BRAT diet

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The BRAT diet is an 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]

The BRAT diet should include additional protein supplements such as tofu or protein pills.

BRAT is the mnemonic acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast, the staples of the diet.^[1] Extensions to the BRAT diet include BRATT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Tea) and BRATY (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Yogurt).

Contents 1 Contrary medical advice 2 Food Summary 2.1 BRAT(TY) Diet 2.2 Alternative (CRAM) 2.3 Contrary medical advice 2.3.1 Avoid 3 References

[edit] Contrary medical advice

Duro & Duggan, 2007 report that bananas and rice have been shown to have a positive effect on the bowels. Some in vitro data suggests that rice may possess anti-secretory properties. Rice-based oral re-hydration solutions (ORS) have also been shown to reduce the volume of stools and duration of diarrhea in patients with cholera. Bananas are rich in amylase-resistant starch, which has been postulated to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa in animals (Duro & Duggan, 2007). However, they report that the BRAT diet can potentially be quite harmful stating, “It seems clear that consumption of the BRAT diet is likely to lead to important deficiencies in dietary energy, protein, fat, fiber, and several critical micronutrients.” They conclude, “ The selection of a single type of restrictive diet (e.g.,the BRAT diet) during diarrhea can impair nutritional recovery and in fact lead to severe malnutrition. Dietary management during any acute illness should be balanced, providing all of the three major macronutrients, as well as meeting the DRI for micronutrients. Prompt feeding during an acute episode of diarrhea and avoiding unnecessarily restrictive diets is the recommended dietary therapy during acute diarrhea.” ^[2]

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 to avoid salt imbalance. Severe, untreated salt imbalance can result in "extreme weakness, confusion, coma, or death."^[3]

Contact your health care provider if the following symptoms occur:

If there is any blood or mucous present in the diarrhea. 
If the diarrhea is severe or if it lasts longer than 3 days.[4]

[edit] Food Summary

[edit] BRAT(TY) Diet

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast
• Tea
• yogurt

[edit] Alternative (CRAM)

• Cereal
• Rice
• Milk

[edit] Contrary medical advice

Starches

• Rice
• Potatoes
• Noodles
• Crackers
• Bananas

Cereals:

• Rice
• Wheat
• Oat Cereals

Other:

• Soup
• Yogurt
• vegetables
• Fresh Fruits

[edit] Avoid

• Soft Drinks
• Undiluted Apple Juice
• Jell-O
• Presweetened Cereals

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b} BRAT diet: What is the BRAT diet?. Retrieved on 8, 2007. Retrieved on April 2007.
2. ^ Duro, Debora & Duggan, Christopher (2007) “The BRAT Diet for Acute Diarrhea in Children: Should It Be Used?” Practical Gastroenterology, June 2007 Retrieved Jan 17/07
3. ^ McLaughlin, Eileen (24). salt imbalance. Retrieved on 8, 2007. Retrieved on April 2007.
4. ^ UniversityOfMichigan. "Brat Diet.". http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_bratdiet_pep.htm.. 

   [edit] Alternative

   An alternative diet that is being researched is the CRAM diet (Cereal, Rice, and Milk) since it may add more complete protein and needed fat into the diet.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sesameworkshop.org/parents/solutions/information/article.php?contentId=595 |title=Take That, BRAT!: CRAM beats BRAT when it comes to treating diarrhea |accessdate=2007-04-08 |author= Gail Rosenblum |publisher=Sesame Street Parents}}</li></ol></ref>