yogurt

Alternative (CRAM)

• Cereal
• Rice
• Applesauce
• 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. ^ A. M. Godfrey Usiak, M. C. Bourne, and M. A. Rao. Blanch Temperature/Time Effects on Rheological Properties of Applesauce. Journal of Food Science. November 1995;60(6):1289
3. ^ Duro, Debora & Duggan, Christopher (2007) “The BRAT Diet for Acute Diarrhea in Children: Should It Be Used?” Practical Gastroenterology, June 2007 Retrieved Jan 17/07
4. ^ McLaughlin, Eileen (24). "salt imbalance". Retrieved on 8, 2007. Retrieved on April 2007.
5. ^ UniversityOfMichigan. "Brat Diet.". http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_bratdiet_pep.htm.. 
6. ^ Gail Rosenblum. "Take That, BRAT!: CRAM beats BRAT when it comes to treating diarrhea". Sesame Street Parents. Retrieved on 2007-04-08.

Wikipedia content modification information:

• This page was last modified on 3 October 2008, at 14:41.

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