It’s not a meal with an attitude problem. If you’ve ever had to care for a sick child — or maybe you’ve been the one curled up on the couch with nausea or diarrhea — you’ve probably heard of the BRAT diet. But what does it really mean, and when is it appropriate to use the BRAT diet?

Senior Clinical Dietitian Christine Siebel answers common questions and shares how it helps to manage common gastrointestinal issues, particularly for cancer patients.

What is the BRAT diet?

The BRAT diet is a short-term nutritional strategy designed to help people with diarrhea by providing easy-to-digest, low-fiber foods. The acronym stands for:

• Bananas
• white Rice
• Applesauce
• white Toast

These are all foods that are well-tolerated by most people during bouts of GI distress.

“These foods help to solidify stools and ease symptoms without irritating the stomach further,” Siebel says.

Although the diet is helpful, she notes that it’s not nutritionally complete and should not be followed long-term. If you’re following the BRAT diet, you should start to incorporate other bland, low-fat and low-fiber foods into your diet as soon as you feel comfortable.

When should cancer patients use the BRAT diet?

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common side effects for cancer patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. Siebel explains that the BRAT diet can help ease those symptoms in the short-term.

However, you should always check in with your care team if you're having these symptoms often.

Stay hydrated

What you’re eating matters, but hydration should be your first priority. “Diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration, which is the biggest concern for patients experiencing these side effects. It’s not just about replacing the fluid, but also the electrolytes your body loses,” Siebel says.

She recommends hydrating with liquids that contain both sugar and electrolytes, such as diluted juice or sports drinks. “Water alone won’t cut it. You need something that replenishes both the water and the essential electrolytes your body is losing,” she explains.

If you don’t have access to specialized electrolyte hydration solutions or sports drinks, Siebel suggests making your own. “You can create an oral rehydration solution at home with water, a pinch of salt, and sugar. You can also add a splash of your favorite juice. It can be a simple, effective way to help with hydration.”

What about nausea?

While the BRAT diet is most often associated with diarrhea, it can also provide relief for nausea and vomiting. The same principles apply: bland, low-fat, easy-to-digest foods are key.

If you have nausea, Siebel recommends eating small, frequent meals, even when you don’t feel like it. “It’s important to avoid letting your stomach stay empty for too long, as that can worsen nausea,” she says. “Small, frequent meals can help manage or even prevent nausea while adding needed calories and protein to support daily nutrition needs.”

Siebel also recommended cold foods, as they’re less likely to trigger nausea due to their lack of strong odors. Canned peaches, applesauce and even plain yogurt can be soothing, especially if they’re cold, she says.

What if you already have dietary restrictions?

If you have food sensitivities, like gluten allergies, you may wonder how the BRAT diet fits into your needs. Siebel notes that there are gluten-free options for the toast and crackers typically used in the BRAT diet. “Gluten-free bread can substitute regular white bread,” she explains. “And you can also add mashed potatoes without the skin or other bland foods like oatmeal.”

The BRAT diet is temporary

While the BRAT diet can help you manage GI symptoms, it’s important to remember that it should only be used in the short term, and you should try to mix in other low-fat, low-fiber foods as soon as you feel like you can stomach them. “Ultimately, we want cancer patients to get back to a more balanced, nutrient-rich diet as soon as possible,” Siebel says. “The BRAT diet is just one part of the journey toward recovery.”

That’s an important reminder if you don’t love the idea of eating such a starchy diet. “It can be really frustrating,” Siebel says. “Patients often feel like they’re going backward when they’re told to eat white bread and plain rice instead of whole grains or other nutrient-dense foods.”

The bottom line: stay hydrated, take small bites and always communicate with your care team when you’re dealing with GI problems. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a dietitian who can guide you through the process of managing your diet during treatment.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.