Dr. Niamh, a popular TikTok health expert, recently shared a practical tip for parents struggling to rehydrate their children while they have a tummy big.
There are lots of kids who dislike the taste of traditional oral rehydration solutions (ORS), so it can be hard to find a solution.
“Let's face it, some children with gastroenteritis do not like the taste of oral rehydration solution,” Dr. Niamh acknowledged in her TikTok video.
Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting and is usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug.
She went on to introduce an alternative based on a 2016 study that suggests using diluted apple juice as an effective replacement.
“Enter a study done back in 2016 using dilute apple juice or half-strength apple juice,” she explained.
Dr. Niamh then provided a simple recipe for parents to follow: “Fill up half a glass of apple juice – any kind will do – and half a glass of water.”
This mixture, she noted, is “just as effective as ORS for mild dehydration.”
To make the solution more appealing, Dr. Niamh recommended a creative twist: “To make it extra special, you can freeze it into popsicles.”
Parents seeking a child-friendly way to manage mild dehydration now have a more tasty option to consider, thanks to Dr. Niamh’s advice.
