What Is The BRAT Diet—And What Should You Eat With An Upset Stomach? (2025)

For many years, the bananas, rice, applesauce and toast (BRAT) diet was a staple home remedy recommended to ease diarrhea, vomiting and digestive distress. Consisting of just four foods that are easy to prepare and widely available, the diet steadily gained traction over time, especially among parents of children dealing with tummy troubles.

However, despite its widespread popularity, many health experts have since stopped recommending this diet, noting that the risks and downsides may outweigh any potential benefits.

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What Is the BRAT Diet—and Who Is It Designed for?

In the past, the BRAT diet consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast was often used to help treat diarrhea and other stomach issues. The diet was widely recommended for both children and adults, along with pregnant women experiencing issues like morning sickness.

“The BRAT diet was thought to be beneficial because these foods are bland, which can be ideal when experiencing stomach issues,” says Rhyan Geiger, registered dietitian and owner of Phoenix Vegan Dietitian. Geiger goes on to explain that these foods are also fairly easy to digest: “Because there is very little fiber and fat in this diet, it is unlikely to cause any gut irritation.”

Indeed, for some people, the BRAT diet may help with diarrhea, adds Jane Guo, a registered dietitian based in Dallas.“The bland foods on this diet are easier on the digestive system and not likely to cause further stomach upset in most people.”

Additionally, several of the foods recommended on the BRAT diet contain nutrients that may be lost due to vomiting or diarrhea. For instance, bananas are rich in potassium, an important electrolyte that regulates fluid balance and muscle contractions. Similarly, rice and toast are both good sources of magnesium, another key micronutrient needed to maintain optimal health.

In an article in Practical Gastroenterology, researchers state that bananas and rice may possess antidiarrheal properties and have both been associated with improved outcomes in children with diarrhea[1]Duro D, Duggan C. The BRAT Diet for Acute Diarrhea in Children: Should It Be Used?. Pract. Gastroenterol. 2007;31(6). .However, they also note that there are no clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of the BRAT diet specifically.

In addition to easing stress on the digestive system, the BRAT diet also emphasizes foods with binding properties, which can add firmness to stool to treat diarrhea.

The four foods included in the BRAT diet are also widely available and easy to prepare, which may be particularly appealing for those who aren’t feeling well and are unable to spend lots of time on cooking or meal prep.

Why the BRAT Diet Is No Longer Recommended

With all that said, however, the BRAT diet is no longer recommended for children who are experiencing diarrhea, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is because the diet focuses on foods low in essential nutrients necessary to promote recovery, such as fiber and protein.

“Following the BRAT diet for an extended amount of time can lead to inadequate nutrition,” says Guo, noting that the diet is very low in protein, fiber, fats and micronutrients.

In fact, the diet focuses almost exclusively on carbohydrates, which draw water into the digestive tract. This could actually worsen diarrhea and may ultimately do more harm than good when it comes to gut health and regularity.

Instead, Geiger recommends enjoying a variety of gut-friendly foods when you’re not feeling well, including oatmeal, sweet potatoes, low-fiber vegetables and fruits like berries and melon.

“Eating only bananas, rice, applesauce and toast doesn’t give people an opportunity to reach their energy needs each day unless they are eating large amounts,” says Geiger. “When creating a meal, it’s best to have all of your major food groups, even when you don’t feel well.”

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Which Foods Should You Eat With an Upset Stomach?

Though the BRAT diet is no longer recommended by most health care professionals, making modifications to your diet is still useful when you’re dealing with digestive distress.

In particular, a bland diet is also often recommended as a remedy for digestive issues. It encourages foods that are easier to break down and digest, including eggs, broth, lean meats and bland vegetables.

Some examples of foods that are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach include:

  • Saltine crackers
  • Clear broth
  • Cooked cereals, such as oatmeal or cream of wheat
  • Refined grains, including white bread, white rice or pasta
  • Lean proteins, such as tofu, skinless poultry or white fish
  • Steamed or boiled vegetables, including carrots, squash, green beans or potatoes
  • Soft fruits, such as bananas, avocados, pumpkin, melons and canned fruit
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Pudding or custard

It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or other beverages, such as weak tea, coconut water or apple juice. You can also sip on Pedialyte, which contains added electrolytes to prevent dehydration, or make your own rehydration solution by mixing a bit of salt and sugar with water.

Foods to Avoid When Your Stomach Is Upset

Meanwhile, foods to avoid when you’re dealing with stomach problems include:

  • Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese or ice cream
  • Spicy foods
  • Fried or greasy foods
  • Alcohol
  • Sugar
  • Caffeine
  • Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, kale and brussel sprouts

Once your symptoms have improved, you can slowly start to incorporate these foods back into your diet. However, you should continue to eat small meals every few hours and switch back to bland foods as needed if symptoms return.

Here’s a sample menu with some meal and snack ideas you can safely enjoy, even when your stomach is upset:

BreakfastLunchDinnerSnack
Day 1White toast with creamy peanut butterGrilled chicken with white rice and steamed carrotsRoasted turkey breast with baked potatoVanilla pudding
Day 2Oatmeal with sliced bananasBaked tilapia with roasted squash and white riceChicken and rice soup with crackersWhite toast with avocado
Day 3Cream of wheat porridge with cinnamonSpaghetti with turkey meatballs and tomato sauceBaked tofu with green beans and mashed potatoesBanana with creamy peanut butter

When to See a Doctor

Guo recommends consulting with a doctor if diarrhea doesn’t improve within one to two days or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a high fever, severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools or excessive thirst, which may be a sign of dehydration.

