Charli XCX has been taking social media by storm this summer with her “Brat” trend, sparked by the release of her sixth studio album.
Defined by her party-animal antics, she encourages women to embrace their imperfections, refuse to be held to certain standards, and instead embrace chaos.
Earlier this month, Deutsche Bank even announced that it was “looking for a financial brat” – a trader who was not afraid to take risks.
And MailOnline can reveal that the ‘BRAT’ diet, which has in fact been around for more than a century, has long been backed by health professionals.
The diet is specifically designed for those who are unfortunate enough to suffer from diarrhea and other stomach problems.
In recognition of Brat’s cultural significance, the 31-year-old singer (pictured) launched baby T-shirts emblazoned with the word ‘Brat’ as official merchandise.
The BRAT diet, which has actually been around for over a century, has long been endorsed by health professionals. The diet is specifically designed for those unfortunate enough to suffer from diarrhea and other stomach problems.
It consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast: four foods that are easy to prepare and widely available.
They are believed to help calm the digestive tract and reduce symptoms of an upset stomach, facilitating recovery.
Since the 1920s it has been widely recommended for both children and adults, including pregnant women experiencing problems such as morning sickness.
In addition to being a soft, relatively tasteless food that is easy on the stomach, bananas contain pectin, a starch that can make stool firmer.
Bananas also contain potassium, a key electrolyte that our bodies need but often lose through vomiting and diarrhea.
White rice and toast are recommended, as they are low-fiber foods and easy to digest.
Applesauce is generally considered to be easier to digest than whole fruit, although it still contains soluble fiber and pectin, along with some nutrients.
However, experts told MailOnline that while the diet could be “effective”, Britons should not follow such a limited eating plan “long-term” or for more than 48 hours.
Registered dietitian and author Rob Hobson said the prolonged BRAT diet can lead to malnutrition and low energy because it contains “too few calories and not enough vital nutrients”.
He added: ‘Make sure you’re really well hydrated.
‘If you are bloated you can eliminate cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, as they are high in sulfur and cause gas.
“It’s definitely not a weight loss diet. There are much more sensible ways to lose weight.”
While it’s also a “simple and enjoyable diet” that can help combat a hangover, “I wouldn’t recommend it as the perfect hangover cure,” she said. “Stick to something light.”
The NHS now recommends a soft diet as a remedy for digestive problems.
Defined by her party-going antics, Brat encourages women to embrace their imperfections, refuse to be held to certain standards and embrace chaos. Earlier this month, Deutsche Bank even announced it was “looking for a brat in finance.”
Food should be cooked rather than eaten raw as this makes it easier to digest, the health service advises.
It also encourages eating foods that are easier to break down and digest, including eggs, broth, lean meats like tofu or white fish, and steamed or boiled vegetables like carrots, green beans, or potatoes.
Other recommendations include oatmeal, soft fruits such as avocado and melon, or creamy peanut butter.
In comparison, experts often recommend avoiding spicy, fried or greasy foods, alcohol, caffeine and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale.
Health professionals have long advised Britons to see a doctor if diarrhoea does not improve within a day or two or is accompanied by other symptoms.
These may include high fever, severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools, or excessive thirst, which can be a sign of dehydration.
