What to do when your little one is in the throes of a stomach virus – get out the ginger ale, the ice cream, the mashed potatoes – anything to get some nourishment in them?
No, say experts. The most important substance a child suffering from symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain should consume is plain water. That’s because the most debilitating effect of a stomach bug is dehydration, especially for children.
Ginger ale and tart lemon sodas are acceptable, but water is preferable. It’s easier to digest and has no sugar, which can worsen diarrhea. Try to make sure your child drinks at least 1-2 ounces every half hour and consult your doctor about giving a sick child an oral electrolyte solution like Pedialyte. Juice, soda and sports drinks don't contain the same ratio of electrolytes, so they aren't recommended.
Rather than offering food, doctors recommend letting your youngster’s tummy rest during the first 24 hours of the illness. Clear cold fluids like water, fruit pops and gelatin are the easiest to get down. Also, encourage overall resting, staying home from school and forgoing normal play
You can help keep the rest of your family from catching the virus by disinfecting common areas with a solution of bleach and water. Quickly wash towels, sheets, blankets, stuffed animals and clothes and require that everyone wash their hands.
When your child starts to feel better, feed him or her food from his regular diet. Pediatricians no longer recommend bland foods like bananas and apple sauce. Keep sugar to a bare minimum. Foods with sugar can make diarrhea worse. Rice, potatoes, peeled fruit, lean proteins such as eggs, turkey and chicken, or cooked vegetables; all in small quantities for a while until your child's tummy starts feeling better and better. But mostly, have patience — it can take a day or two for your little one to regain his appetite.
Source: U.S. News and World Report/Health
Pamela Hasterok