Feeding tips for children with gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases in childhood. Its cause can be viruses or bacteria, either from the environment or food in poor condition, such as salmonellosis. Should children with gastroenteritis diet? Should we insist on eating? What is the best diet in these cases? In Guiainf

Gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases in childhood. Its cause can be viruses or bacteria, either from the environment or food in poor condition, such as salmonellosis.

Should children with gastroenteritis diet? Should we insist on eating? What is the best diet in these cases? In Guiainfantil.com we clarify what should be a child's diet if he suffers from this disorder.

The best diet for children with gastroenteritis

Its symptoms basically include vomiting and / or diarrhea, accompanied by stomach pain and cramps, and sometimes fever, since it is one of the body's defense mechanisms against infections . In addition, and given that the gastrointestinal tract is the most affected, it is accompanied by a loss of appetite that causes alarm in the parents, but that if it is a healthy child, it does not present a danger to health.

Although gastroenteritis is uncomfortable and unpleasant for children, they usually disappear on their own within about a week. However, it is advisable to be alert and consult the doctor in case of younger children or when there is no favorable evolution. In addition, we must ensure adequate food for children with gastroenteritis, do not miss these tips:

- There is a food, one, indispensable in cases of gastroenteritis and / or diarrhea: water, since dehydration is one of the problems side effects associated with this disease. Both vomiting and diarrhea, even more the latter, generate a very high fluid loss in the body, and even more so when they are young children, so it is vital to replace them. In addition to the need for water, electrolytes are also lost, so the minerals are very desirable accompanying the drinking water.

- Although water is the best option -the serum is not usually to your liking- any drink that is not too sugary, juices, or even fruits with a high water content in different formats, including popsicles or smoothies, are desirable, that hydration is the most important in the course of gastroenteritis. Por - Otherwise,

there is no diet to cure gastroenteritis , no food will relieve symptoms or accelerate the recovery of the child, so we can only trust the physical condition and desires of our children, being a priority listen and meet their needs no matter how crazy they may be. Their rhythm should be respected and, although offering them food is never good, it is better not to overdo it or force it, and keep in mind that it is more likely that you are willing to eat your favorite foods than others that are not to your liking. It is best to offer them in small portions so that the child does not feel overwhelmed, do so frequently or simply leave it at your fingertips.- Although there is no general rule in these cases, alimentos solid foods are easier to maintain in the stomach than liquids

in case of gastroenteritis with vomiting, and complex carbohydrates (rice, bread, pasta, potatoes ... ) are easier to digest than those that are more fatty, such as fried ones. Además - In addition, to help recover the intestinal microflora, fermented foods such as yogurt, are very desirable , because the bacteria they contain are allied to the immune system to fight the infection and prevent a new one.