Recommended Diet For Children With Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is nothing more than an intestinal inflammation. Like so many other illnesses, it can also occur in children. In these cases, it is advisable to take certain precautions to facilitate recovery. Therefore, we will present what is the recommended diet for children with gastroenteritis.
Every child can suffer from stomach pains from time to time. Some may suffer from constipation, while diarrhea, fever or vomiting may also appear.
However, if these conditions recur with any frequency, it may be that the situation deserves more attention than we think. All – except constipation – are symptoms of gastroenteritis, so we must be alert and see the doctor as soon as possible.
Causes of gastroenteritis in children
Although it can appear at any time of year, gastroenteritis in children is more common during spring and summer. Most of these conditions are caused by viruses.
However, they may also find their trigger in other factors, such as the following:
- Bacterial infection : can happen due to a poorly washed bottle or contact with other children. The most common bacteria are salmonella and campylobacter.
- Allergy to some food : some foods can go bad and cause problems in the digestive system.
- Inflammatory diseases .
Although not common in young children, gastroenteritis can also be caused by ulcerative colitis, hyperthyroidism, and Crohn’s disease, among other disorders.
Can gastroenteritis be prevented?
The truth is, there aren’t many precautions to take. When dealing with viruses and bacteria, the best we can do is reinforce hygiene measures at these times of the year. As for rotavirus, one of its causes, vaccines are applied to immunize children at two, four and six months.
Also, with regard to food, it is best to avoid raw and undercooked foods. Likewise, if you are going to offer fruit, they must be peeled.
Recommended diet for children with gastroenteritis
Next, we’ll delve into some points that should be considered regarding the recommended diet for children with gastroenteritis.
1. Hydration is essential
Taking into account the symptoms already mentioned, this disease can lead to dehydration. In fact, it is a very worrying factor for infant mortality in developing countries.
Dehydration can be detected if you notice that the child urinates little, their lips are dry, and their eyes are sunken. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly hydrate it. If you are still breastfeeding, you should breastfeed every hour or hour and a half.
On the other hand, if you are an older child, you should initially offer oral rehydration serum in small amounts so that the child does not vomit again. As the hours pass, it is already possible to return to water consumption.
2. Replace solid with soft
The digestive system is in an abnormal situation where it cannot process food as usual. Therefore, soft foods are the most recommended in the diet for children with gastroenteritis.
Of course, there are certain foods that must be completely eliminated from the diet for at least five days. These are:
- Fats.
- Fried food.
- Dairy products.
- Candy.
- Acidic products.
Rice water is a fantastic first choice for starting recovery. Among its benefits, we find its easy digestibility, its starch content that allows the stomach and irritated intestines to recover, and its natural sugars, which replenish lost energy.
Likewise, lactose-free yogurts can also do you good. They serve to recover the intestinal flora, in addition to providing nutrients that help eliminate infections. However, they are not advisable until the vomiting and diarrhea are gone.
3. Gradually return to normal diet
With proper medication and care, your child will regain his appetite sooner or later. However, a return to normal power cannot happen all at once, although you shouldn’t wait too long to start it either.
On the contrary, you must first incorporate nutritious and easy-to-digest foods. Toast, slowly digesting carbohydrates like pasta – no sauce – and rice are great here.
Of course, fruits cannot be lacking. You can even make fruit puree, to begin a return to normal life with semi-solid meals. Try to avoid the sweetest fruits and juices; also leave out fruits with a laxative effect, such as plums and kiwis.
Finally, you can incorporate the meat in small portions – preferably chicken and fish – accompanied by vegetables and eggs. If the child responds well, in a few days he can return to his usual pace of life.
As can be seen, the recommended diet for children with gastroenteritis plays an important role in recovery. Try to take the necessary precautions and be aware of the gradual decrease in symptoms. If not, see your doctor.
