(by Nicola Simonetti) In the two weeks of holidays, not even for a little more motorcycles, the boys return to school with a weighting of a kilo and a half-two (average) and with the intestine in crisis.
To complicate the whole circulation of numerous viruses that can create, among other things, problems with the digestive system. A simple indigestion is enough for the intestinal bacterial flora to be upset and no more aggressive against possible pathogenic germs. Other times a micro-organism, which initially causes fever, cough and other respiratory symptoms, can also promote nausea, vomiting, liquid discharges, interfering with digestive processes.
And then - the experts of the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics SIPPS advise - let's restore order to the children's food day (and not only): four meals a day, no forced fasting, progressive resumption of motor activity and, in particular, elementary care in preparing meals.
"First of all, follow a simple diet - says Dr Giuseppe Di Mauro, president of SIPPS - not necessarily" white ", but characterized by lightly seasoned and not elaborate dishes: spaghetti with tomato sauce, steak or grilled fish, as well as pasta and beans and minestrone. The right balance between animal and vegetable foods is also fundamental: fruit and vegetables must always be placed on the table and, if they are not really appreciated by the child, these very important nutrient sources can be offered in the form of juices and centrifuged, prepared at home and consumed at the moment. Fiber will be lost but the treasure of vitamins, mineral salts and other precious elements contained in fruit and vegetables will be ensured ".
Pay attention to the quantities of meals consumed throughout the day. “In the presence of ailments it is better that they are light and frequent rather than rare and abundant. Do not indulge in fats as they slow down and burden digestion and are particularly high in calories.
"If the intake of milk were to cause bloating or diarrhea, the motivation - says Dr. Piercarlo Salari, SIPPS - could be linked to an even extemporaneous deficiency of lactase, the enzyme that degrades lactose into two simple sugars and more easily digestible. In this case, a preparation can be used, available in the form of a food supplement, based on this enzyme. If the disturbances persist and raise the suspicion of a real lactose intolerance, a specific test can be performed to confirm it.
Do not underestimate physical activity, a real favorable stimulus on the motility of the digestive tract.
We recommend taking probiotic preparations ("lactic ferments": it will be good to choose on the advice of the pediatrician or general practitioner) useful for restoring a balanced structure of the intestinal microflora.
Gradually restore (returning to the traditional timetable) any distortion of the wake-sleep rhythm caused by the holidays. "
Good continuation of the school year for children, teachers and parents. The providential rests of holidays, midweek bridges and Easter will alleviate the effort required by the rest of the school year. A few more months and it will immediately end and summer vacation.