As the number of cases of cyclosporiasis--the intestinal parasitic infection that leads to frequent and horrific diarrhea--increases in Kentucky, folks may be turning to a popular dietary option that includes nothing but bland foods. The BRAT Diet for Diarrhea and Stomach Illness The old BRAT diet can still provide a starting point, but the current advice is pretty clear..."bland" doesn't have to mean nutritionally empty, especially when an illness lasts more than a day or two.