Summary of the most important points | Diet for diarrhea

Summary of the most important points

As a rule, diarrhea is caused by viral infections. In most cases, only symptomatic treatment is left to alleviate the symptoms. It is important to keep to the drinking quantity of about 2 liters per day.

Since a lot of fluid is withdrawn from the body by a diarrhoea illness, a quick replenishment of the fluid stores is urgently necessary. Unsweetened teas or low-carbonated water should be used here. Furthermore, there are numerous foods that help with diarrhea and can therefore be recommended.

Bananas or apples are just two examples. Both fruits have a high content of the so-called pectin. This is a binding agent and ensures that liquid is extracted from the bowel movement and thus thickens.

Grated apples unfold the effect of pectin even more strongly and should be used in every case of diarrhoea. Fruit juices, on the other hand, should be avoided. Oat flakes are also very easily digestible, but should be eaten without milk.

They have a calming effect on the inner wall of the stomach and on the intestines. Vegetable broths not only help to get the lost fluid back into the body, but also the salts that have been lost through diarrhoea. However, some foods should be avoided.

These include dairy products, as they usually contain a lot of fat, and there is also a temporary lactase deficiency in diarrhoea. Also, as previously wrongly assumed, cola should not be drunk during acute diarrhoea. Cola contains a lot of sugar and can also have an additional laxative effect. Fatty foods, as well as fried or deep-fried food should also not be eaten during an acute diarrhea illness.

Nutrition for babies and children

Diarrhea in small children and babies is very common.In most cases, diarrhea at this age is caused by an infection, but sometimes food intolerances can also be behind the symptoms. In itself, the nutritional tips do not differ from those of adults. First and foremost, it is important for a small child, just as with adults, to ensure that sufficient fluids are drunk.

This is because fluid loss leads to the actual complaints in the sense of severe stomach aches and cramps. Furthermore, the child should only eat light food during the acute phase of the complaint. Above all unsweetened porridge is suitable for it, like e.g. unsweetened apple porridge or banana puree.

Light vegetable soups can also be given to the infant. However, the consumption of dairy products and fruit juices should be avoided. If there is no improvement under the change of diet, treatment with Perenterol® junior can be attempted. This preparation is a yeast product that is intended to thicken the bowel movement.