Worried about planning the diet for your child with diarrhoea?

First, let’s understand diarrhoea in children better. Every child experiences loose motions now and then as they grow. The most common cause of diarrhoea in kids is sensitivity to certain foods and food contamination. 

Loose motions or diarrhoea in children is usually not serious. It goes away without any treatment in a day or two. In some cases, it may last for a longer duration causing excess loss of fluid from their body, making them weak. It can also lead to malnutrition in children. 

It is important that your child has sufficient fluids while having loose motions. This will help in keeping them hydrated. It is also necessary that you plan their diet accordingly to compensate for the lost nutrients and to ease their digestion. 

Here is a list of recommended food for children with diarrhoea:

Doctor’s generally suggest the BRAT diet which includes bland food that will help in easing digestion and helps your child recover sooner. 

This includes:

  • Bananas. They are a rich source of fibre which aids in digestion. It helps in bulking up the stools and promotes bowel movements. Bananas are a rich source of potassium and it helps replace the electrolytes lost due to frequent loose motions. 

  • Rice. Well cooked rice is easy to digest and when combined with legumes and vegetables, it forms a complete meal. It supports healthy digestion and plays an important role in adding bulk to the stool.

  • Apple. They are a rich source of pectin which is a soluble fibre. It helps in bulking up the stools and increases their volume. It absorbs more water and helps keep you fuller for longer. They can be consumed raw or in the form of juices or smoothies.

  • Toast. Toast is a binding food that helps make your stools firmer. They are bland and are a good source of carbohydrates. They are easy to digest and therefore, form a good choice while having diarrhoea. 

Food that should be avoided while having diarrhoea:

  • Fruit juices and sugary drinks. The sugar content in these drinks can absorb water and cause dehydration. Therefore it is better to avoid them until your child recovers from diarrhoea. Instead you can opt for plain boiled water or coconut water.

  • Dairy products. Dairy products such as milk, butter or cheese should be avoided if your child is suffering from diarrhoea. They are difficult to digest and put extra stress on their digestive system. Instead, you can choose curd or buttermilk that can ease digestion.

  • Oily and fried food. Make sure to keep your child away from oily or fried food until they recover from diarrhoea. It contains added fat which can be difficult for the sensitive digestive system to process. It can worsen the symptoms and slow down the recovery. 

Keep these dietary tips in mind if your child suffers from loose motions frequently. If the symptoms do not get better in 2 days or if it worsens, make sure that you consult your peadiatrician without any further delay. 



Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.