The BRAT and CRAM gastrointestinal diets are often recommended by physicians for gastroenteritis and/or severe diarrhea.

The BRAT acronym stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

The CRAM acronym stands for grain, rice and milk.

When a person suffers from severe dehydration caused by diarrhea and/or vomiting, fluid loss must be replaced. Years ago, doctors recommended a BRAT diet for a few days until gastroenteritis subsided, but now the diet has been replaced by the CRAM diet because it contains more protein and fat than the BRAT diet.

Symptoms of dehydration include, but are not limited to, dry mouth, inadequate urination, dark urine, headache, increased heart rate, dry skin, flushed skin, fatigue, fever, chills, extreme thirst and muscle cramps.

Once vomiting subsides and the patient can tolerate fluid intake, it is also important to start oral rehydration therapy. Patients are strongly advised to start with caffeine-free soft drinks, low-acid juices and soups to help replenish fluid loss. These drinks are usually recommended for 24-48 hours.

The following is a list of recommended foods and beverages:

Ory oatmeal

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Rice grain

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Toast

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Wheat cream

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pudding

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Gelatin [jelly]

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Chicken or beef soup

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Dried ginger

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Caffeine-free cola

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water

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Italian ice

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Popsicle [juice or rootbeer flavor]

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banana

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Rice

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Applesauce

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Yogurt

If your symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or if you have abdominal pain, vomiting blood, blood in your stool, or a fever above 101 degrees, you can call your doctor or go to your local hospital or health clinic.

What is BRAT and CRAM gastrointestinal discomfort diet? was originally published on Spring