Dietary Interventions for Gastroenteritis in Children

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, is a condition where the lining of the stomach and intestines become inflamed due to bacterial or viral infections.

The symptoms of gastroenteritis in children include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. The condition is more prevalent in children due to their weaker immune system. Dietary interventions play a crucial role in the management of gastroenteritis in children.

In this article, we will discuss the dietary interventions that can help manage the symptoms of gastroenteritis in children.

Fluids

The most important dietary intervention for gastroenteritis in children is to maintain adequate hydration. Children with diarrhea and vomiting lose excessive fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients, leading to dehydration.

Dehydration, if not treated adequately, can lead to other complications. Therefore, it is essential to provide children with adequate fluids to maintain hydration.

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are the best fluids to provide children with gastroenteritis. ORS contains water, sugar, and electrolytes that help replace the fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea and vomiting.

Children with mild dehydration can be treated with ORS, while those with severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids.

Bland Foods

Bland foods are gentle on the stomach and are easy to digest. They can help relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis in children. Some of the bland foods that can be given to children with gastroenteritis include:.

Boiled rice
Boiled potatoes
Baked chicken without skin
Bananas
Applesauce
Toast with jelly

Foods that are spicy, fatty, and rich in fiber should be avoided as they can irritate the stomach and worsen the symptoms of gastroenteritis in children.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are found in the gut. They can help improve digestion and boost the immune system. Probiotics have been shown to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of gastroenteritis in children.

Probiotics can be obtained from fermented foods or supplements.

Some of the foods that are rich in probiotics include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Probiotic supplements are also available over the counter.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before giving probiotic supplements to children.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are a type of fiber that cannot be digested by the body but are used as food by probiotics. Prebiotics can help promote the growth of probiotics in the gut and improve gut health. Foods that are rich in prebiotics include:.

Bananas
Garlic
Onions
Asparagus
Leeks
Chicory root

Prebiotics can also be obtained from supplements. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before giving prebiotic supplements to children.

Small and Frequent Meals

Children with gastroenteritis may experience loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, it is essential to provide small and frequent meals to children instead of large meals.

Small and frequent meals can help prevent nausea and vomiting and maintain adequate nutrition. Children should be encouraged to eat slowly and chew their food properly.

Conclusion

Gastroenteritis in children can be a distressing condition that can lead to complications if not managed properly. Dietary interventions play a crucial role in the management of gastroenteritis in children.

Adequate hydration, bland foods, probiotics, prebiotics, and small and frequent meals can help relieve the symptoms and improve gut health. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before making any dietary changes in children with gastroenteritis.