Infants and children suffer with diarrhoea for a number of reasons. It may be an accompanying aggravation with teething, a bacterial infection, food poisoning, emotional anxiety or a bout of gastroenteritis. Whatever the reason may be it must be monitored carefully and lost fluids must be replaced to avoid dehydration. Dehydration in babies is characterised by sunken looking eyes, dryness of the eyes and mouth (little saliva or tears), a sunken fontanel (the soft spot on the top of your baby’s head,), poor skin tone (when pressed, flesh does not spring back quickly) and strong smelling and scanty urine (fewer wet nappies).
Under normal circumstances, the waste products of digestion (faeces) are no longer in a fluid state by the time they reach the rectum. When the absorption process of the bowel is disrupted by disease/infection or for the same reasons, the rate propulsion along the large intestine is increased, thus the contents of the bowel will be in a liquid state when they reach the rectum. Diarrhoea is another condition that natural therapists do not like to suppress, as it is the body’s natural mechanism for ridding itself of toxins.
If your child is prone to recurrent diarrhoea, it is best to have it checked with a nutritionist, naturopath or doctor as they may have a allergic reaction to certain foods or medication. You may be able to identify the cause of diarrhoea if it is a food related reaction. In general pale, slimy, fatty stools suggest dietary fats may be a problem. A curdy stool or green stools indicate protein digestion difficulties, while pale frothy stools point to sugar excess.
Seek medical attention immediately if:
• Diarrhoea takes longer than 2 days to resolve or lasts longer than 2 weeks intermittently.
• Severe abdominal pain accompanies diarrhoea.
• There is blood in the stool.
• Your child is not drinking adequate fluids and the diarrhoea is persistent.
• Your child has poor skin tone and is exhausted.
Preventive Measures
• Be meticulous about hygiene when someone in the family has a bout of diarrhoea as the germ can be easily spread to those who are susceptible.
• Avoid foods you know inflict diarrhoea on your child. Be careful they do not overindulge in any good group, especially juicy fruits and sugary concoctions (don’t let them go overboard at birthday parties!). A Naturopath or Dietician may help you identify food related causes if you are unsure.
Herbal Treatments
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera juice is very soothing to the digestive tract and is commercially available at health food stores. Make sure it is the type that can be used internally. Dosage depends on age and weight so always check with a qualified practitioner or at least read the manufactures instructions on the label.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas such as peppermint and chamomile will soothe the gastrointestinal tract and replace lost fluids. They can be bought commercially from health food stores and supermarkets or you can make them yourself by placing a tablespoon of the dried herb in 2 cups of boiling water. Steep, strain and cool and give it to your child.
Ginger
Ginger has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years both in cooking and in Chinese medicine to reduce nausea because of its circulatory simulating properties. I would encourage you to use ginger in cooking when possible so your child can reap the benefits through food. You can buy commercially produced capsules at health food stores, which are great when travelling for motion sickness. A tea can be made by placing 1 teaspoon of freshly peeled and grated ginger root in bowl and covering it with 1 ¼ cups of boiling water. Leave it for 10 minutes covered, stain and give it to your child. Children under 2 years can have 1-2 teaspoons per day, children from 2-6 up to 4 teaspoons per day and those from 6-10 can have up yo 6 teaspoons per day. Any excess can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Old Fashioned Remedies
Barley Water
Barley water is an old but effective remedy, is a strengthening nerve tonic, easily digested and has many nutritional qualities. It has a anti-inflammatory affect on the urinary and digestive systems, including the bowel. Simply place 2 heaped teaspoons of barley in a non-aluminium saucepan with 3 cups of water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, simmer for 20 minutes, stain and cool. Honey can be added to sweeten or you can give it to your child straight.
Carob Powder
Carob has a mild binding effect on the intestines and is pleasant tasting to children. Stir 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of cooled boiled water and add honey to taste if preferred. Carob powder is available at health food stores.
Glucose Replacement Mix
Children with diarrhoea need to replace lost fluids, especially those containing glucose and minerals. Although these are commercially available at chemists you can make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon of sugar, a squeeze of lemon, a pinch of salt and 2 cups of water. Mix well and give it to your child by the cup or dropper.
Carrots
Carrot soup will line the wall of the digestive tract thus soothe irritation and help with healing. It is especially useful for babies as other management choices are limited for younger age groups although older children will also benefit. Any recipe will be fine but limit any spices added and make the soup as watery as possible. A carrot drink can be made as an alternative to soup by mixing 1 teaspoon of cooked pureed carrot and ½ a teaspoon of rice flour in ¼ cup of boiled warm water. Stir well and give it to the infant or child.
Apple
Allow a peeled and grated apple to go brown on a plate. The apple must have turned brown in order for it to work – this should take about ½ an hour or so. Give it to the child a teaspoon at a time. This is suitable for children over 12 months only.
Electrolyte Replacement Mixture
As mentioned it is most important to replace lost fluids when your child has diarrhoea and to restore electrolyte balance. Commercial powders are available at chemists but for a more natural approach try making this blend yourself.
Combine 2 cups of warm boiled water with 1/8 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Mix well and give it to your child or infant.
Binding Foods
The following foods will help bind the intestines and should be part of the meals of children with diarrhoea:
• Dry Toast
• Bananas
• Rice
• Carrots
Supplements
Vitamin C
Vitamin c is an important nutrient for any child suffering with diarrhoea. Ideally, they should receive adequate amounts through raw fruit and vegetables, however it can be given as a supplement if vitamin C is lacking in their diet or as a boost while they have diarrhoea. Please be careful with the dose and also with giving too much fruit as this can have an irritating, burning affect on the bowel. Dosage is dependant on the child’s weight and age so please check with your Health food store Naturopath before commencing supplementation or at least read the manufacturers instructions carefully.
Probiotics
It is important to replace the good bacteria that has been lost after a bout of diarrhoea. Health food shops supply this supplement in power and capsule forms and 1 course should be sufficient to replace the good bacteria. The best brand for children is “Lifestart” as it is specifically designed for the gut flora of children and babies. Dosage is dependant on the child’s weight and age so please check with your Health food store Naturopath before commencing supplementation.
