Best remedy for diarrhea and vomiting in toddlers?

(March 3, 2010)

Diarrhea is the body’s natural cleansing mechanism for eliminating infectious microbes and undesirable substances from the body. It is often accompanied by vomiting and at times, the toddler may experience fever, stomach pain and dehydration as well. These conditions can prove extremely strenuous to any toddler. Intestinal infection caused by microbes is the main cause of diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract infections, rotavirus, food poisoning and food allergies are other factors that set off vomiting and diarrhea in toddlers. Some forms of medication are also known to trigger diarrhea and vomiting.

When your toddler is sick, staying calm will benefit both you as well as your toddler. If you panic, your toddler will feel that something is very wrong with him and in turn will become anxious and uncomfortable. Being there for your child is the best form of medication when he is sick as a child needs the warmth and assurance that all will be well. Rest plays a vital role in the recovery process. Since the cleansing process takes time, it is better to allow the body to flush out all impurities at its own pace. However, in order to ease the strain on the digestive system and prevent dehydration, natural remedies are recommended to ease the discomfort experienced by your toddler. The use of natural remedies does not hamper the functioning of the immune system but provides much relief.

Avoid forcing your toddler to eat but ensure that the lost body fluids are replenished through the consumption of plenty of fluids. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day assists in flushing out the infection while preventing dehydration. Tender coconut water is also beneficial as it helps in maintaining the electrolyte level within the body. Ginger ale and carrot juice are known to be effective in making the stools less watery. Milk should be avoided as it has the ability to worsen the condition. Nutritious, bland food is recommended as it does not cause a strain on the digestive system. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of nutrition that help in building up the immune system to fight off infection. They also provide fiber essential for cleansing the digestive tract. Oily and spicy foods tend to put an additional strain on the digestive system and should be avoided for a few days, until the body recuperates completely. Avoid jostling your toddler as this may cause further discomfort. If your child seems to be getting worse or you see no improvement, consulting a pediatrician is recommended so as to avoid further complications.

Submitted by P T on March 3, 2010 at 12:53