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Children's health

28th Jun 2024

‘I’m a doctor and this is a lesser-known tummy bug hack you need to know’

Sophie Collins

tummy bug, Apple juice

A 2016 study has said this is just as effective for kids with tummy bugs

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.

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