Brat Diet
The BRAT diet is a treatment that historically was prescribed when a young child who eats solids has diarrhea. BRAT is an acronym of bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast. This diet was thought to be helpful for patients who present with symptoms of diarrhea. It may be recommended for patients with dyspepsia or gastroenteritis. This BRAT diet also has several minor "spin-offs" such as the BRATT (Bananas, Rice, Apple Sauce, Toast and Tea) or the BRATY (Bananas, Rice, Apple Sauce, Toast, and Yogurt) depending on the severity of symptoms.

The BRAT diet was thought to be easy on the stomach and intestines which may be inflamed due to trauma or illness. Some practitioners consider the BRAT diet foods list to be bananas, rice, apple sauce and tubers, because wheat can be difficult to digest. This is also a concern as incidences of celiac disease increase.

The BRAT diet is still recommended by medical professionals for the treatment of diarrhea, but it has also been recommended for patients with diarrhea to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, along with a normal diet (which is higher in calories and protein than the BRAT diet). High-fat and high-sugar foods, however, should be avoided as they can be hard on the digestive system. The elements of the BRAT diet foods can act as "binders" and thus help with diarrhea, but occasionally work more efficiently when eaten as part of a normal diet and not taken exclusively. The BRAT diet is widely thought of as a special needs BRAT diet for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.

Antibiotics, immunizations, and new foods can change the intestinal flora and cause gastrointestinal upset by changing the balance of probiotics. The BRAT diet list of foods are typically bland, easy to digest and low in dietary fiber, which may be prebiotic, since foods that are high in fiber may cause gas and worsen the gastrointestinal upset.

The BRAT diet can be used for babies with diarrhea. It should be known as the anti diarrhea brat diet. However, this should only be done with the careful supervision of a physician. A child or adult with diarrhea should eat carefully – the BRAT diet for children and toddlers is only recommended for short term use to help relieve the symptoms of diarrhea and stomach upset. If the symptoms do not pass within a day, it is important you seek the help of your practitioner.