Dietary Considerations to Consider when Children have Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an unpleasant subject. It’s even more unpleasant when the condition happens to your child. Here’s what you gotta know about: the Brat Diet, diarrhea and your children.
At this time it is difficult to say who is having the most unsettling moments, adult or child? Parents have heard a variety of recommendations when it comes to treating their children for diarrhea. One of the most important factors to keep in mind is that if you go overboard with the treatments you can make matters worse.
When you were a child, chances are your parents tried a variety of treatments to help you when you had your own problems with diarrhea. Sometimes, perhaps they used old family remedies. Sometimes, perhaps they tried a remedy that was recommended because it once worked for a neighbor. Other parents may have chosen to follow the advice of everyone’s favorite kids’ physician, Dr. Spock.
Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends getting back to the basics. Although there are some differing treatments that are based on a child’s needs and age there is no need to confuse the situation. KISS, stands for keep it simple, stupid; and this sums up the fact that simple, natural solutions are often the best idea.
Bottom Line Brat Diet: Diarrhea:
In some cases, special fluids are called for if children have symptoms that indicate they have moderate diarrhea. Beverages such as Gatorade, Pedialyte or similar beverages that contain essential electrolytes can help fight dehydration if your child has been vomiting as well as having loose, watery stools. These kinds of fluids will help them regain the fluid lost through illness. As always you should first check with your child’s pediatrician to get his specific recommendations.
You should also have some knowledge about how to modify your the diet of your children when they are experiencing episodes of diarrhea. It may be possible for you to feed your child a regular diet as long as there is no active vomiting involved. Solid food will actually help control the loose stools and can more quickly restore bowel movements that are formed. The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend feeding your child smaller amounts of food during this time. This will lessen the chance of the solid foods upsetting your child’s hypersensitive, digestive tract
Another suggestion for parents is to use a modified diet designed to help provide adequate nutrition and quick recovery from bouts of diarrhea. One easy mnemonic to remember is BRAT. This refers to a specific type of diet which can be very helpful in most instances involving diarrhea. BRAT is a soothing dietary regimen that only includes four simple, easily accessible and affordable ingredients; Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. (But the more common version is Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast, applesauce is often substituted for those who might be finicky eaters , like children and the elderly who may have other dietary or dexterity issues).
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides a solid source of do’s and don’t when it comes to diarrhea interventions. Here are some important facts to remember.
- DO Keep track of how much fluid your child is drinking so you can make sure they are not becoming dehydrated.
- DO Only restrict food if there is active vomiting involved.
- Do NOT use homemade remedies or over the counter (OTC) preparations that claim to cure diarrhea.
- Consult your family pediatrician / doctor about the necessary treatment your child needs.
- Let your health care provider know that you will be feeding your child the BRAT diet and they will let you know if there are any more detailed instructions regarding the BRAT that you need to follow.