BRAT Diet Benefits, Foods & More

By leslie

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. ’Gastroenteritis: First aid.’ Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-gastroenteritis/basics/art-20056595
• 2. ’BRAT Diet: Recovering From an Upset Stomach.’ American Academy of Family Physicians. https://familydoctor.org/brat-diet-recovering-from-an-upset-stomach
• 3. ’Bland diet.’ MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000068.htm
• 4. ’BRAT Diet.’ The Oregon Clinic. https://www.oregonclinic.com/diets-BRAT

Medical Expert

More About Us

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can be caused by gastroenteritis, which occurs for several reasons, including viral infection, bacterial food contamination, parasites and side effects of certain medications. It may be possible to reduce the symptoms with a diet, while giving the digestive tract some rest.

The traditional BRAT diet addresses symptom relief and promotes recovery following gastroenteritis. The BRAT acronym stands for bananas, rice, apples and toast. It's also important to maintain good hydration. Water and electrolyte beverages, such as Pedialyte, may help while nausea and vomiting symptoms are occurring. Together, they may provide a starting point toward recovery from many gastrointestinal ailments.¹’Gastroenteritis: First aid.’ Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-gastroenteritis/basics/art-20056595

When Is the BRAT Diet Useful?

Gastrointestinal problems that include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea typically respond well to the BRAT diet. The ailment can last a day up to over a week. The BRAT diet is commonly used for the first few days, with a gradual return to regular foods as recovery continues.¹’Gastroenteritis: First aid.’ Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-gastroenteritis/basics/art-20056595

The BRAT diet has been used to recover from various infections that cause food poisoning, such as listeria and salmonella. C. difficile is another condition that causes an infectious illness tamong older adults, especially in nursing homes or hospitals. Its main symptom is severe diarrhea, leaving these patients vulnerable to nourishment and dehydration issues.²’BRAT Diet: Recovering From an Upset Stomach.’ American Academy of Family Physicians. https://familydoctor.org/brat-diet-recovering-from-an-upset-stomach