Patrick Oconnell
Toddler diarrhoea is a common occurrence in young children, usually between the ages of one and five. It is characterised by frequent watery stools, a foul smell, and undigested food particles. While it is not a serious health concern, it can be a source of worry for parents and caregivers. The cause of toddler diarrhoea is not fully understood, but various factors, including diet, increased physical activity, and individual intestinal microflora, may contribute to its development. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. While some sources recommend a low-fibre diet, others suggest that fibre can help soak up excess fluid in the large bowel. Additionally, dairy products like cheese are often recommended as they can help firm up stools. However, if dairy products seem to worsen diarrhoea or cause gas and bloating, they should be avoided.
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What You'll Learn
Cheese may help firm up stools
Toddler diarrhoea is a common occurrence in young children, usually between the ages of one and four. It is characterised by frequent watery loose stools that are foul-smelling and often contain undigested food. While it is not a serious health concern, it can be a source of worry for parents and may cause inconvenience.
It is important to note that while cheese may be beneficial, a balanced approach to fat intake is crucial. A diet very low in fat can contribute to diarrhoea, but excessive fat intake is also not advisable. The recommended daily fat intake for toddlers is approximately 35-40% of their daily energy, which equates to around 40 grams of fat from a variety of sources. This can include dairy products like cheese, but it should be provided in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet.
In addition to cheese, there are other dietary considerations that can help firm up stools. Firstly, it is important to ensure adequate fibre intake. Fibre helps soak up excess fluid in the large bowel, promoting firmer stools. Whole-grain cereals, breads, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of fibre. However, it is important to monitor fibre intake, as excessive fibre can irritate the gut and trigger loose stools.
Finally, it is worth noting that while cheese and other dietary adjustments may help, staying hydrated is crucial during diarrhoea. Lost fluids need to be replaced to prevent dehydration. Encouraging toddlers to drink adequate fluids, such as water, Pedialyte, or broth, is essential. Additionally, salty foods like pretzels and soup can help with hydration.
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Dairy products can worsen diarrhoea
Toddler diarrhoea is a common occurrence in young children, usually between the ages of one and four. While it is not a serious health concern, it can be a source of worry for parents and caregivers. The condition is characterised by frequent watery loose stools, often accompanied by a foul smell and the presence of undigested food.
When it comes to managing toddler diarrhoea, dietary modifications are often recommended. While no specific diet is universally prescribed, certain guidelines can help alleviate the symptoms. One important aspect is fluid intake. Children with diarrhoea need adequate fluids to prevent dehydration. While water is generally safe, it should not be the sole source of hydration, as excessive water intake can be harmful. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte and Infalyte are recommended to maintain hydration levels. Additionally, popsicles, Jell-O, watered-down fruit juice, and broth can also help with fluid replacement.
Now, let's address the role of dairy products in toddler diarrhoea. While dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are typically included in dietary guidelines for toddlers, they can sometimes worsen diarrhoea. This is because dairy contains lactose, a sugar that can be difficult for some individuals to digest. In such cases, reducing or eliminating dairy products for a few days may be necessary. Instead, parents can opt for lactose-free alternatives or dairy substitutes like almond milk, which can help alleviate diarrhoea-related constipation.
It is important to note that the impact of dairy on diarrhoea may vary from child to child. Some children may tolerate dairy well, while others may experience worsened symptoms. Probiotic yogurt, for instance, can be beneficial for gut health and may be better tolerated than other dairy products. If dairy products seem to aggravate diarrhoea, causing gas and bloating, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a dietitian for personalised recommendations. They may suggest temporary elimination of dairy or provide guidance on gradually reintroducing these foods to help manage the condition effectively.
In conclusion, while dairy products are often included in toddler diets, they can potentially worsen diarrhoea. The presence of lactose in dairy may contribute to digestive issues, leading to symptoms like gas and bloating. Therefore, it is essential to monitor a child's response to dairy during diarrhoeal episodes and make necessary adjustments under professional guidance.
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Diarrhoea causes dehydration
Diarrhea is a common problem in toddlers and usually poses no threat to their health. However, it can cause dehydration, which is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. Diarrhea can lead to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes, and if these fluids are not replaced quickly, dehydration can occur. Toddlers are especially susceptible to dehydration due to their higher metabolic rates and inability to communicate their thirst or hydrate themselves effectively.
Diarrhea can cause a rapid loss of body fluids, which are made up of water and salts. This can lead to dehydration, which is a condition characterized by an excessive loss of body water and, to a varying degree, electrolytes. Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common causes of dehydration in children. When a child has diarrhea, they may lose large amounts of fluids and electrolytes through their stools, and if they are also vomiting, dehydration can occur even more quickly.
