The BRATT Pack Diet

"Sorry, I can't make it to work today, my stomach is upset..." This all too familiar line from your co-worker when she tells you she can't take your shift because she is nauseated and vomiting all over her apartment. Well, the BRAT diet may become your best friend (or anti-excuse).

Whether or not your co-worker is lying, everybody knows that an upset stomach is an upset body. Diarrhea makes you weak and disgusting and if coupled with nausea and vomiting, food would be the last thing on your mind. Doctors recommend to patients recovering from diarrhea, upset stomach or stomach infection the BRATT Diet:

Diarrhea is a common symptom to a number of diseases. Simply put, diarrhea means that because there has been a noticeable change in your bowel movements, your stools are more loose. It may be caused by viral or bacterial infections, lactose intolerance, or digestive disorders. If left untreated, diarrhea may cause dehydration.

Dyspepsia (also called non-ulcer stomach pain or indigestion) has the following signs and symptoms: discomfort/burning sensation in the upper abdomen or lower chest sometimes relieved by food or antacids, bloating, belching, early fullness when eating and nausea.

The common causes Gastroenteritis (also called stomach flu) includes contact with an infected person or ingestion of contaminated food or water. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and sometimes fever.

The BRAT Diet is often prescribed for all three diseases because the foods are easy to digest and most people tolerate them even with an upset stomach.

The B.R.A.T. Diet stands for:

B- Bananas (mashed)
R- Rice (plain, white and with no seasoning)
A- Apple (grated, no peel or applesauce is preferable if available)
T -Toast (no butter or margarine included)

Some variations include: B.R.A.T. plus Y- Yogurt and the BRATT diet, which stands for: B.R.A.T. plus T-Tea
After you have recovered, it is best to stick to a bland diet for a few more days and avoid the following foods:

-Milk and dairy products only when you are lactose intolerant
-Fried, greasy, or spicy foods can irritate the stomach
-Rich desserts
-Raw?fruits and vegetables?such as onions, figs, raisins, cherries and corn.

- Some citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit can be an irritation to people with sensitive stomachs.
- Alcohol and caffeinated drinks since they have a diuretic/dehydrating effect and you want to preserve fluids when dealing with diarrhea.

However, it is important to note that the BRAT diet is but part of the recovery plan and must be started once your doctor gives you permission to start eating solid foods usually when the nausea and vomiting is controlled.

It is only to assist your stomach to gradually transition from upset to well. If you notice, it does not include any fluids. For those recovering from diarrhea, fluid replacement is always a MUST. Fluids lost must be replaced along with the right amount of electrolytes. It is also lacking in important protein, fat and fiber.
So, the next time your co-worker calls in sick, give advice in a 'B.R.A.T.T.Y.' manner.