BRAT Diet Alternatives: Substitute Foods to Try

Brat Diet Alternatives

When you have gastroenteritis, it is critical that you have a healthy diet. One such diet is the BRAT Diet which is an acronym for bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast. 

However, some superior BRAT diet alternatives will supply you with the necessary nutrients to help recuperate.

The BRAT diet is bland and lacks the key elements essential for recovering from a digestive disease.

As a result, you must adopt a more nutritious diet within 24 to 48 hours of finishing the BRAT diet. Following the BRAT diet for a lengthy period of time might be harmful to your health.

Furthermore, the BRAT diet has a low protein content and few vitamins and minerals, which can lead to nutritional deficits. That said, let’s examine these alternative diets and foods. 

Why is The BRAT Diet No Longer Recommended?

The BRAT diet is especially harmful to individuals who are developing and need a lot of energy, such as kids and pregnant women.

It all boils down to the fact that bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast lack adequate minerals and vitamins.

Some of the nutrients missing in the BRAT diet include sufficient B vitamins, calcium, calories, fat, fiber, iron, protein, vitamin A, zinc, and other vital micronutrients. 

This is a problem for two main reasons. First, poor nutrition can exacerbate diarrhea in the short term by affecting gastrointestinal function.

On the other hand, malnutrition can adversely affect the growth and development of kids over time.

BRAT Diet Alternatives

1. The CRAM Diet

CRAM stands for cereal, rice, applesauce, and milk, and it is more nutritious than the BRAT diet.

The CRAM diet comprises foods that contain carbs, fats, and proteins, which the BRAT diet generally lacks. 

According to John Snyder, a fellow of the AAP (American Academy of Paediatrics), the milk in the CRAM diet provides essential fats and protein.

Moreover, the CRAM diet can ease the symptoms of diarrhea faster. 

2. The Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet is better than the BRAT diet in terms of nutrients. It contains immune-boosting nutrients that aid in the body’s healing when you’re sick.

One key benefit of this diet is restoring lost electrolytes and minerals in the body, which is necessary to keep it hydrated with the correct amount of salt.

BRAT Diet Alternative Foods

Bone Broth

Brat Diet Alternatives

Brat Diet Alternatives – Bone Broth

Bone broth contains a variety of nutrients. Both the immune system and stomach benefit from these nutrients.

The nutrients help in the growth of probiotic bacteria in the stomach and are also easily digestible.

It relaxes the gut and is believed to be the optimal dish for individuals suffering from diarrhea.

Bone broth provides you with the crucial nutrients you’ve been missing, thanks to its diverse nutrients and therapeutic properties.

Cereals

Cereals

Low-fiber cereals, such as cornflakes, crackers, and cream of wheat, are healthier options than bread or rice because they provide the required carbohydrates. 

Eggs

Brat Diet Alternatives – Eggs

Eggs are high-protein foods that are also low in fiber. They are rich in minerals and vitamins such as B vitamins, iodine, selenium, and vitamin D.

Also, make sure you don’t cook your eggs with a lot of oil because it can irritate the gut.

Ginger

Brat Diet Alternatives

Ginger

Ginger has been utilized for medical purposes since ancient times. Ginger increases prostaglandins in the gut lining, which shield the stomach from damage. 

According to several cellular studies, ginger minimizes stomach damage.

The antioxidants in ginger can inhibit the growth of the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori, commonly known as H. Pylori, which causes stomach ulcers.

Oats

Oats

Soluble fiber has been identified to have the potential to absorb excess fluid in the intestines while also providing bulk to the stool.

Oats contain massive amounts of soluble fiber, and as such, they are beneficial in lowering diarrhea symptoms.

Soak oats overnight to remove antinutrients that might hinder digestion and nutrient absorption. Consider buying steel-cut oats instead of instant oats, which are highly processed.

The soluble fiber in oats firms the stool and removes toxins in the body. 

Peeled Fruits

Brat Diet Alternatives

Brat Diet Alternatives – Peeled Fruits

Compared to their crunchy counterparts, soft and blended fruits such as peaches or pears can help with diarrhea.

Some fruit skins are difficult to digest and might irritate the gut. In the event of an upset stomach, peel and deseed your fruits before eating them.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is effective in managing loose stools thanks to its anti-spasmodic effects.

Peppermint oil soothes the gastrointestinal tract and reduces muscle spasms. Studies have revealed that it can minimize abdominal pain linked to diarrhea.

Probiotic Yogurt

Brat Diet Alternatives – Probiotic Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotic bacteria that are beneficial to gut health and help alleviate diarrhea. Research heralded in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology shows that probiotics such as boulardii help alleviate diarrhea.

Sweet Potatoes

Brat Diet Alternatives

Brat Diet Alternatives – Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are said to be healthier than white potatoes. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and nutritional value. 

Sweet potatoes contain B vitamins, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. They also contain insoluble fibers, which help firm up the stool and minimize diarrhea symptoms. 

Vegetable Juice

Vegetable Juice

It’s vital to replace the nutrients lost during diarrhea or vomiting episodes. The BRAT diet may be beneficial for the first 24 to 48 hours, but beyond that is not recommended.

Vegetable juices provide a high concentration of nutrients your body needs. It is critical to select the right type of vegetable to help relieve diarrhea.

In this case, root vegetables are thought to be excellent.

Water

Brat Diet Alternatives

Brat Diet Alternatives – Water

Dehydration is the most significant risk factor for diarrhea and vomiting. A severe bout of diarrhea or vomiting can cause the body to lose a substantial amount of water.

For newborns and young kids, dehydration can be life-threatening.

To stay hydrated, drink at least seven glasses of water daily. You should drink at least one glass of water every time you pass a watery stool.

Final Thought

To sum up, these BRAT diet alternatives help the human body recuperate faster from diarrhea and nausea.

However, if you experience severe symptoms, such as rapid fluid loss, consult a physician immediately.

Printable Brat Diet Alternatives PDF

BRAT Diet Alternative Foods
Bone Broth
Cereals
Eggs
Ginger
Oats
Peeled Fruits
Peppermint Oil
Probiotic Yogurt
Sweet Potatoes
Vegetable Juice
Water

See Also

BRAT Diet Foods List

What to Eat After BRAT Diet

BRAT Diet Recipes

Keto Bread Recipe

Damla Sengul

Damla Sengul, a seasoned Food Editor at Dietsmealplan.com, boasts a 5-year worth of expertise as a digital editor, with a specific focus on authentic recipe content. Her expertise extends to various crucial aspects of the cookery world, including in-depth research on renowned chefs worldwide and innovative recipe development. Additionally, Damla is an enthusiastic baker who dedicates part of her time crafting delightful celebration cakes for her friends.