Published on: 5/21/2025
How Does the BRAT Diet Help with Gastroenteritis?
The BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is designed to help manage diarrhea by providing bland foods that are easy on the stomach.
Explanation
The BRAT diet is often recommended for people with gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines often causing diarrhea. This diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are chosen because they are bland and easy to digest, which can help reduce stomach upset and diarrhea.
Benefits of the BRAT Diet:
- Blandness: The foods in the BRAT diet are not spicy or heavy, which helps prevent further irritation to the stomach and intestines.
- Low Fiber: These foods are low in fiber, which can help firm up stools and reduce diarrhea.
- Nutrient Content: Bananas provide potassium, an important electrolyte that can be lost during diarrhea.
While the BRAT diet can be helpful in the short term, it is important to return to a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients as soon as possible to ensure proper nutrition and recovery. Always consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
(References)
- Ramsook C, Sahagun-Carreon I, Kozinetz CA, & Moro-Sutherland D. (2002). A randomized clinical trial comparing oral ondansetron .... Annals of emergency medicine, 11919526.
- Shankar S, & Durairaj E. (2024). Diet and Management of Diarrhea. Indian journal of pediatrics, 37480452.
- O'Brien L, Wall CL, Wilkinson TJ, & Gearry RB. (2021). What Are the Pearls and Pitfalls of the Dietary Management .... Nutrients, 33919083.
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