Diet for diarrhea in children

Diarrhea and gastroenteritis is very common in children of all ages, specially infants and toddlers. There are many different causes for diarrhea, some of these causes may require a special diet such as diarrhea caused by lactose intolerance but we will be just talking about the other more common types of gastroenteritis, mainly caused by viral infections.

This is for educational purposed only and not a substitute of medical consultation. If your child is sick or have diarrhea, go to the doctor, it is important to assess the degree of illness and to detect dehydration and correct it.

This article may help you decide what to feed your child at home during the treatment of gastroenteritis. Here are some of the foods to include in a diet during diarrhea:

• Don't forget the rehydration solution if your doctor told you to use one! In young and dehydrated children, the Oral rehydration solution is the most important item in treatment.
  
• If your baby is breastfeeding, continue breastfeeding unless the doctor tells you otherwise.
  
• Rice water is okay.
  
• Mashed potatoes, you can add a little salt to it.
  
• Milk and yoghurt.
  
• Fresh fruit juice, better without sugar in infants and toddlers.
  
• Bananas, applesauce and toast. The BRAT diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce and Toast) is popular in many places although there is no evidence shows it is beneficial or better than the usual diet, besides, it lacks protein.
  
• If your child's case gets worse after an initial improvement, try a lactose free milk formula and seek medical advice.

Foods to avoid:

• Cola and similar beverages.
• Fatty, oily food and chipsy.
• Cookies, candy and chocolate.
• Junk food in general.