It’s also important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids or taking an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution if needed.

You should contact a doctor if your child experiences severe diarrhea (watery bowel movements every one to two hours or more) or symptoms of dehydration, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Additionally, keep in mind that antidiarrheal medications are not recommended for children under 2 years old and should not be given to older children unless advised by a doctor.

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What Is The BRAT Diet—And What Should You Eat With An Upset Stomach? (2025)

FAQs

What Is The BRAT Diet—And What Should You Eat With An Upset Stomach? ›

Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast are easy to digest, and eating these foods will help you hold down food. The fiber found in these foods will also help solidify your stool if you have diarrhea.

Why is the BRAT diet no longer recommended? ›

Because BRAT diet foods are low in fiber, protein, and fat, the diet lacks enough nutrition to help a child's gastrointestinal tract recover. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that kids resume eating a normal, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age within 24 hours of getting sick.

What replaced the BRAT diet? ›

Recent research. The use of cereals, rice and milk as a stop-gap eating plan for stomach upset has been validated as a more effective remedy to manage diarrhea than the BRAT diet by recent research in hospitals in South America and Asia.

What is the BRAT diet for upset stomach? ›

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.

Are scrambled eggs on the BRAT diet? ›

Beverages should be clear liquids ( Sprite, 7-Up, Tea, Ginger Ale ). NO DAIRY PRODUCTS. Follow this diet until diarrhea subsides for 24 hours. You may then gradually add soft, bland foods ( Scrambled eggs, noodles, mashed potatoes ) as tolerated.

What is the best comfort food for an upset stomach? ›

What's The Best Comfort Food for an Upset Stomach? If you've got an upset stomach, it's advised to follow what's called the BRAT Diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. The BRAT diet consists of easily digestible, doctor-recommended comfort foods for an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

What 12 foods stop diarrhea? ›

What Foods Help Diarrhea Go Away?
  • White bread or toast.
  • Clear broth.
  • Coconut water.
  • Plain pasta.
  • White potato (peeled)
  • Bananas.
  • White rice.
  • Canned pears.
Sep 3, 2024

Is peanut butter ok for a BRAT diet? ›

Eat BRAT diet foods

Soups: clear broth, such as chicken, vegetable or beef. Liquids: cranberry, apple and grape juice, tea (without caffeine), water. Snacks: canned peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, crackers, cream of wheat, eggs, gelatin, oatmeal, creamy peanut butter.

Are cheerios good for an upset stomach? ›

If your stomach is upset, Mills recommends eating: Warm cereals like Cream of Wheat, Cream of Rice and oatmeal. Cold cereals like Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Rice Chex and Special K. English muffin (halved) with peanut butter.

What is a bland breakfast for an upset stomach? ›

7 Best Foods For an Upset Stomach
  • Bananas. Bananas are the first food represented in the so-called BRAT diet, the restrictive diet historically recommended for those with stomach-related ailments. ...
  • White Rice. ...
  • Applesauce. ...
  • White Toast or Bread. ...
  • Broth-Based Soups. ...
  • Plain Crackers. ...
  • Lean Proteins.
Feb 22, 2024

What food makes your stomach feel better? ›

Bland foods and clear liquids, such as crackers, white rice, toast, and broth, help ease diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It's important to stay hydrated and fuel your body so it can recover.

What kills the stomach virus? ›

There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses. Treatment first involves self-care measures, such as staying hydrated.

What can I put on my toast when I have diarrhea? ›

With diarrhea, it is advisable to eat bland foods such as toast. If people wish to, they can add bananas, peanut butter, or applesauce on toast.

Is chicken noodle soup ok for a BRAT diet? ›

Clear Liquid/ Bland Diet

Both children and adults need to drink plenty of fluids while they're sick to prevent dehydration. Water is good, but adding broth, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution such as Pedialyte can help replace lost electrolytes. Broth or broth-based soups (chicken noodle, vegetable, etc.)

Is peanut butter good for an upset stomach? ›

Peanut butter may also help to relieve symptoms of digestive distress, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. This is because peanut butter contains healthy fats, which can help to lubricate the digestive tract and improve the movement of food through the intestines.

Is buttered toast ok for a BRAT diet? ›

Make toast.

Toast is another easily digested, low fiber food that will help to firm up your stool. For added nutrition, you should feel free to spread jam on your toast if you can stomach it. You will probably want to avoid butter and peanut butter, as they are high in fat, which is hard on your stomach.

Why has the BRAT diet lost favor? ›

However, many health professionals no longer recommend it due to the risk of nutrient and calorie deficiencies. The foods in the BRAT diet are low in protein, fat, and fiber, which makes them easy to digest for most people.

What stops diarrhea fast naturally? ›

Bland, starchy, low-fiber foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help get rid of diarrhea. Probiotics, glutamine supplements, or home remedies like herbal teas and rice water may also offer relief.

How do you transition from BRAT diet to normal diet? ›

The following day, begin to incorporate foods from the BRAT diet and other bland foods, like crackers, oatmeal, grits or porridge. By day three, you can re-introduce soft foods, like soft-cooked eggs, sherbet, cooked vegetables, white meat chicken or fruit, Beal says.

How long does it take for stools to return to normal after diarrhea? ›

Diarrhoea is passing looser, watery or more frequent poo (stools) than is normal for you. It affects most people from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about. It can be distressing and unpleasant. It normally clears up in a few days to a week.

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