The BRAT diet

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

What is the BRAT diet?

The BRAT diet is one type of bland diet that doctors sometimes recommended for people who are recovering from a gastrointestinal infection. BRAT is an acronym that stands for

  • Bananas
  • Rice
  • Applesauce
  • Toast

The BRAT diet is based upon the fact that these foods are easy to digest and are well tolerated by most people. The BRAT diet is not a weight loss regimen and is not intended to be used over the long term. It is low in protein, fat, and fiber so it is not ideal from a nutritional standpoint for long term use. The low-fiber nature of the diet can help make loose stools firmer, and the bananas provide a needed source of potassium.

What are modifications of the BRAT diet?

Popular modifications of the BRAT diet are sometimes recommended. These modified versions of the BRAT diet include the BRATY diet, which adds yogurt to the list of foods, and the BRATT diet, which adds tea.



Get the latest health and medical information delivered direct to your inbox FREE!