CRAM diet

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss and sleep centers

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The CRAM diet, an acronym for Cereal, Rice, Applesauce, and Milk, is a short-term dietary regimen employed predominantly to alleviate symptoms of diarrhea and gastroenteritis. It is particularly noted for offering a more well-rounded nutritional profile, including enhanced protein and fat content, when compared to the more traditional BRAT diet.

Overview

Originating as a means to mitigate digestive upset, the CRAM diet provides essential nutrients while being gentle on the stomach. This makes it an effective tool for managing diarrhea, especially in younger patients who might be more susceptible to nutritional deficiencies.

Recent Research

Recent hospital studies conducted in South America and Asia have corroborated the benefits of incorporating cereals, rice, and milk for managing stomach upset. These findings suggest that the CRAM diet may be superior to the BRAT diet in alleviating diarrhea symptoms more swiftly.

Dr. John Snyder, a reputable professor of pediatrics at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center and a distinguished member of the American Academy of Pediatrics subcommittee dedicated to the treatment of acute diarrhea, asserts:

"The CRAM diet not only appears to ameliorate the symptoms of diarrhea more rapidly, but the inclusion of milk ensures the child receives comprehensive protein and essential fats, elements that are deficient in the BRAT diet."

Hydration Necessity

Diarrhea and gastroenteritis can precipitate severe dehydration. Consequently, it's imperative to supplement the CRAM diet with oral rehydration therapy (ORT) to compensate for fluid losses. This can be achieved through:

• Commercial electrolyte solutions (e.g., Pedialyte, Gatorade)
• Food-derived liquids like broths or gruels
• Dr. Snyder emphasizes the importance of pairing the CRAM diet with an electrolyte-balancing drink. Furthermore, he strongly advises seeking medical intervention if diarrhea symptoms are pronounced or if signs of dehydration emerge, including dry mouth, infrequent urination, lethargy, and an accelerated heartbeat.

Alternative Diets

There are various alternatives to the CRAM diet:

• * BRAT diet: Comprising bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
• * BRATT diet: Incorporates bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and tea.
• * BRATTY diet: A combination of bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, tea, and yogurt.

Conclusion

While the CRAM diet provides a comprehensive approach to managing diarrhea and gastroenteritis, it's crucial to monitor the affected individual for signs of dehydration. Additionally, medical advice should be sought to ensure the most appropriate treatment is applied, especially in persistent or severe cases.

See Also

• Diarrhea
• Gastroenteritis
• Oral rehydration therapy
• Pediatrics