Your doctor may recommend a bland diet that consists of rice and other foods that are easy to eat when you're recovering from an illness. It's important that you do not go on any special diets, especially around times of illness, without physician approval in case your body requires additional nutrients, such as vitamin C or other vitamins and minerals. Do not begin any diet without approval from your health-care provider.
BRAT Diet
BRAT is the acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Physicians most often recommend the BRAT diet to patients who are overcoming an upset stomach, diarrhea or possibly the stomach flu. These types of foods will not irritate your stomach and are recommended for children and adults. These foods are typically recommended because they are binding foods since they contain low fiber, which can help make your stools firmer, and the diet includes certain key nutrients, such as potassium, that your body may have lost during diarrhea or vomiting.
Bland Food Diet
Another simple diet that your physician may recommend instead of the BRAT diet is a bland diet. A bland diet consists of bland foods, much like the BRAT diet, but it includes a greater variety of foods that you can eat. A bland diet consists of foods such as rice, crackers, baked chicken without skin or fat, cooked vegetables, boiled potatoes and bananas. A bland diet is typically recommended after diarrhea to help your stools become firm and to prevent stomach or intestinal irritation.
Nutrients
While a bland diet and the BRAT diet contain key nutrients, such as fiber, potassium and protein, both diets lack other vital nutrients. Your body needs other nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium and vitamin D. This is why these diets are generally followed for a few days until stools become firm and patients can tolerate regular foods and resume normal eating habits.
Considerations
Do not stay on either of these diets longer than your doctor has advised because you could develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies. If you believe you have stomach or intestinal issues, consult with your physician right away. It could be a 24-hour bug, or it could be something more serious such as food poisoning. Seek emergency help if you begin to vomit blood or you begin to present blood in your stools.
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