Diarrhea is something which bothers every parent, as it drains too much fluid and makes your little one feel weak. It is a digestive problem that causes loose and watery stool, three to four times a day. Diarrhea in kids is a common condition, which can lead to dehydration or even more serious problems.

Diarrhea  is common in all age groups of kids and is unavoidable because you can’t stop them from playing and getting infected. Infection from viruses like rotavirus, bacteria like salmonella and rarely parasites like giardia are the most common causes of diarrhea in kids.

Causes of Diarrhea in kids.

The suspected causes of diarrhea in kids are:

• Virus, commonly called stomach flu.
• Bacterial infection
• Food intolerance like lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance
• Food allergy
• Reaction to medicines.
• Weaker digestive system.

Symptoms of diarrhea in kids:

Diarrhea can be acute or severe, where acute diarrhea lasts for not more than a week. Severe or prolonged diarrhea lasts longer and  has many other signs. Symptoms of diarrhea in kids may vary from child to child. Generally the symptoms may include.

• Upset stomach
• Loose and watery stool
• Abdominal pain
• Vomition
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Bloody stool
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

When to consult a doctor?

Mild symptoms of diarrhea can be treated at home. However, if your child develops any of the below mentioned symptoms, consult your pediatrician.

• If diarrhea persists for more than a week.
• Vomiting along with diarrhea.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Increase in the baby’s body temperature more than 101 degree Fahrenheit.
• Blood in stool.
• If the baby is losing weight.
• If there are symptoms of dehydration in a baby.

Tips for diarrhea in kids:

Rehydration: Rehydration is the process of restoring lost water or fluid to the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommended Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) as essential for clinical treatment of acute diarrhea. ORS treats dehydration caused by severe diarrhea through the replacement of lost fluid, salt, sugar, potassium and other nutrients. Ask your doctor about what type and quantity of ORS to be used.

Maintain hygiene: The most important thing is to maintain a hygienic surrounding. Keep every belonging of your child clean and properly sterilized as far as possible. Proper handwashing can help prevent diarrhea.

Developing immunity: To boost up your kid’s immunity to fight infections just stick to nutrient rich foods, probiotics and follow their vaccination schedule.

Home remedies and foods to overcome diarrhea

Besides keeping your baby hydrated, it is also important to take care of their diet. Offer small meals to your baby at regular intervals. Foods rich in carbohydrates help to maintain the energy level of the body during diarrhea. Potassium rich foods are also important, which may be lost in large quantities through diarrhea. Here is the list of foods that you can offer to your baby during diarrhea:

1.Sugar salt solution:

The body loses a lot of sugar and salt during diarrhea, which is the main cause of dehydration in kids. The first home remedy for diarrhea is homemade sugar salt solution. Boil one liter water let it cool, now add one teaspoon of salt and 8 teaspoons of sugar. Give this solution in regular interval. This is an excellent remedy to keep your baby hydrated during diarrhea.

2.Banana:

It is best to give during diarrhea as it helps to harden the stool. Banana is the rich source of potassium, which helps to balance electrolytes lost due to frequent loose motions. It is a rich source of iron and fiber which contributes to a healthy digestive tract. It is a superfood which can be used as a complete plant to treat digestion.

Also check, How to use banana stem in food everyday?

3.Buttermilk:

Buttermilk is rich in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, protein, carbohydrates and low in fat. It has great probiotics properties that help to increase the production of good bacteria in the digestive tract, which improves kids gut health, boosts immunity and prevents acidity. It helps to ease the discomfort in the digestive tract. (Nutritious summer drinks for kids keep hydrated)

4.Boiled potato:

Potatoes are easy to digest and best to give your baby during diarrhea as it is high in carbohydrate and provides adequate energy that is lost during loose motion.

5.Coconut water:

It is a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, potassium, fiber and natural enzymes, which promotes proper digestion. It is rich in nutrients and electrolytes, which makes it an excellent choice to control dehydration. (Coconut remedy for cough for kids)

6.Nutmeg:

Nutmeg or Jaiphal has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce microbial infection and reduces intestinal inflammation. It also has anti-secretory components which helps to reduce the loss of fluid from the body during diarrhea. You can make the powder by rubbing nutmeg on the stone grinder. Give your baby a pinch of this powder with some water. This is also great to treat cold and cough. (Foods and remedies to help with cold and flu)

7.Ginger juice:

Ginger has antibacterial properties that help heal internal infections. This is a reason why ginger juice stands to be effective in treating diarrhoea in children. Add some grated ginger to 500ml of boiling water. Drain the water and let it cool . give sip of this drink to your child throughout the day

8.Lemon juice:

While suffering from diarrhoea, a glass full of lemon juice can help ease the symptoms by neutralising the acids in the stomach and countering bacterial infections.

9.MOONG DAL (MUNG BEAN): 

Mung bean (Moong dal) is an outstanding prebiotic,which helps to maintain gut health. Rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, It helps in digestion and adds more bulk to stool. It is extremely high in Protein, which digests slowly and keeps the kids energetic.(Why to sprout beans for kids?)

10. RICE WATER:

Rice water is starchy water left after rice is cooked. It is a great source of energy, as it contains carbohydrates. It also maintains the fluid level of the body and decreases the frequency of stool.

Foods to avoid during diarrhea.

When your baby is having diarrhea or in the recovery phase, you should avoid these foods.

• Milk and dairy products
• Fried  and greasy foods
• Spicy foods
• Processed foods specially those with addictive
• Foods that cause extra gas like  such as cabbage, beans, broccoli, and cauliflower.

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