The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These are four foods that are bland, easily digested and have a mildly binding effect, making them good choices for people who are recovering from the flu or a bout of diarrhea. Here's how to incorporate these foods into a one or two day meal program suitable for kids through adults.
Give small amounts of water or clear broth until individual can tolerate solid food. If nausea, vomiting or diarrhea is present along with fever, check with a physician before proceeding.
2
Once symptoms abate, prepare the BRAT diet by offering a sliced banana and half cup of applesauce for breakfast.
3
Try a half cup of cooked rice along with a slice of lightly buttered toast for lunch.
4
At dinnertime, offer cooked rice again with a slice of toast, a sliced banana and half cup of applesauce. Repeat this menu for another 24 hours if needed.
5
Once flu-like symptoms abate, offer small amounts of plain gelatin, cooked oatmeal or cream of wheat, or plain cooked pasta.
Tips & Warnings
Keep foods as bland as possible; don't add peanut butter or jelly to toast, for example, and stay away from cinnamon apple sauce or chunky-style apples. Offer water, broth or flat ginger ale or 7-UP instead of sugary drinks or juices.
Check with physician if nauseau, vomiting or diarrhea last longer than a day or two. The BRAT diet is not offered as medical advice.
Diarrhea is the change in bowel habits normally marked by frequent loose stool. Several different conditions cause diarrhea. Diet, infections and medications...
momoftwingirls
Feb 21, 2009
Good article. I did this once, 4-5 years ago for Upper GI problems...I think I need to do this again as I was not consistent.Thank you and 5 stars
