Children go through episodes of gastroenteritis more often than we would like, most often caused by viruses. Historically it has been recommended astringent diarrhea diets, but currently it is not advised. Diarrhea affects the intestinal mucosa and all nutrients are necessary for it to regenerate.
Therefore, prolonged fasting should be avoided, although it is not recommended to force eating. The loss of fluids and electrolytes due to gastroenteritis can lead to a dehydration, especially if diarrhea and vomiting are combined.
This is more frequent in the small child, because it has a greater body surface area in relation to weight than the adult and, therefore, greater losses. Those are some feeding tips if there are mild diarrhea in babies and children:
If the baby is breastfed, it should not be suspended. Sometimes it will be necessary to make more shots to recover losses, so demand can increase.
If the baby is breast-fed, it is not necessary to modify the type of milk or prepare the bottles differently (in concentration or composition).
In the case of older children, it is not necessary to make important changes. Appetizing foods for children should be used as slow-absorbing carbohydrates such as pasta. Lean meats, fish, dairy and fruits should not be restricted.
Yes, it is convenient to avoid very fatty foods (fried), very sweet (juices), with a low nutritional level (candies, cakes, etc.) or with recognized laxative power, such as the foods we are talking about here (plums, kiwis ...) .
Remember that gastroenteritis treatment It is based on three pillars: a correct state of hydration (rehydration is important, because, as we have indicated, the greatest danger is dehydration due to the loss of body fluids), an early feeding and avoiding antibiotics and drugs against vomiting. Soon we will talk about cases of acute diarrhea.
