A short-term gastrointestinal (stomach or bowel) illness requires a change in your diet to begin the recuperation process. The BRAT (bananas, rice, apples, toast) diet is often recommended for patients suffering from diarrhea or the stomach flu.
The BRAT (bananas, rice, apples, toast) diet is often recommended for patients suffering from diarrhea or the stomach flu. In addition to these foods, you may also consume other mild foods that ease the GI tract such as saltines, oatmeal, or boiled potatoes.
The BRAT diet focuses on abstaining from foods immediately following symptoms that are sugary, high in fat, spicy, or contain dairy. This includes citrus fruits, raw vegetables, fried foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. Following the below guidelines as well as staying hydrated is key to recovery. Consult with your doctor after 24 hours of complying if you are experiencing chronic diarrhea or if you have additional symptoms of fever, weight loss, lightheadedness (feeling of faintness), rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain.
| First 6 hours | In the immediate six or so hours after vomiting has stopped, it is best to give your stomach a rest. Following a period of one to two hours, suck on a hard candy or popsicle (no chewing). Then progress to ice chips or sips of water if nausea persists. |
| First 24 hours (Day 01) | Gradually add clear liquids if the vomiting has ceased. Beginning with a sip or two every ten minutes is a good way to start. Suggestions include water, apple juice, flat soda, weak tea, jello (in liquid or gelatin form), broth or bouillon (clear based from non-greasy soup). If symptoms of nausea or vomiting return, begin the process again, taking nothing by mouth for an hour or so. |
| Day 02 | Begin to add bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers, cooked cereals (Farina, Cream of Wheat), toast and jelly. |
| Day 03 | Progress to a “regular” diet by adding such things as soft cooked eggs, sherbert, stewed fruits, cooked vegetables, white meat of chicken or turkey. |
| WHAT FOODS TO AVOID |
|---|
| Avoid milk and dairy products for three days. |
| Avoid fried, fatty, greasy and spicy foods. |
| Avoid pork, veal, salmon and sardines. |
| Avoid raw vegetables such as parsnips, beets, sauerkraut, corn on the cob, cabbage family, onions. |
| Avoid citrus fruits: pineapples, oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes. |
| Other fruits to avoid are cherries, grapes, figs, currants, raisins, rhubarb, seeded berries. Avoid extremely hot or cold beverages. |
| Avoid Alcohol. |
| Avoid coffee and caffeinated sodas. |
| Drink plenty of water or liquids to avoid dehydration from fluid losses due to your illness. Rest and avoid exertion to give your body a chance to recover. |
