Diarrhea -- looser, more frequent stools -- is a common childhood complaint that is usually more of an annoyance than a serious medical issue. Intestinal infections, such as stomach viruses, food intolerances or allergies and normal intestinal variations can all lead to changes in your child's bowel patterns. Diet, such as drinking too much diarrhea-producing juice like apple or pear, can also lead to episodes of diarrhea. Fortunately, most cases clear up with changes to the diet and extra fluids. Just keep your child well-hydrated while you wait for the diarrhea to go away.
Sorbitol
Apple, pear, prune, cherry and peach juices contain high levels of sorbitol, a form of non-digestible sugar. When you consume high levels of sorbitol, your body tries to dilute the sugar by pulling water from your bloodstream into your intestines, according to registered dietitian Joan Carter Koelemay. This ultimately results in looser stools. Adults cannot absorb sorbitol either, but the result tends to be less dramatic than in children and babies due to the larger size of adult bodies.
Food Sensitivities or Allergies
Added sugars or chemical additives and colorings in the juice can upset children's stomachs and cause diarrhea. You might suspect a food sensitivity or intolerance if you recently introduced a new type of juice and your child did not experience diarrhea with other brands of apple juice. Food allergies can also cause loose, mucousy or bloody, stools. If your child is allergic to apple juice, she might develop other allergic symptoms, such as a rash or vomiting. See your doctor promptly if your child exhibits any signs of an allergic reaction so he can diagnose and treat the allergy. Seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Treatment
Pediatrician William Sears, the author of "The Family Nutrition Book" recommends treating mild diarrhea -- two to four loose stools in a 24-hour period -- by feeding your child the BRATY diet composed of bananas, rice or rice cereal, applesauce, toast and yogurt. Avoid apple and pear juices, but offer white grape juice, popsicles or an oral electrolyte solution. Feed your child smaller amounts of the BRATY diet if she suffers from moderate diarrhea -- four to eight loose stools a day. Consult with your doctor for appropriate treatment for severe diarrhea -- 10 or more loose stools a day.
Prevention/Solution
Limit your child's apple juice consumption to 4 to 6 oz. or less per day to reduce his chances of experiencing juice-induced diarrhea. If even small amounts of apple juice upset his digestion, try white grape juice, which contains no sorbitol. Encourage your child to drink plain water throughout the day. You can also try a 50/50 mix of juice and water to encourage him to drink more liquids without overdoing it on fruit juice.
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