Understanding the BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet, an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, has a long history as a temporary dietary measure for individuals, especially children, experiencing gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The logic behind this restrictive diet is that these four foods are bland, low in fiber, and easy to digest, which helps reduce the burden on the digestive system and firm up loose stools. However, this short-term approach is not a long-term nutritional solution and is no longer recommended by some medical experts for extended use due to its lack of crucial nutrients. For this reason, knowing exactly which food is not included in the brat diet is essential for anyone considering this temporary dietary strategy.
Foods Excluded from the BRAT Diet
Beyond the four core foods, the BRAT diet is defined by what you should avoid. The list of excluded items is quite extensive and focuses on eliminating anything that could potentially irritate a sensitive or inflamed gut.
Dairy Products
Most dairy products are not included in the BRAT diet. This includes milk, cheese, ice cream, and creamy sauces. The lactose in dairy can be difficult for some people to digest, especially during or after a bout of diarrhea, potentially worsening symptoms. While some variations or later phases of a bland diet might introduce low-fat yogurt or kefir, the initial BRAT diet strictly avoids these items.
High-Fat and Fried Foods
Greasy, fatty, and fried foods are major exclusions from the BRAT diet. Items like fatty cuts of meat, bacon, fried chicken, french fries, and rich desserts can be hard to digest and put extra strain on a recovering stomach. High fat content can delay gastric emptying and exacerbate symptoms of nausea or diarrhea.
Spicy and Highly Seasoned Foods
Spices and strong seasonings, such as hot peppers, garlic, and onions, are not part of the BRAT diet. The capsaicin in spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining and digestive tract, potentially triggering or worsening stomach pain and diarrhea. The diet emphasizes bland, unseasoned foods to allow the digestive system to rest.
High-Fiber Fruits and Vegetables
While bananas and applesauce are staples, other high-fiber or raw fruits and vegetables are typically avoided. This includes cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, as well as legumes, nuts, and seeds. The fiber, especially insoluble fiber, can speed up bowel movements, which is counterproductive when trying to manage diarrhea. Acidic fruits, such as citrus and berries, are also often excluded as they can irritate the stomach.
Whole Grains
In a similar vein to high-fiber vegetables, whole grains are not included in the traditional BRAT diet. Unlike the white rice and refined white toast that are easily digestible, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and whole-grain cereals contain higher levels of fiber that can be harsh on a sensitive digestive system.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Both caffeine (in coffee, soda, or energy drinks) and alcohol are irritants that can have a dehydrating effect and should be avoided. Staying properly hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks is a key part of recovery, and these beverages can hinder that process.
A Comparison of Allowed vs. Avoided Foods on the BRAT Diet
To make the exclusions clear, the following table summarizes the types of foods to include and those to avoid during the initial phase of the BRAT diet.
| Food Category | Allowed (on BRAT) | Avoided (not on BRAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Starch/Grains | White rice, white toast, plain crackers | Whole grains (brown rice, whole-wheat bread, bran), high-fiber cereals |
| Fruits | Bananas, unsweetened applesauce | Acidic fruits (citrus, berries), high-fiber or raw fruits |
| Dairy | None initially, some later stages allow low-fat yogurt | All dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream), high-fat dairy |
| Protein | Very lean, cooked meats (unseasoned baked chicken) | Fatty or fried meats (sausage, bacon), fried fish, highly seasoned meat |
| Vegetables | Cooked, soft vegetables (carrots, potatoes) | Raw, fibrous, or gas-producing vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, onions) |
| Fats | Minimal use of bland, non-dairy fats | Fried foods, fatty oils, mayonnaise, butter |
| Beverages | Water, broth, diluted fruit juice | Caffeinated beverages (coffee, soda), alcohol |
| Other | Gelatin (Jello) | Sugary sweets, nuts, seeds, spicy condiments |
The Shift in Medical Guidance
Modern medical advice has moved away from the strict BRAT diet, particularly for children, in favor of reintroducing a more balanced and nutritious diet sooner. Prolonged use of the BRAT diet can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, including protein, fat, and certain vitamins. A bland diet, which includes a wider variety of easily digestible foods beyond just the four BRAT items, is often now recommended to facilitate a quicker, more complete recovery.
This updated approach allows for the inclusion of other foods like cooked lean chicken, potatoes, and mild soups once symptoms improve, providing more nutrients for the body to heal. It's a progression from the initial, very bland stage of the BRAT diet towards a more diverse diet, while still avoiding the irritating foods listed above. Always consult a healthcare provider for the most current guidance on managing digestive illness.
For more information on dietary management during gastrointestinal issues, visit the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website.
Conclusion
While historically used for its simplicity, the list of foods not included in the BRAT diet is extensive and purposeful. Avoiding dairy, fatty foods, spices, raw high-fiber produce, whole grains, caffeine, and alcohol helps minimize irritation to a sensitive digestive system during short-term distress. However, because of its nutritional limitations, a strict BRAT diet should only be followed for a very brief period before gradually reintroducing a wider range of bland, nutrient-dense foods to support a full and timely recovery. It's the exclusions, as much as the inclusions, that define this temporary dietary strategy.
