The BRAT diet was designed for kids with an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea who couldn't keep down most solid foods. Adults can also use a BRAT diet when ill. However, the BRAT diet is not appropriate for all illnesses, and drawbacks to using this form of dietary therapy do exist. In fact, controversy exists as to whether the BRAT diet is useful at all.
Definition of BRAT Diet
The four main components of a BRAT diet are bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Because these foods are bland, they may be better tolerated during an illness than many other solids. These four food items also contain binding components that slow the passage of food through the intestines, helping treat diarrhea and allowing the digestive tract to heal. When eating a BRAT diet, do not add any spices or seasonings, since these can irritate the sensitive intestinal lining and slow recovery. White grape juice and electrolyte solutions are good drink choices with a BRAT diet. Infants may drink breast milk or formula.
When to Use BRAT
The BRAT diet may be useful for mild or moderate illnesses. A mild illness may include two to four episodes of diarrhea or vomiting per day, while a moderate illness may cause four to eight episodes. In a mild or moderate illness, you will probably feel normal between episodes and will probably be able to do other activities around the house.
When Not to Use BRAT
If diarrhea or vomiting becomes severe -- over 10 episodes a day -- you probably should forgo trying dietary remedies and head to the doctor instead. Diarrhea or vomiting that doesn't improve within a few days is another sign that your illness is more severe than what a BRAT diet can address. Another indicator that your illness is too severe for a BRAT diet is when you are exhibiting signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, crying without tears, sunken eyes, a lack of urine and dry skin. Dehydration needs to be treated at a hospital and may require intravenous fluids. After recovery from dehydration, a BRAT diet may be acceptable during recovery, although it isn't usually required.
Considerations
While the BRAT diet is a traditional way of treating mild to moderate illness, it may be unnecessary. No scientific studies have ever shown that the BRAT diet is more effective than any other diet for reducing illness or improving recovery. In addition, using a BRAT diet for a long period of time may put you at risk of developing deficiencies, since this diet lacks many of the nutrients necessary for health.
