Home Remedies to Fight Diarrhea in Children
One of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in children is diarrhea. Basically, this condition consists of soft, liquid stools that become very frequent. We’ll explain you the main causes as well as some home remedies to fight diarrhea in children.
We’ll also cover more important information that you should know about this condition.
Causes of diarrhea in children
Diarrhea in children has multiple causes. One of the main and most common is food poisoning. This happens when children eat food that wasn’t prepared correctly.
Poisoning can also occur when children put their dirty hands in their mouths. In either case, it’s always good to wash your hands before eating and when coming back in after playing outside.
However, diarrhea can also occur from infections. That is, if children are in contact with other infants or adults who have the infection. In any case, diarrhea usually just lasts a few days with the right treatment.
Treating diarrhea in children
When children suffer from diarrhea, the best treatment is fluid replacement and a proper diet. Remember, stools cause lots of liquid and minerals to leave the body. It’s important to be properly hydrated for the diarrhea to end.
As for medication, only the doctor should tell you whether or not you need to give your child antibiotics. However, there are some home remedies to fight diarrhea in children that are very effective.
Home remedies to fight diarrhea in children
The best way to treat diarrhea in children is to base their diet on the right foods. In addition, there are some very simple remedies that you can make at home with foods already in your pantry.
Various herbal teas
There are lots of home remedies to fight diarrhea in children. However, the most common ones are teas made of natural plants with medicinal properties. One of them is chamomile tea.
This herbal tea has anti-inflammatory and repairing properties to help the digestive system. Thyme tea is also very healthy. In fact, thyme is a very powerful natural antibiotic, which is also anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
Another effective remedy using medicinal plants is juice from aloe vera. It’s great for repairing mucous membranes. Additionally, it’s a very active ingredient for your body in general.
Porridge with carob flour
Porridge with carob flour is a traditional remedy. Carob flour and carob chocolate have properties that help fight diarrhea. In addition, they’re nutritious.
It’s an easy remedy, and it’s one of the best home remedies to fight diarrhea in children, as well as adults.
Carrots, the ideal medicinal food
Carrots are one of the best foods for your intestine. Both cooked and raw, it’s a fundamental ingredient to help treat diarrhea in children.
This vegetable contains beta-carotene, and has multiple restorative properties to help heal mucosa and the intestine. A grated carrot salad, carrot purée, or carrot juice is perfect to give children who suffer from diarrhea.
“One of the main and most common causes of diarrhea is food poisoning. This happens when children eat food that wasn’t prepared correctly.”
Lemon and grape juice
Another useful remedy to combat diarrhea in children is to prepare lemon and grape juice. You can make this drink with water, lemons, grapes, a little honey, and a pinch of salt.
You should give this to your child in the form of syrup, sipping a little bit a few times a day. Little by little, the discomfort and symptoms should stop.
Foods that make diarrhea worse in children
When children suffer from diarrhea, it’s very important to offer them a diet with the right foods. It’s also a good idea to reduce dairy consumption, like milk. Additionally, reduce consumption of flour or wheat.
Don’t forget that when you suffer from diarrhea, your body doesn’t tolerate lactose and gluten as well. In addition, these products don’t help get rid of diarrhea.
In conclusion, diarrhea in children shouldn’t last for too long. Consider using the home remedies we listed here and follow your doctor’s instructions. Hydration and a proper diet are essential for small children to recover.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Mokomane M, Kasvosve I, de Melo E, Pernica JM, Goldfarb DM. The global problem of childhood diarrhoeal diseases: emerging strategies in prevention and management. Ther Adv Infect Dis. 2018 Jan;5(1):29-43.
- Palumbo E, Branchi M, Malorgio C, Siani A, Bonora G. Diarrhea in children: etiology and clinical aspects. Minerva Pediatr. 2010 Aug;62(4):347-51.
- Rudolph JA, Rufo PA. Diarrhea, Pediatric. Encyclopedia of Gastroenterology. 2004:585–93.
- Zhao R., Wang Y., Huang Y., Cui Y., et al., Effects of fiber and probiotics on diarrhea associated with enteral nutrition in gastric cancer patients: a prospective randomized and controlled trial. Medicine, 2017. 96 (43): 8418.
- Szajewska H., Canani RB., Guarino A., Hosjak I., et al., Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea in children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 2016. 62 (3): 495-506.
- Viegelmann GC, Dorji J, Guo X, Lim HY. Approach to diarrhoeal disorders in children. Singapore Med J. 2021 Dec;62(12):623-629.
