Recommended Diet For Children With Gastroenteritis

If your child suffers from symptoms of gastroenteritis, he or she should stay away from certain foods for a few days.

Gastroenteritis is nothing but an inflammation of the intestine. As with many other diseases, it often occurs in children.

When it does occur, it is a good idea to make certain reservations to facilitate healing. In this article, you will find information about the recommended diet for children with gastroenteritis.

Children may suffer from abdominal pain from time to time. Some suffer from constipation, diarrhea, fever and even vomiting.

If these symptoms persist and return with some frequency, the child may suffer from gastroenteritis. 

As parents, we should know how to identify these symptoms so that we know when to consult with the pediatrician as soon as possible.

Causes of gastroenteritis in children

Although it can occur at any time of the year,  gastroenteritis is most prevalent throughout the spring and summer,  and its cause is mostly viral.

Gastroenteritis can also be provoked by the following factors:

• Bacterial infection:  This can occur if a baby’s bottle is not washed properly, or due to contact with other children. The most common causes of this type of gastroenteritis are salmonella and campylobacter.
• Food allergy :  Some foods may not be acceptable by the baby’s body, which may cause problems in their digestive system.
• Inflammatory diseases.

Although not commonly seen in young children, gastroenteritis can also be caused by ulcerative colitis, hyperthyroidism, Crohn’s disease and other disorders.

Can it be prevented?

The truth is that there are too many reservations to take. Since we are dealing with viruses and bacteria, the best thing parents can do is to strengthen hygienic conditions. 

In case gastroenteritis is caused by rotavirus, there are vaccines that can immunize the baby.

In  accordance with the preparation of the food, it is best to avoid raw foods. If you offer your child fruit, make sure they are washed and peeled.

Recommended diet for children suffering from gastroenteritis

Here are some points to keep in mind when it comes to children with gastroenteritis:

1. Hydration is essential

Due to the symptoms that we have mentioned earlier,  this influence can lead to dehydration. It is the leading cause of infant mortality in developing countries.

Dehydration can be  detected if you see the baby urinate less than normal, if their lips are dry and if their eyes are sunken. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to hydrate the baby immediately. If the baby is still being breastfed, offer him breast milk every hour.

According to older children,  you can offer them rehydration salts in small amounts. After a few hours, the baby can return to drinking water.

1. Replace solid foods with soft foods

When one suffers from gastroenteritis, the digestive system finds itself in an abnormal situation. It cannot digest the foods it is normally capable of.

Therefore, the recommended diet for children suffering from gastroenteritis is filled with soft foods. 

There are  certain foods that need to be eliminated from their diet completely, for at least 5 days. The following foods should be avoided:

• Cool
• Beignets
• Dairy products
• Candy
• Acidic products

Rice water is a great opportunity to start healing  as it has a myriad of benefits. It is easy to digest and its starch content promotes healing in the stomach and the irritated intestines.

Rice water also contains natural sugars, which help restore lost energy.

Lactose-free yogurt is another good option. It can help restore lost intestinal bacteria. It also provides nutrients that can help the child eliminate the infection.

Lactose-free yogurt is not recommended until the child no longer has symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.

1. Slowly return to their normal diet

With medication and proper care, your child will get his appetite back. Keep in mind, however,  that your child should not suddenly return to his or her normal diet. 

First, incorporate foods that are both nutritious and easy to digest. Toast is a very good option.

Other good options include: slowly-digestible carbohydrates, such as pasta (without sauce) and rice.

Their diet should not lack fruit. You can make purees that you can prepare before returning to solid foods. Try to avoid sweet juices, and those that have a laxative effect, such as plums and kiwi.

Finally,  you can start by incorporating meat in small portions. The types of meat that you should start with are chicken and fish, which can be accompanied by vegetables and eggs.

If the child responds well, he will be able to consume his normal diet very soon.

As you can see, diet is an important factor when it comes to overcoming gastroenteritis. Try to implement the necessary reservations, and pay attention to symptoms.

If symptoms persist, consult your pediatrician.