Most diarrheas are self limiting in 3-5 days. Hence drugs apart from oral rehydration solution are not necessary. Breat feedig should be continued in diarrhea. Breast feeding does not increase the duration/ frequency of diarrhea. Breast milk, in fact , provides water and nutrition to the child and decreases the occurrence of diarrhea by providing the child with immune substances. Most breast fed babies prefer it, as it is easy to digest. Food-restrictions are not necessary in diarrhea. As noted earlier, breast feeding can be continued. Child can be offered whatever food he wants to take in addition to the fluids. Due to illness, a child's appetite may be poor. Food should not be forced on him/her. This will lead to vomiting. Instead, it is prudent to offer small amounts more frequently.If food is not restricted , the weight loss during diarrhea can be minimized.
