Why is the "BRAT" diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) so often recommended for people recovering from diarrhea? What do these foods have in common, and are there other foods that work as well?

--Ann

The elements of the BRAT diet are foods low in fiber and residue. Other foods like this are crackers, cooked cereals, pasta, rice, and vegetable or fruit juice (but not prune juice -- it will make diarrhea worse). Raw vegetables, coffee, milk, cheese, and fried or fatty foods should be avoided for a week after your symptoms subside. Drink plenty of fluids (water, broth, caffeine-free soda, juice). Try for the equivalent of 10 glasses of water a day. See your doctor if the symptoms recur.