This is not a weight loss method and is not recommended for the long term. This diet is low in protein, fat, and fiber and lacks key nutrients needed to live over time. Only use this method for the few days it takes to be able to stomach normal food when you have diarrhea. Make sure you stick to it for at least 24 hours to help with your symptoms. [2] X Research source [3] X Research source The major concern that doctors have about the BRAT diet is that it is unnecessarily restrictive and doesn’t provide the nutrition you need to recover from an illness. [4] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 14 October 2020. If you have any questions about whether you should use this approach, talk to your doctor.
Green bananas are preferable due to the increased amounts of pectin.
Don’t eat brown rice. Brown rice has increased fiber, which can make your stools loose and may make your diarrhea worse. [6] X Research source
Avoid buying the flavored types of applesauce because they have increased sugar content and may upset your stomach more. One concern is that doctors have is the consumption of simple sugars. Simple sugars, like the sugars contained in applesauce, increase stool output and are low in sodium and potassium, which are key electrolytes of the body. [8] X Research source
Avoid putting butter and sugary jams on your toast. Butter is high in fat and sugary jams can make your stomach worse. [10] X Research source King, Caleb, Roger Glass, and Joseph S Bresee, Nutritional Support, CDC
You can combine them all to make the BRATTY method if you think all the different components work for you. [11] X Research source You could also use the low-residue diet, which encourages you to eat more starchy carbs, some protein, and less fiber and dairy. [12] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.
Certain guidelines have recommended avoiding fatty foods, but maintaining adequate calories without fat is difficult, and fat might have a beneficial effect of reducing intestinal motility. Instead, don’t give your child overly greasy foods with small amount of nutrients in them. Try to make them eat the foods of the BRAT method in the first 24 hours, even if it is in small doses to avoid them getting sick. The somewhat common practice of withholding food when diarrhea is first developed is inappropriate. Early feeding decreases changes in intestinal permeability caused by infection, which can reduce the duration of the illness duration and improves the outcome. [13] X Research source King, Caleb, Roger Glass, and Joseph S Bresee, Nutritional Support, CDC [14] X Research source Doctors recommend an age-appropriate diet with complex carbohydrate, lean meats, yogurt, fruit, and vegetables. These are better tolerated than fats and simple sugars. [15] X Research source
Only eat these foods if you think your stomach is ready for them. You don’t want to upset your system even more than it already is.
Dehydration is more common with diarrhea than other stomach issues because the colon absorbs electrolytes and water, but when it is inflamed like it is when you have diarrhea, the colon cannot do either. Make sure you pay extra close attention to your hydration during the first few days of your diarrhea. This is when you lose most of your fluids. [18] X Research source Drink at least 64 oz of water a day or 8 eight oz glasses. Drinks with caffeine do not count toward the daily total of water consumption.
Babies being breastfed can still be breastfed when suffering from diarrhea.
If you are unable to tolerate oral fluids, keep a close watch on yourself. You may need to go to the emergency room to get IV fluids and electrolytes if you can’t rehydrate on your own. You should go to the the ER if you are having nausea and vomiting associated with your diarrhea such that you cannot keep down liquids.
