Jamshedpur : Dr Smriti Nath, Chief Consultant and HOD, Paediatrics, Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur, has said that contrary to common belief, recovery from diarrhoea can be quicker. Infact, parents can ensure it with a proper diet comprising the right kind of fluids and foods.
It is essential for mothers to continue nursing their infants as often as the baby desires, both, during diarrhoea and in the recovery phase. In situations where the child is at least 6 months of age or is already feeding on semi-solid foods and cereals can prove to be beneficial; studies show that using rice-based foods play an essential role in the recovery from diarrhoea.
She said that a recent international study published in The Lancet on the impact and most common causes of diarrhoeal diseases showed that over 100,000 children below the age of 11 months die of diarrhoea in India. Persistent & chronic Diarrhoeal diseases remain a major cause of malnutrition in children, which in turn leads to a vicious cycle affecting their growth. The challenge, thus, is to convert the negative vicious cycle to a virtuous cycle, enabled through right feeding practices.
Fluids need to be replenished. Diet during diarrhoea should be rich in cereals or other food staples, mixed with pulses, legumes and vegetables. Rice-based cereals or Khichdi made from rice and lentils has been found to be effective in replenishing energy stores by supplying essential nutrients. Unfortunately, mothers aren’t always sure of what to feed their babies and in which quantities.
Feeding the wrong foods can irritate the babies� gut and may even worsen the symptoms. Similarly, babies with diarrhoea need more fluids than usual to replenish the lost stores. Dehydration can be prevented if suitable fluids like ORS, homemade soups made from boiling ground or powdered cereals are given in adequate quantities soon after the onset of diarrhoea.
