BRAT diet
The BRAT diet is a historically prescribed treatment for patients with various forms of gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea, dyspepsia, and/or gastroenteritis. The BRAT diet consists of foods that are relatively bland, easy to digest, and low in fiber. Low-fiber foods are recommended because foods high in fiber may cause gas, possibly worsening the gastrointestinal upset.[1]
BRAT is the mnemonic acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast, the staples of the diet.[1] Alternative BRAT diet formulas include BRATT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Tea, and Toast) and BRATY (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Yogurt).
Contrary medical advice
In recent years, the medical community has made contary treatment recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests children with mild diarrhea "continue to eat a normal diet including formula or milk".[2]
A CDC study made similar recommendation by stating that "older children accustomed to eating a variety of table foods should continue receiving a regular diet" including "starches (e.g., rice, potatoes, noodles, crackers, and bananas), cereals (e.g., rice, wheat, and oat cereals), soup, yogurt, vegetables, and fresh fruits". It also cautioned against foods high in fat and foods high in simple sugars, such as "soft drinks, undiluted apple juice, Jell-O, and presweetened cereals". The study called the BRAT diet a "reasonable dietary recommendation", but warned against prolonged use to prevent "inadequate energy and protein content in the recovering child's diet".[3]
In addition to dietary restrictions, medical professionals recommended that all patients, regardless of age, intake plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, along with oral rehydration solutions to replace the depleted electrolytes[3] to avoid salt imbalance. Severe, untreated salt imbalance can result in "extreme weakness, confusion, coma, or death".[4]
Alternative
An alternative diet that is being researched is the CRAM diet (Cereal, Rice, Applesauce, and Milk) since it may add more complete protein and needed fat into the diet.[5]
Food Summary
BRAT(TY) Diet
Alternative (CRAM)
Contrary medical advice
Other:
- Soup
- Yogurt
- vegetables
- Fresh Fruits
Avoid
- Soft Drinks
- Undiluted Apple Juice
- Jell-O
- Presweetened Cereals
References
- ^ a b "BRAT diet: What is the BRAT diet?".
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ The American Academy of Pediatrics. "Treating Diarrhea and Dehydration".
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Duggan C, Santosham M, Glass R (1992). "The management of acute diarrhea in children: oral rehydration, maintenance, and nutritional therapy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention". MMWR Recomm Rep. 41 (RR-16): 1–20. PMID 1435668.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)(Full text) - ^ McLaughlin, Eileen (24). "salt imbalance".
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=and|year=/|date=mismatch (help); More than one of|author=and|last=specified (help); Unknown parameter|accessdaymonth=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ Gail Rosenblum. "Take That, BRAT!: CRAM beats BRAT when it comes to treating diarrhea". Sesame Street Parents. Retrieved 8 April 2007.