It is important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. For most children, drinking their usual fluids should be sufficient, but it is important to avoid too much plain water, as this can be harmful. Oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte and Infalyte, are recommended to prevent dehydration and replace lost fluids and electrolytes. These solutions can be purchased at supermarkets or pharmacies and are specifically designed to provide the right balance of water, salts, and sugar.
In addition to oral rehydration solutions, toddlers with diarrhea can be given small meals throughout the day, including salty foods such as pretzels and soup. Bland foods with complex carbohydrates, lean meats, and fruits and vegetables are also recommended. It is generally advised to avoid sugary drinks, juices, and carbonated beverages as they can worsen diarrhea and do not provide the necessary electrolytes. Breastfeeding or formula-feeding should be continued, and in the case of formula, it should not be diluted.
While toddler diarrhea usually resolves on its own without treatment, it is important to monitor for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, and lethargy. If dehydration is suspected, it is crucial to seek medical advice or contact the child's doctor. Proper handwashing and safe food handling practices are also essential to prevent the spread of diarrhea-causing germs.
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Limit juice and fructose intake
Toddler diarrhoea is a benign condition that is not a true illness or disease. It is common among toddlers and poses no threat to their health. However, it is important to manage the diet of toddlers experiencing diarrhoea to prevent further complications.
One way to manage toddler diarrhoea is to limit their intake of juice and other liquids with high fructose and sorbitol content. Young children's digestive systems struggle to cope with large fluid intakes, which can lead to an increase in fluid in the large bowel. This can cause stools to become more frequent and looser. Fructose and sorbitol are most commonly implicated in malabsorption of carbohydrates, which can result in chronic diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Fruit juices, such as pure fruit juice and squash, should be limited as they often contain high levels of fructose (natural fruit sugars). The absorption of fructose is poor in young children, and when these drinks are digested, the release of fructose promotes faster stomach emptying and quicker gut transit, which can worsen toddler diarrhoea. Drinks that are labelled "no added sugar" may be sweetened with artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, which can have a similar effect to fruit juices. Clear juices, such as apple, grape, and blueberry juices, should be avoided as they have high levels of indigestible sugars.
If giving your child pure fruit juice or a fruit smoothie, ensure it is well diluted (1 part juice to 10 parts water is recommended for young children). The quantity should be limited to one small beaker or glass per day, and the total amount of juice should not exceed 8 ounces (200 ml) per day.
It is important to note that fresh, tinned, and frozen fruit also contain natural fructose. However, the digestion of this fructose is slowed by the presence of fibre, and it usually does not have the same effect as fruit juice unless eaten in large quantities.
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High-fibre foods can help
While toddler diarrhoea is not a true illness or disease, it can be caused by a multitude of factors, including diet, increased intestinal transit time, increased physical activity, and individual intestinal microflora. A diet very low in fat and low in fibre has been linked to toddler diarrhoea. Fibre helps to soak up excess fluid in the large bowel, so a low-fibre diet can lead to loose stools.
To increase fibre intake, you can make some simple dietary changes. Instead of white bread and low-fibre cereals, opt for wholemeal or wholegrain products such as wholemeal bread, Shredded Wheat, Weetabix, or brown rice. Include more fruits and vegetables, especially those with edible skins like apples, peaches, and potatoes. Beans are also a great source of fibre, so feel free to add them to meals. When choosing cereals, look for those with at least 5 grams of fibre per serving, such as Raisin Bran, All Bran, or Fiber One.
It is important to ensure your toddler is also well-hydrated, as fibre works best when paired with good hydration. Water or milk is generally the best option for toddlers. However, be cautious not to exceed the recommended fluid intake for toddlers, which is typically 6-8 cups (200ml each) per day.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese can help firm up stools, but dairy products can also make diarrhea worse. If your toddler is lactose intolerant, cheese might not be a good option.
A normal fibre intake is recommended for toddlers with diarrhea. High-fibre foods include whole-grain cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables. A reasonably high-fat diet may also help, as fat slows down the speed at which food moves through the gut.
Fruit juices, fruit drinks, and other liquids with high fructose and sorbitol content should be limited. These include sports drinks, soda, and clear juices such as apple, grape, and blueberry juice.
Toddler diarrhea is characterised by three or more episodes of large, unformed stool per day for at least four consecutive weeks. The stools are often foul-smelling and contain undigested food and mucus. It usually occurs between the ages of one and four.
It is important to ensure that your toddler is well-hydrated. In addition to water, products like Pedialyte and Infalyte can help. Popsicles, Jell-O, and watered-down fruit juice are also good sources of fluids.
