Apparently, BRAT is out
Yes I’m still talking about gastro. My daughter is in the clear and I think I can safely say I’m coming out of it too. This is the first day where I felt human, albeit a bit tired.
I was just looking around and on Parent Center I discovered that doctors no longer advocate the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). According to a doctor quoted on the site:
“The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) was once very commonly advocated, but we no longer recommend it because it lacks protein and other vital nutrients,” says William John Cochran, associate professor of pediatrics at the Geisinger Clinic in Danville, Pennsylvania.
Studies show that reintroducing a standard diet soon after acute symptoms ease can actually shorten a child’s bout of gastroenteritis by half a day because it restores nutrients to the system that are necessary to fight infection. On the other hand, if the bug kills your child’s appetite and she misses a few days of good nutrition, don’t worry. As long as she’s hydrated, she’ll be fine.
Now, the AAP suggests that people with a gastro can resume a form of a normal diet as soon as they feel they can (no pun intended) stomach it. They recommend things such as whole grains, lean meats, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. Basically, nothing fatty or greasy, no dairy (other than yogurt), no caffeine, and nothing spicy.
That’s fascinating! I wish I had read that sooner since I’m currently a little lightheaded from eating nothing more than chicken soup broth, congee (a Chinese porridge made from rice and water), and applesauce with an occasional slice of toast. Oops! Next time I’ll know and so will you!
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POSTED IN: Mothering
3 opinions for Apparently, BRAT is out
Lill Hawkins
Dec 9, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Believe it or not, the last time we had gastro around here, I ate what the vet recommended for our dog when she had gastro. White rice boiled with ground lamb. When we got better, I added grated carrots to it. It worked for us and we never felt really weak and lightheaded like we have in the past from gastro.
I’m glad you’re all feeling better.
Lill
Sarah
Dec 12, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Do you think this is true for people of all ages?
What about when the diarrhea is accompanied with vomiting?
Though my infant may not be getting all those other nutrients, after only one day of the BRAT diet things improve to a point where her poor skin can start healing. Nothing is worse for diaper rash than two weeks of the runs!!
BRAT Attack « The Cole Mine
Feb 18, 2008 at 2:31 pm
[...] Many of you moms have most likely heard about the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. It’s a diet commonly recommended after a bout with an intestinal bug. That’s why I was so surprised when our pediatrician advised Josh to stay off dairy for a day, but then to get back to our normal way of eating. So I googled it and found the latest info on BRAT. THIS is interesting as is THIS. [...]
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