The BRAT diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast, used to be recommended for individuals experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, it is no longer widely recommended due to its restrictive nature.
The following are lists of foods to focus on and avoid when dealing with these symptoms:
Foods to focus on:
- Soft fruits: bananas, applesauce, avocado, pumpkin, canned fruit (packed in water, not heavy syrup), and melons.
- Steamed or boiled vegetables: carrots, green beans, potatoes, and squash.
- Low-fiber starches: white bread, white rice, saltine crackers, cream of wheat, instant oatmeal, and noodles.
- Unseasoned skinless baked chicken or turkey, scrambled eggs, yogurt, and kefir.
- Drinks: bone broth, apple juice, coconut water, Pedialyte, and weak tea.
- Homemade oral rehydration solution to prevent dehydration: Mix 1 liter of clean or boiled water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar. Stir until both the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Cool the water to room temperature or cooler before drinking.
Foods to avoid:
- Avoid milk and dairy products for three days, except for yogurt and kefir, which are usually tolerated.
- Avoid fried, fatty, greasy, and spicy foods.
- Avoid pork, veal, salmon, and sardines.
- Avoid raw vegetables such as parsnips, beets, sauerkraut, and corn on the cob, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and onions.
- Avoid citrus fruits such as pineapples, oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes.
- Other fruits to avoid include tomatoes, cherries, grapes, figs, raisins, and seeded berries.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold beverages.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid coffee and caffeinated sodas.
- Avoid added sugars and sweets like candy, soda, and most juices.
In addition to dietary guidelines, here are some additional health recommendations:
- Choose liquids that contain some sugar and salt to prevent dehydration, such as Pedialyte or apple juice with a pinch of salt.
- Rest and avoid exertion to give your body a chance to recover.
- Consult your healthcare provider about taking medication.
- If symptoms like nausea and vomiting persist for more than 24 hours or if you cannot hold down clear liquids, contact your healthcare provider.
- Diarrhea can be acute (resolving over a few days with dietary changes) or chronic (ongoing). If diarrhea lasts more than 3 days, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
- Additional symptoms such as fever, weight loss, lightheadedness, rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance based on your specific condition and needs.