What Is The BRAT Diet?

Alternatives to the BRAT Diet

The CRAM diet is one of the most popular alternatives to the BRAT diet. While following the CRAM diet, patients consume cereal, rice, applesauce, and milk. This diet may provide more protein, fat, and nutrients than the BRAT diet, and all of the included foods and drinks are easy to digest. Since dairy products can irritate the stomach, experts suggest patients on the CRAM diet opt for non-dairy milk. Another popular BRAT diet alternative is the Paleo diet. This eating plan includes foods that could help replenish electrolytes that may be lost during a gastrointestinal illness. It also includes foods that may boost the immune system. Patients on the Paleo diet should include coconut water, bone broth, soups, and chicken in their diet to support optimal recovery. Patients on the BRAT diet or any type of diet intended to support recovery from digestive issues may want to add peeled fruits, oats, and yogurt to their eating plans.

Learn about the most important foods to avoid in regards to the BRAT diet next.

Most Important Foods To Avoid

Certain foods may worsen existing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and patients with these symptoms will need to be very careful about their food and beverage choices. Some of the most important foods to avoid during a gastrointestinal illness include dairy products, fried foods, spicy foods, and foods high in fat or sugar. With the exception of kefir and natural yogurt, dairy products such as ice cream and cheese can be very difficult to digest when a patient is ill. Spicy foods may cause stomach irritation, and foods high in fat could worsen diarrhea. While sugary foods are hard to digest, patients are also advised to avoid artificial sweeteners such as sucralose. These can cause diarrhea even when an individual is healthy. Beans, cabbage, and broccoli may produce gas and bloating for some individuals. Patients who eat these foods during a stomach illness could experience increased discomfort. Experts suggest individuals avoid red meat while they are ill. The high fat content of red meat makes it especially hard to digest. Doctors recommend avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages during any type of stomach-related illness since these could contribute to dehydration.

Get the details on when to see a doctor in connection to the BRAT diet next.