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Diarrhea Diet Do's and Don'ts

ksweatman by ksweatman Speaking(May 2007) (rank 180th)

My children go to preschool and daycare, so of course they catch every illness that goes around their school.  I got this Do and Don't list from my doctor and it works so well I thought I would pass it on.  This can be modified for babies also.

DO's                                                                                                           

Fluids:   Pedialyte (or other electrolyte solution), gatorade or other sports drinks, water, diluted sprite, 7-Up or gingerale,  or weak tea

Fruits: Applesauce and ripe bananas

Veggies:  Carrots or squash

Meats:  All must be baked, broiled or boiled

Can also have:  chicken and RICE soup, gelatin or broths.  Note that this is Rice soup, not noodle soup!!!

Don'ts     

No milk or dairy of any kind (unless nursing).  If your baby is on formula, try a soy based formula temporarily.

No fruits other than applesauce or bananas

No green veggies

No fried foods

No crackers, toast or other wheat based products. (can exacerbate the condition)

If your child is vomiting and also has diarrhea, modify this diet for the first 3-4 hours to include only fluids.  If the child does not vomit up any of the fluids, you can start incorporating other parts of the diet, starting with the broth or jello  If your child tolerates this, after a couple of hours, you can give your child applesauce.  Maintain this diet for the first 24 hours.  If your child tolerates this, then you can start giving your child the other foods on the list.  After about 72 hours, your child should be good as new.

If your child is an avid milk drinker and he/she really wants some milk, try giving them Silk- Very Vanilla (my daughter loves it - tastes like vanilla ice cream and is so good for them).  It also doens't cause any problems if she has an upset tummy.

Do not stop nursing or giving your baby formula.  Again, if you use formula, try a soy based formula.  Also, between feedings, give your baby a few ounces of pedialyte to help prevent dehydration.

If your child vomits everything including the electrolyte solutions or if the diarrhea continues after 24 hours, your child may need intravenous (IV) hydration, which will require taking your child to the doctor or hospital.

I have seen other diarrhea diets on other websites, but this very simple do and don't list, works like a charm.  Usually my children are better after 24 hours.  I hope this helps someone.

Kerri

 

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mystikal
November 10th | mystikal
Re: Diarrhea Diet Do's and Don'ts

Many doctors I have seen strongly recommend crackers and toast - where did you get your information from?



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      ksweatman
November 11th | ksweatman
Re: Diarrhea Diet Do's and Don'ts

 I got my information from my pediatrician.  Salty foods (such as crackers or dry toast) are sometimes recommended for nausea or vomiting, but not for diarrhea.  This diet was designed for children that have diarrhea only, but it does work for children who have nausea and vomiting.



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           mystikal
November 11th | mystikal
Re: Diarrhea Diet Do's and Don'ts

That's really interesting as I was told otherwise by our pediatrician. She told us that the salt in crackers help with toddler's sodium levels when they experience diarreha.

I did some quick research and found that the official medical journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics teaches "BRAT" in their medical practices. Which means American Pediatrics are taught to teach: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast (or certain teas). This was found to be a common practice by clinicians and parents all around the world.

Although a 2007 study of the BRAT diet by Practical Gastroenterology found several disadvantages to this diet; including: Inadequate calories, protein and other micronutrients. One of the most extreme cases being, one six week old boy developing Marasmic Kwashiorkor due to the lack of energy and protein.

Good on you for writing this article; I tried to write one a while ago about diarrhea and after finding so much conflicting evidence, I decided to just stick with what I know works! lol

 



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ChantellelovesChloe
January 2009 | ChantellelovesChloe
Re: Diarrhea Diet Do's and Don'ts

 Great advice! Thanks! 



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llmunchkin
January 2009 | llmunchkin
Re: Diarrhea Diet Do's and Don'ts

This is excellent advice Kerri... Of course a Doctor should be giving you the very best advice.  Did the Doctor write the information to you or give it to you as part of a hand out?  If so, you need to credit the original author by name and ensure that you aren't breaching copyright by posting it on a commercial website - cheers, Lui.



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CarlaSharon
January 2009 | CarlaSharon
Re: Diarrhea Diet Do's and Don'ts

Great simple advice.  I've been trying to stick to just rice cereal and bananas but started giving my 9mth toast today thinking it might help.  Glad I read this today!



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exquisite-flower
October 2008 | exquisite-flower
Re: Diarrhea Diet Do's and Don'ts

Wonderful advice and I appreciated the clear presentation.  Thank you

Peace
EF.x



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boredmum
October 2007 | boredmum
Re: Diarrhea Diet Do's and Don'ts
Great advice. Thanks.


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Izzy
October 2007 | Izzy
Re: Diarrhea Diet Do's and Don'ts
Love the straight forward list. I'm glad I can still give banana and applesauce  - these are the 2 things my little man loves.


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