Due to the underdeveloped digestive system of infants, diarrhea is a common occurrence. Although infant diarrhea is a common infantile disease, mothers should still take it seriously and provide proper diet and care. So what should you do if your baby has diarrhea? How should you choose a diet for diarrhea? Let's explore together.
Causes of infant diarrhea
1. Improper diet
It is more common in babies who are artificially fed. Diarrhea caused by improper diet is not seasonal and is caused by the incomplete development of the infant's digestive system and low digestive capacity. Improper feeding, such as a lack of protein and excessive carbohydrates in food, can cause fermentation in the intestines and lead to diarrhea.
2. Intestinal infection
Intestinal infection: Harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites enter the intestines and cause infection, which can lead to diarrhea in children.
Extra-intestinal infection: When suffering from respiratory infections or pneumonia, it can cause digestive disorders and symptoms of diarrhea, known as symptomatic diarrhea. It is more common in younger children.
3. Allergic diarrhea
Diarrhea caused by an allergy to milk or soy products.
4. Climate factors
Sudden changes in climate, exposure of the abdomen to cold, increased intestinal peristalsis; decreased secretion of digestive fluids due to excessive heat or excessive milk consumption due to thirst, can all trigger digestive disorders and lead to diarrhea.
What to do for infant diarrhea?
1. Dietary adjustment
It is best for children to consume fewer medications. Starting from the diet can help prevent diarrhea. Avoid feeding high-nutrient and stimulating foods.
2. Fluid replenishment
The severe consequences of diarrhea are the loss of a large amount of water and electrolytes from the infant's stool, combined with vomiting and reduced fluid intake, which easily leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, worsening the condition. Therefore, replenishing water and electrolytes for children with diarrhea is crucial for treatment.
3. Mild medication
Supplementation of probiotics can help restore the balance of intestinal flora disrupted by diarrhea. It is important to note that antibiotics and antidiarrheal drugs should be used with caution.
Dietary regulation for infant diarrhea
1. Yogurt
Fresh milk is sterilized and fermented by lactobacillus. Yogurt has small curds, is easy to digest, stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, and has antimicrobial effects. It is suitable for infants with frequent diarrhea.
2. Apple puree
Cut open a fresh apple and gently scrape it with a metal spoon. Apple fibers are fine and cause less irritation to the intestines. They are alkaline and contain pectin and tannic acid, which have adsorptive and astringent effects, beneficial for treating diarrhea.
3. Carrots
The volatile oils contained in carrots can promote digestion and have antibacterial effects, which can reduce diarrhea and the burden on the child's gastrointestinal tract. Carrots also contain substances such as pectin, lignin, and alkaloids, which can help form stools and absorb bacteria and toxins in the intestines.
