A few simple tips which should be given to the patient.
• Boiling, steaming, baking, pressure cooking should be encouraged
• Consume small and light meals frequently instead 013 big meals a day to replenish the lost nutrients.
• Have plenty of fluids like lemon juice, fruit juices, vegetable soups, watery dals, lassi, coconut water etc. to make up for the losses of fluids.
Have fruits like banana and apple as they are rich in potassium which helps ‘to maintain fluid balance.
• Try to restrict the consumption of milk and dairy products, as they are difficult to digest ,
• Avoid fried foods.
• Avoid raw vegetables like salads.
While the above mentioned principles are applicable for patients of all age groups and gender, we shall discuss some important aspects of management among infants and young children which are the most vulnerable segments especially with respect to developing complications. It has also been observed that myths regarding breast feeding and food consumption are rampant due to ignorance. Efficient and aggressive counseling of the parents carelakers is equally important for preventing dehydration and malnutrition which may affect the growth and development of the child in the long run especially in cases of chronic diarrhoea. Let us now move on to the management of diarrhoea in children - which is one of the leading causative factors of infant deaths in our country.