Diarrhea is a very common problem, especially, in the case of toddlers. For your information, according to experts, diarrhea is not a disease, but it is a symptom of a number of diseases. Although, diarrhea is common and rarely endangers life, yet, it is important to understand when to seek medical help. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which alters the child’s hydroelectrolytic balance (water, sodium, potassium, chlorine) and then, it can become fatal if not treated promptly. In this article, I would like to talk about some known causes and home remedies for diarrhea.
Most often, diarrhea is caused by a virus, bacterium or parasite that has entered in baby’s digestive system with food, water or contaminated objects.
Diarrhea may also be the result of a food or drug allergy, the consumption of a large amount of fruit juice or unhealthy food combinations.
Home Remedies for Diarrhea
1. O.R.S
Rehydration is one of the best ways to treat diarrhea in children. We know that water will not have enough salts and nutrients. Give your child a rehydrating solution at regular intervals throughout the day.
You can also make this at home. To make this, add 6 spoonful of sugar, one spoon of salt in one liter of water. Then, oil the whole mixture until sugar and salt completely dissolve. Cool this solution and give it to your infant.
2. A mixture of Ginger + Honey + Cumin + Cinnamon Seeds
Take one spoon of ginger powder, a little cinnamon powder, a little cumin powder and a spoonful of honey. Give this mixture three times a day to your child. This mixture can really stop diarrhea and eliminate bacteria or parasites that cause abdominal infection.
3. Bananas
Bananas are the best thing because bananas have potassium and pectin that help strengthen the seat. If suffering from diarrhea, you can give mashed bananas to your baby. For the maximum benefits, you can serve mashed bananas with curd.
4. Rice Mucilage
Boiled white rice mucilage can be given to the child to stop diarrhea. Put more water on boiling rice; once the rice is well boiled, squeeze the juice in a glass. Add a pinch of salt and give it to your baby. Ask the pediatrician for advice on the recommended dose.
5. Yogurt/Curd
Have some fresh curd. Put roasted cumin seeds in it. You can also add half a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt to taste. Giving it to the child will greatly benefit.
6. Ginger Tea or Ginger Candy
Ginger has natural antispasmodic, antibacterial and soothing properties. It calms abdominal cramps, reduces nausea and prevents dehydration. Give your child candy or ginger teas for quick relief.
7. Apple Pure/ Baked apples
Did you know that baked apples are a natural treatment for diarrhea? Apples contain significant amounts of pectin, an essential ingredient in fighting soft stools and balancing levels of minerals and salts in the body. For this, you need to wash an apple, boil it in water and stir it until it becomes soft and easy to digest. Give it to the baby in a pure form.
8. Sago (Sabudana) Water
Sago or sabudana water is also very beneficial if your toddler is suffering from diarrhea. It is very easy to make. Soak sabudana for 1 hour in water. Then pour enough water to boil it well. Boil this mix until sabudana get completely immersed in the water. After straining, give this sabudana water to your baby.
When you should see a doctor
Although diarrhea is not a life threatening situation, yet it can become very dangerous in the following situations:
- When it is present for 3 consecutive days.
- When it involves intense abdominal and rectal pain called colic.
- When the fever reaches values above 100.4°F.
- When in the stool are pathological elements such as blood, pus, mucus, etc.
- When signs of dehydration appear.
To Our In all these cases, do not hesitate to consult a specialist doctor. Diarrhea can become extremely dangerous in these cases.