· Bananas: According to her, “they’re high in potassium, which is an electrolyte that’s frequently lost in diarrhea.” Additionally rich in soluble fiber called pectin, which may aid in bulking stools, and resistant starch, bananas It goes well with plain cereal, peanut butter toast, and smoothies (my kids’ favorite). ”.
“Foods that are easy and light on the stomach, like broths, soups, noodles, and breads, would be the best food to eat if the child is able to keep a drink down without persistent vomiting,” advises Brackens, “if cleared by your medical provider.” Make sure they aren’t overly greasy, fatty, sugary, or overly seasoned (either salty or spicy). “Heavy dairy foods can also make diarrhea worse,” she adds, adding that greasy and sugary foods should be avoided “because they can irritate the belly and make the symptoms worse.” ”.
We talked to a pediatrician and a pediatric dietitian to get the inside word on those comfort foods for sick days and to find out if your usual choices are nourishing or detrimental to their developing stomachs as they heal. So what should you be feeding them during the worst of their symptoms?
· Yogurt with live active cultures: “Yogurt contains probiotics, live microorganisms, or beneficial bacteria which can help support a healthy gut when eaten regularly,” says Chaparro. “Another great alternative to help support kids immune systems is a probiotic like Gerber Good Start Toddler Probiotic, which contains L. Reuteri, a probiotic that when used daily can support digestive health.”
Chaparro continues, “Always see your pediatrician if your child’s symptoms don’t seem to be getting better.” This is particularly important if your child isn’t drinking, if they continue to throw up or have diarrhea, which can quickly result in dehydration, or if they start to feel feverish. Adequate nourishment can guarantee that children remain hydrated and energetic throughout the duration of the virus. However, each child is unique, and the type of infection or virus can differ significantly from one child to the next. ”.
R is for Rice
Food poisoning is your free pass to forget about the brown rice! It’s pretty high in fiber, which is usually super healthy, but harder for your stomach to digest, so it’s white rice all the way! You know how we always tell you to choose whole grains, and how you keep feeling a tinge of guilt when you get normal, delicious white rice with your Thai curry while your friend across the table asks for brown? (The brown rice costs a dollar more, so thats an excuse, right?!) Dr. According to Rohr, spaghetti can be used in place of the pasta as long as it’s sauceless. Sorry.
A is for Applesauce
If you cant do an apple a day, maybe a cup of applesauce can keep the doctor from having to come back? Same story with the fiber here — applesauce contains less fiber than whole apples, which usually makes apples a better choice, but not when youre dealing with an upset stomach. Basically, feed yourself like a baby. With applesauce, youre getting something thats good for you in the easiest-to-digest way possible. Plus, applesauce contains pectin, and that can help with diarrhea (which youre no doubt intimately familiar with at this point).
