Crohn’s disease can be a challenging and unpredictable condition to manage. One day, everything feels fine; the next, a flare-up rears its head, bringing fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a host of other symptoms. While there’s no “one-size-fits-all” treatment for these tough moments, certain changes to your diet can provide much-needed relief. Enter the BRAT diet, a soothing, minimal-effort eating regimen that’s been used for years to deal with digestive distress.

If you’ve been looking for a way to help your body recover during a Crohn’s flare-up, the BRAT diet could be worth exploring. Here’s everything you need to know about what the BRAT diet is, why it may help with flare-ups, tips for following it safely, and how to transition back to your regular diet once your symptoms ease.

What Is the BRAT Diet?

The BRAT diet is a simple, gentle-to-digest eating plan consisting of four key foods:

  • Bananas
  • Rice
  • Applesauce
  • Toast

Sounds basic, right? That’s the point! These bland, low-fiber foods are designed to give your digestive system a chance to rest and recover when it’s feeling overwhelmed. The BRAT diet has long been recommended for managing nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomachs because the foods are:

  • Easy to digest: They won’t irritate your gut or make your symptoms worse.
  • Low in fiber: Fiber is usually great for digestion, but during a flare-up, too much can exacerbate diarrhea or discomfort.
  • Binding: These foods can help bulk up your stool and reduce diarrhea.
  • Non-irritating: They don’t contain spicy, fatty, or acidic ingredients that could aggravate an inflamed digestive tract.

Although the BRAT diet isn’t a long-term solution, it’s a helpful short-term tool for getting through the worst of a Crohn’s flare-up.

Why the BRAT Diet Can Help During a Crohn’s Flare-Up

When Crohn’s symptoms flare, your intestines are often inflamed and overly sensitive. Eating heavy, greasy, or fiber-rich meals when you’re in this state can make things worse, adding to bloating, pain, and diarrhea. The BRAT diet, on the other hand, is deliberately mild. It’s like putting a blanket over your digestive system to calm things down.

Here’s how each of the BRAT foods works to ease symptoms:

  • Bananas: Gentle on your stomach and rich in potassium, which helps replace electrolytes lost during bouts of diarrhea. They can also promote stool consistency thanks to their soluble fiber (don’t worry, it’s low enough not to irritate your gut).
  • Rice: Plain white rice is easy to digest and provides your body with carbohydrates for energy without overloading your system.
  • Applesauce: Contains natural sugars for energy and pectin, a type of soluble fiber that helps firm up runny stools. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid extra sugar that might worsen symptoms.
  • Toast: Simple, dry toast is easy for your stomach to handle and can give you a little energy when your appetite is low. Whole-grain bread may be too fibrous during a flare, so plain white bread is preferred for this diet.

Together, these foods create a foundation of calories and nutrients to keep your body running without putting more stress on your already-distressed digestive system.

Tips for Following the BRAT Diet During a Flare-Up

While the BRAT diet is straightforward, a few tips can make it even easier and more effective for managing Crohn’s flare-ups.

1. Keep Meals Small and Frequent

Eating small portions every few hours will be easier on your digestive system than larger meals. Try having a few slices of banana in the morning, a bit of rice at lunch, and a small serving of applesauce later in the day. Spread out your intake to avoid overloading your stomach.

2. Stay Hydrated

Diarrhea during a flare-up can leave you dehydrated, which only worsens symptoms. Make a point to drink plenty of water, clear broths, or electrolyte-rich beverages. Avoid anything sugary, caffeinated, or carbonated, as these can be irritating.

3. Modify as Needed

The traditional BRAT diet may not work perfectly for everyone with Crohn’s, so don’t be afraid to tweak it to suit your unique needs. For example:

  • Bananas too much? Try pears or boiled potatoes instead.
  • Plain rice doesn’t appeal? Add a splash of low-sodium broth for flavor.
  • Toast feels dry? Add a thin layer of smooth almond butter or mashed avocado for healthy fats.

4. Rest Your Digestive System Further

If eating even bland foods feels like too much, consider starting with clear liquids (like broth or diluted juice) until your stomach settles enough to handle solids. Then gradually work back up to BRAT diet staples.

5. Listen to Your Body

The BRAT diet is meant to help calm symptoms, not intensify them. If you find that certain items on the list don’t sit well with you, swap them out for other gentle alternatives like boiled eggs, baked chicken (without seasoning), or plain mashed potatoes.

When and How to Transition Back to a Regular Diet

The BRAT diet isn’t intended to be followed for more than a few days. While it’s great for calming your gut, it doesn’t provide all the nutrients your body needs long-term, especially for someone managing Crohn’s.

Signs It’s Time to Transition Back

You can start reintroducing other foods when:

  • Your diarrhea has stopped or significantly decreased.
  • You’re no longer feeling nauseated.
  • Your energy levels start to improve.

How to Reintroduce Foods Safely

Transitioning back to your regular diet should be a gradual process to avoid shocking your digestive system. Start by adding other mild, easily digestible foods such as:

  • Baked or boiled chicken (without seasoning).
  • Plain scrambled eggs.
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables (carrots, zucchini).
  • Non-citrus fruits like melon, peeled apples, or pears.

Avoid spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods until your stomach feels completely stable. You’ll eventually be able to return to your regular Crohn’s-friendly eating plan, but easing into it is key.

The Role of the BRAT Diet in a Broader Crohn’s Management Plan

While the BRAT diet can offer short-term relief during a flare-up, it’s just one tool in the toolbox for managing Crohn’s. Long-term success depends on:

  • Working with Your Doctor: Medications and treatments tailored to your condition are vital for reducing inflammation and managing symptoms over the long haul.
  • Maintaining a Balanced Diet: Once your flare passes, focus on a nutrient-rich eating plan that supports your overall health. This may include plenty of lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (depending on your tolerance).
  • Avoiding Trigger Foods: Everyone’s triggers are different, but common culprits include caffeine, spicy foods, and high-dairy or high-fat meals. Keep a food diary to identify yours.
  • Staying Hydrated and Stress-Free: Both hydration and stress management play a big role in keeping Crohn’s symptoms at bay.

When a Crohn’s flare-up strikes, the BRAT diet offers a simple, comforting way to hit pause, stabilize your digestive system, and start feeling like yourself again. With its bland, gentle foods and easy-to-follow structure, it’s an effective short-term strategy for easing symptoms like diarrhea and cramping.