• spoiled brat
• military brat
• Brat Pack, a slang term for a group of young actors in the 1980s who made several movies together
• Da Brat, a rapper popular in the 1990s
• Brother (1997 film) and Brother-2, Russian crime films also known as Brat and Brat-2
• Bratz (dolls), a line of dolls which started production in 2001
• Brats, a 1930 Laurel and Hardy film
• bratwurst
• "Brat" (song), on the Green Day album Insomniac
• The Brat, a 1931 film directed by John Ford
• The B.R.A.T. Patrol, a 1986 television movie starring a young Sean Astin

It can be an acronym for:

• Subaru BRAT, a pickup truck manufactured by Subaru
• BRAT diet, a diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast given to patients with various forms of gastrointestinal distress.
• Biroul Român de Audit al Tirajelor (Romanian Audit Bureaux of Circulations)

The BRAT diet is a historically prescribed treatment for patients with various forms of gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea, dyspepsia, and/or gastroenteritis. The BRAT diet consists of foods that are relatively bland, easy to digest, and low in fiber. Low-fiber foods are recommended because foods high in fiber may cause gas, possibly worsening the gastrointestinal upset. Current recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics state that for most children continuing a normal, age appropriate diet is preferred. The foods from the BRAT diet may be added, but should not replace normal, tolerated foods. Sugary drinks and carbonated beverages should be avoided.

A well-balanced diet is best even during diarrhea, but studies have found that incorporating foods from the BRAT diet can reduce the severity of diarrhea (see Contrary medical advice). Applesauce provides pectin, as does toast with grape jelly.

The BRAT diet should include additional protein supplements such as tofu or protein pills.

BRAT is the mnemonic acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast, the staples of the diet. Extensions to the BRAT diet include BRATT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Tea) and BRATY (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Yogurt).

Contrary medical advice

In 2007, Debora Duro and Christopher Duggan reported that bananas and rice have been shown to have a positive effect on the bowels, but recommended caution in using the diet. In vitro research has found that rice may offer anti-secretory benefits. In studies of choleric patients, rice-based oral re-hydration solutions help decrease stool volume and stop diarrhea sooner. Duro and Duggan referenced a meta-analysis that looked at thirteen studies. The banana’s high content of amylase-resistant starch has been shown to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa in animals and reduce symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia and peptic ulcer in people. Amylase-resistant starch is broken down into short-chain fatty acids in the colon, a process that may reduce water and electrolyte losses and benefit GI symptoms. Duro and Duggan cite one study in which adding pectin or bananas to the diet significantly decreased stool weight and stopped diarrhea much sooner, compared with a rice diet alone.

Adding rice, bananas, or pectin to the diet during diarrhea may be beneficial, but Duro and Duggan point out that the BRAT diet is not nutritionally complete and may be deficient in Calories, fat, protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B₁₂, and calcium. Duro and Duggan also say that food restriction does not benefit diarrhea and actually causes individuals to suffer from diarrhea for longer periods of time, based on randomized clinical trials.

In addition to dietary restrictions, medical professionals recommended that all patients, regardless of age, intake plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, along with oral rehydration solutions to replace the depleted electrolytes to avoid salt imbalance. Severe, untreated salt imbalance can result in "extreme weakness, confusion, coma, or death."

Contact your health care provider if the following symptoms occur:

• If there is any blood or mucous present in the diarrhea.
• If the diarrhea is severe or if it lasts longer than 3 days.

Alternative

An alternative diet that is being researched is the CRAM diet (Cereal, Rice, and Milk) since it may add more complete protein and needed fat into the diet.

Food Summary

BRAT(TY) Diet

• Bananas
• Rices
• Applesauce
• Toast
• Tea
• Yogurt

Alternative (CRAM)

• Cereal
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Milk

Contrary medical advice

Starches

• Rice
• Potatoes
• Noodles
• Crackers
• Bananas

Cereals:

• Rice
• Wheat
• Oat Cereals

Other:

• Soup
• Yogurt
• Vegetables
• Fresh Fruits

Avoid

• Soft Drinks
• Undiluted Apple Juice
• Jell-O
• Presweetened Cereals

References