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BRAT Diet for Diarrhea: Foods, Mechanism & Limitations

BRAT = Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. Bland, low‑fiber, low‑fat, low‑residue diet historically recommended for acute diarrhea.

How It Helps

  • Starch Binding: Rice, toast absorb water, add bulk.
  • Potassium Replacement: Bananas replenish K⁺ lost in stool.
  • Pectin (Applesauce): Soluble fiber gels stool.
  • Low Fat: Reduces gastrocolic reflex stimulation.

Limitations

  • Nutritionally incomplete (low protein, fat, micronutrients).
  • Not evidence‑based for faster recovery vs. age‑appropriate unrestricted diet.
  • AAP/ESPEN now recommend early refeeding with normal diet + ORS.

Current Best Practice

  1. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) – primary therapy.
  2. Continue Breastfeeding / Age‑Appropriate Diet: Do not withhold food >4‑6 h.
  3. Zinc Supplementation (10‑20 mg/day 10‑14 d) reduces duration/severity.
  4. Probiotics (L. rhamnosus GG, S. boulardii) modest benefit.

When BRAT May Be Used

Short‑term (24‑48 h) transition if vomiting limits tolerance; then advance rapidly.

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