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 with your recuperation.
You see, the BRAT diet is a bland diet that lacks the key elements essential for recovery 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.
What’s more, the BRAT diet has a low protein content and just a few vitamins and minerals, which can lead to nutritional deficits. That said, let’s look at 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 because of 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 is an abbreviation for cereal, rice, applesauce, and milk, and this diet 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 the restoration of lost electrolytes and minerals in the body, which is necessary to keep them hydrated with the correct amount of salts.
BRAT Diet Alternative Foods
Bone Broth
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 has a relaxing effect on 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 corn flakes, crackers, and cream of wheat, are a healthier option than bread or rice because they provide the required amount of carbs.
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
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 anti-nutrients that might hinder digestion and nutrient absorption. Consider buying steel-cut oats as opposed to 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 – 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.
It has a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract and reduces muscle spasms. Studies have revealed that peppermint oil can minimize abdominal pain linked to diarrhea.
Probiotic Yogurt
Brat Diet Alternatives – Probiotic Yogurt
Yogurt has probiotic bacteria beneficial to your gut health and helps alleviate diarrhea. According to research heralded in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, probiotics such as boulardii help alleviate diarrhea.
Sweet Potatoes
Brat Diet Alternatives – Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are said to be healthier than white potatoes. They have anti-inflammatory properties and nutritional value as well.
Sweet potatoes contain B vitamins, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Sweet potatoes also have insoluble fibers, which help firm up the stool, thereby minimizing 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 you with a high concentration of nutrients your body needs. It is critical to select the right type of vegetable to help with diarrhea relief.
In this case, root vegetables are thought to be excellent.
Water
Brat Diet Alternatives – Water
The most significant risk factor for diarrhea and vomiting is dehydration. A severe bout of diarrhea or vomiting can cause the body to lose a significant amount of water.
For newborns and young kids, dehydration can be life-threatening.
To stay hydrated, drink at least seven glasses of water every day. Every time you pass a watery stool, it is recommended that you drink at least one glass of water.
Final Thought
To sum it all up, with the help of these BRAT diet alternatives, the human body can recuperate faster from diarrhea and nausea.
However, if you experience severe symptoms such as losing fluids at a rapid rate, 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