Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose, watery stools accompanied by excessive fluid and electrolyte losses. Doctors frequently recommend the BRAT diet because of its low fiber content and easy digestibility. Consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, the BRAT diet is a safe way to replenish nutrients without worsening diarrhea. The diet is to be followed for only two to three days to allow enough time for diarrhea to resolve. If your diarrhea persists for more than two to three days, contact your doctor.
Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, which can help replace some of the electrolytes lost with diarrhea. According to the World's Healthiest Foods, bananas are easily digested and contain small amounts of fiber, known as pectin, which can help create more solid bowel movements and normalize the movement of foods through the digestive tract.
White Rice
Cooked white rice is a bland, low fiber food option that can help replenish calories without irritating the digestive system. It is quickly broken down early in the digestive system easing the work your stomach does.
Applesauce
The low fiber content of applesauce provides calories and nutrients without causing an increase in frequency or severity of diarrhea. The fiber in apples is broken down in the cooking process to allow it to become more easily digested. It does contain a small amount of fiber, also known as pectin, which can help add some bulk to stools.
Toast
Plain, white, toast along with other white and refined grain products like saltine crackers provide calories and sodium without fiber that can irritate your bowels.
Fluids
Diarrhea is associated with increased fluid losses and dehydration. It is important to replenish fluids and attempt to correct electrolyte imbalances to help decrease the possibility of worsening your illness. Consume primarily clear liquids, such as water, broths, fruit juices with the exception of apple and pear juice, which may worsen symptoms, jellos, caffeine-free teas, and diluted electrolyte beverages such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. These can make dehydration worse and promote abdominal discomfort.
Yogurt
Yogurt with live, active cultures can help replenish the good bacteria in your stomach after a bout with diarrhea. The active cultures Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum contained in yogurt are considered to be probiotics, which help replace the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system that are lost when diarrhea occurs. A study by Terence J. Frohmader, Wendy P. Chaboyer, Iain K. Robertson and John Gowardman found that those who supplemented with probiotics had a 50% reduction in the frequency of diarrhea per day.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Diarrhea.
- Family Doctor: BRAT Diet: Recovering From an Upset Stomach.
- "American Journal of Critical Care"; Decrease in Frequency of Liquid Stool in Enterally Fed Critically Ill Patients Given the Multispecies Probiotic VSL#3: A Pilot Trial; Terence J. Frohmader, Wendy P. Chaboyer, Iain K. Robertson and John Gowardman; 2010.
- World's Healthiest Foods: Banana
