What Is The BRAT Diet For Upset Stomach?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The BRAT diet (

Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast

) was once a staple of most pediatricians' recommendations for children with an upset stomach. The idea was that it gave the gut a chance to rest and reduced the amount of stool produced.

What can I eat when I have an upset stomach and diarrhea?

  • hot cereals, such as oatmeal, cream of wheat, or rice porridge.
  • bananas.
  • applesauce.
  • plain white rice.
  • bread or toast.
  • boiled potatoes.
  • unseasoned crackers.

What is the BRAT diet good for?

The BRAT diet consists of bland, low fiber foods and is often recommended for treating

stomach issues, digestive illnesses, and

( 1 , 2 ). Pediatricians have historically prescribed the BRAT diet for infants experiencing diarrhea ( 2 ).

Are eggs OK on BRAT diet?

The following day, begin to incorporate foods from the BRAT diet and other bland foods, like crackers, oatmeal, grits or porridge. By day three, you can re-introduce soft foods, like

soft-cooked eggs

, sherbet, cooked vegetables, white meat chicken or fruit, says Beal.

Is the BRAT diet still recommended?

The BRAT diet used to be a popular eating plan for children with an upset stomach. However,

the BRAT diet is no longer widely recommended because it's low in nutrients

.

What food makes your stomach feel better?

The acronym “BRAT” stands for

bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast

. These bland foods are gentle on the stomach, so they might help prevent further stomach upset.

What drink helps an upset stomach?

  • Sports drinks.
  • Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as 7-Up, Sprite or ginger ale.
  • Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry or cranberry (avoid citrus juices)
  • Clear soup broth or bouillon.
  • Popsicles.
  • Decaffeinated tea.

Why does applesauce help diarrhea?

If you have diarrhea, eating soluble fiber can help absorb liquid in the intestines while preventing constipation. Applesauce is a better choice than an apple, as the

fruit's skin contains insoluble fiber

that can put a strain on your digestive system.

Is yogurt OK on the BRAT diet?

That diet should include a mix of

fruits, vegetables, meat, yogurt, and complex carbohydrates

. Both children and adults who are ill need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water is good, but adding broth, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution can help replace lost electrolytes.

What foods bind your stool?

Foods to eat when you have diarrhea

This is where BRAT foods come in. BRAT stands for “

bananas, rice, apples, toast

.” These foods are bland, so they won't aggravate the digestive system. They're also binding, so they help firm up stool.

Is peanut butter OK for BRAT diet?

However, they recommend consuming more than just the BRAT foods to avoid undernourishment. The IFFGD list a range of bland foods — including potatoes, noodles, yogurt, cream of wheat, some fruits and vegetables, and a

small amount

of peanut butter — that can increase nutrient content and electrolytes.

Are scrambled eggs OK for diarrhea?

Eating When you Have Diarrhea

You can bake or broil beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey.

Cooked eggs are also OK

. Use low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt. If you have very severe diarrhea, you may need to stop eating or drinking dairy products for a few days.

How long should you eat the BRAT diet?

You can stop the BRAT diet after

24-48 hours

have passed and gradually resume a normal or regular diet.

When should I start the BRAT diet after vomiting?

The BRAT diet doesn't provide all the nutrients of a healthy diet. You should be able to start eating a more regular diet, including fruits and vegetables,

within about 24 to 48 hours after vomiting

or having diarrhea.

What can I put on the toast on the BRAT diet?

Begin to add bland, low-fat foods as listed above, like bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers, cooked cereals (Farina, Cream of Wheat), toast and

jelly

, yogurt, cooked carrots, and chicken or turkey. Eat small meals every few hours.

Is tea good for diarrhea?

If you're suffering from diarrhea, drinking

tea

can help you feel better faster. Herbal teas have long been a staple of home remedies for treating the common cold and flu. These teas contain compounds that help boost digestive health and can ease the symptoms of diarrhea.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.