A natural grip on gastro
4 May 2010

A natural grip on gastro

2 mins to read
Gently does it when it comes to managing and preventing children's gastroenteritis. By Stephanie Oley.


Gastroenteritis is the most common form of tummy upset among children. Of all the causes possible, rotavirus is the most common worldwide.

The main symptoms of gastro are diarrhoea and vomiting, with abdominal pain and fever also possible. Other germs, such as bacteria or parasites, food poisoning and environmental or chemical toxins can cause similar symptoms to rotavirus gastroenteritis, so it’s important that your child is correctly diagnosed.

What to do

The main concern is dehydration from losing too much fluid from the repeated vomiting and diarrhoea.

Here are some tips for rehydration:

  • Give small, frequent sips of room-temperature water rather than a large glass of cold water
  • Dilute 50 ml pear or white grape juice in 200 ml water
  • Mix one teaspoon of cordial in 100 ml water
  • Mix 10 ml lemonade in 50 ml water
  • Sip some homemade ginger tea (one teaspoon of grated ginger in a cup of boiled water) 
  • Ask your healthcare professional about rehydration drinks and ice blocks

Soothe the tummy

Sometimes, vomiting is so excessive that even water irritates the stomach. For older children, try calming the stomach first with natural aids such as peppermint lozenges, homemade ginger tea (as above) or slippery elm powder diluted in water or soy milk.

Cautions with drinks

  • Avoid low-calorie drinks
  • Avoid carbonated drinks or sports drinks, as they have an inappropriate ratio of sugar to sodium
  • Don’t add salt to drinks as it is possible to over-add

When to resume eating

Once your child’s appetite picks up, make sure to continue giving easily digestible foods. In her book Natural health for children – an A to Z of childhood ailments and ways to treat them naturally, dietician Lynda Brewin suggests the following food strategy: 

  • Avoid wheat products, red meat, eggs, rich or fatty foods, raw vegetables, sweets, processed foods, cold foods and citrus fruits
  • Choose easily digestible foods such as rice, barley, millet, steamed vegetables, bananas and papayas for the first few days.

Strengthening your child’s tummy after gastro

  • Add cleansing herbs such as rosemary, oregano, ginger, peppermint, thyme, basil, chamomile, nutmeg and parsley to soups and stews 
  • Avoid dairy products for two weeks, as children often develop a lactose intolerance after gastroenteritis
  • Give an age-appropriate dose of probiotics and children’s minerals and vitamins to re-establish healthy gut flora

When to visit your healthcare professional

If your child continues vomiting and cannot keep fluids down, or has blood in their stool, a consistent high temperature or something just seems wrong, contact your healthcare professional.

Also see your healthcare professional if diarrhoea lasts for more than: 

  • 24 hours in children aged three to six years
  • 12 hours in babies and toddlers aged six to 24 months
  • Any period of time for babies under six months

References available on request



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