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Does Brat Diet Help To Treat Diarrhoea In A Kid?
My 21 month old granddaughter has diarrhea. Should we feed her the brat diet? If so, for how long? She goes to daycare 5 days a week, was teething, and is exposed to multiple households weekly that are comprised of school aged children and working adults. Thank you, Jana
Mon, 3 Apr 2023
Hello,
Experts now say the BRAT diet may not be the best option for children who are ill. Because BRAT diet foods are low in fiber, protein, and fat, the diet lacks enough nutrition to help a child's gastrointestinal tract recover. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that kids resume eating a normal, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age within 24 hours of getting sick.
The diet should include a mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, yogurt, and complex carbohydrates. Both children and adults who are ill need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water is good, but adding broth, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution can help replace lost electrolytes.
Contact a pediatrician if you see the following symptoms in the child:
1) Diarrhea that lasts for more than three days
2) A temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
3) Reduced urine
4) Lightheadedness
5) Sunken eyes or no tears.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
Experts now say the BRAT diet may not be the best option for children who are ill. Because BRAT diet foods are low in fiber, protein, and fat, the diet lacks enough nutrition to help a child's gastrointestinal tract recover. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that kids resume eating a normal, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age within 24 hours of getting sick.
The diet should include a mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, yogurt, and complex carbohydrates. Both children and adults who are ill need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Water is good, but adding broth, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution can help replace lost electrolytes.
Contact a pediatrician if you see the following symptoms in the child:
1) Diarrhea that lasts for more than three days
2) A temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
3) Reduced urine
4) Lightheadedness
5) Sunken eyes or no tears.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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