Dehydration Concerns

Oh Oh, Diarrhea!

                Diarrhea can be caused from a variety of different problems.  Some of the following reasons are the most likely cause:

·         Antibiotics

·         Too much fruit or fruit juice

·         Food Intolerances, allergies, or sensitivities

·         Illness

·         Infection

·         Stress/Instability

Antibiotics commonly cause diarrhea.  When your child starts having diarrhea, consider this as a primary cause if he/she is or has recently been on antibiotics.   Although antibiotics help reduce infections, they also destroy the natural flora or natural bacteria that is in the intestinal track – the bacteria that breaks down and digests food.  This is not isolated to children, it happens to adults as well, so it may be something you have experienced.  Because the natural bacteria are killed by the antibiotics, the intestines have difficulty dealing properly with the food they are attempting to digest.  The result is diarrhea.  The best thing to do for this is to replace the bacteria.  This can be done simply by feeding your child yogurt or by asking your pharmacist for a probiotic recommendation.   Yogurt usually does the trick, but consult your doctor if it doesn’t clear up.  There may be more going on if positive results do not follow.

Another common cause of diarrhea would be diet related.  Too much fruit causes the body to cleanse.  That simply means it starts to wash everything out.  Fruit is a natural way to detoxify the body.  Although fruit is healthy and good, too much will send a child’s body into clean out mode.  When diarrhea occurs, consider this possibility.  If fruit is the culprit, simply stop fruit intake until the diarrhea stops, and when starting to eat fruit again, do so with moderation.

Food intolerances, allergies, and sensitivities may be difficult to pinpoint.  There are many different possibilities to consider.   Track or journal diarrhea episodes to help identify what food may be the cause.  You may have to stop a certain food for a few days to see if it changes anything.  Consult a doctor or specialist to help identify the food and treat appropriately.

There are many stomach viruses that will cause diarrhea.  The best thing to do for a child with diarrhea related to illness is to keep them hydrated.  Water does not contain the electrolytes needed for the body to rehydrate or to maintain hydration.  Juices may cause worse diarrhea.  Gatorade, pedialyte, jello, popsicles, and chicken broth/soups are better options.  These are most effective when given frequently as sips.  Avoid too much at once.  The stomach is already upset and too much liquid may make it worse.  Consult a doctor if diarrhea persists.  Dehydration can be dangerous, and doctors can prescribe medications or provide IV hydration if needed.

Infections may cause diarrhea.  If you are aware of or suspect infection, consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.  Infections may come from drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food.  If you have recently traveled outside the US or are just getting home from a camping trip, an infection may be the problem.

Young children who are experiencing stress or instability may also suffer from diarrhea.  Often when children are traveling, moving, or having major changes in their lives, it causes them stress or instability.  Such times are difficult to avoid.  Attempt to provide as much stability as possible.  Even when traveling, maintain routines as closely as possible.  Provide enough stops for them to get out and move.  Allow healthy snacks and let them know you are with them and care about them.  And make sure they have plenty of fluids to keep them hydrated.  Kids will feel your stress as well, so attempt to keep yourself calm and stable as much as possible.

You may also try to provide the following foods for children with diarrhea:

                Bananas – although fruit, bananas rarely cause diarrhea unless there is an allergy or intolerance.  Generally, bananas are a constipating food.  Bananas are high in potassium, a critical electrolyte to help balance hydration.

                Rice - a bulk food that is high is starch.  Rice is ideal because your body absorbs nutrients from it fairly quickly and it helps to firm up bowel movements.

                Applesauce – although a fruit, it does help in many cases.  The pectin in applesauce helps bind the bowels and the nutrients help to replenish the body and provide strength.

                Toast - Toast adds bulk to your stool.  It is also a carbohydrate that will provide energy to your body.

These foods are commonly recommended by doctors to help reduce diarrhea.