What’s the BRAT Diet? Foods to Include & to Avoid

What Is the Bland Diet?

The bland diet is a more inclusive diet that offers a greater variety of foods and nutrients while still focusing on putting less work on the digestive system. It is often recommended for people who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or who are experiencing GI upset.

Don’t Forget About Fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is important when you are following a BRAT or bland diet. This can help keep you hydrated and replace lost electrolytes. Good options include water, clear broths, and electrolyte drinks.

Foods to Avoid

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate the stomach and make symptoms worse. It is best to avoid foods that are high in spice or seasonings.

Fried and High-Fat Foods

Fried and high-fat foods can be difficult to digest and may exacerbate GI symptoms. It is best to avoid these foods while you are following a BRAT or bland diet.

High-Fiber Vegetables and Fruits

High-fiber foods can be difficult to digest and may irritate the stomach. It is best to avoid these foods while you are following a BRAT or bland diet.

Gassy Foods

Gassy foods can irritate the stomach and make symptoms worse. It is best to avoid foods that are high in fiber or difficult to digest.

Seeded and Acidic Fruits

Seeded and acidic fruits can irritate the stomach and make symptoms worse. It is best to avoid these foods while you are following a BRAT or bland diet.

Whole Grains

Whole grains can be difficult to digest and may irritate the stomach. It is best to avoid these foods while you are following a BRAT or bland diet.

Dairy Products

Dairy products can be difficult to digest and may exacerbate GI symptoms. It is best to avoid or limit these foods while you are following a BRAT or bland diet.

Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages

Alcohol and caffeinated beverages can irritate the stomach and make symptoms worse. It is best to avoid these drinks while you are following a BRAT or bland diet.

The Bottom Line

The BRAT diet and the bland diet are both dietary approaches that can help manage GI symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. While the BRAT diet is more restrictive and focused on a few specific foods, the bland diet offers a greater variety of options and is often recommended for people with inflammatory bowel disease or GI upset. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting either diet and to follow their specific recommendations for managing your symptoms.

FAQs

Q: How long can I follow the BRAT diet?

A: The BRAT diet is typically recommended for a short period of time, usually 2-3 days, to help manage acute GI symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. It is not a long-term dietary approach and should not be followed indefinitely.

Q: Can I follow the bland diet permanently?

A: While the bland diet can be a helpful approach for managing GI symptoms, it is not a permanent dietary solution. It is best to follow the bland diet under the guidance of a healthcare provider and to gradually reintroduce a more balanced diet once symptoms have improved.

Q: Can I follow the BRAT diet while taking medications?

A: It is generally safe to follow the BRAT diet while taking medications, but it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting the diet to ensure that the medications you are taking will not interact with the foods you are eating.

Q: Can I follow the bland diet while eating out?

A: It can be challenging to follow the bland diet while eating out, as it requires a high degree of planning and attention to the ingredients and preparation methods used in the foods you eat. It is best to stick to plain, unseasoned foods and to avoid foods that are high in spice or seasoning.

Q: Can I follow the BRAT diet if I have food allergies?

A: If you have a food allergy, it is important to avoid that food altogether, even if you are following the BRAT diet. You should talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice that takes into account your food allergies.

Q: Can I follow the bland diet if I have a gastrointestinal disorder?

A: If you have a gastrointestinal disorder, it is important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. The bland diet may be a helpful approach for managing your symptoms, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment.