Tummy tamers MDs swear by

Bellyaches, constipation, diarrhea: Top doctors share the home remedies they rely on to nix their own kids’ GI symptoms fast

FOR DIARRHEA Banana “oatmeal”

“When the kids get diarrhea, I make them my rice, banana and coconut water mix,” says Traci A. Purath, M.D., a mom of three and a neurologist in Greenfield, Wisconsin. “I prepare half a cup of white rice, then add a mashed banana and scant quarter-cup of coconut water. The goal is to get an oatmeal-like texture.” The yummy combo appeals to kids, it’s easily digested and it acts as a binder to firm up runny stool. “It helps stop diarrhea, and it coats their irritated stomachs within the hour,” says Dr. Purath. Plus, bananas are high in potassium, which helps replace lost nutrients. Serve as needed within 24 hours.

FOR GAS A warm lie-down

“When my two kids overindulge on junk food and wind up with tummy aches and gas, I have them lie on their left side with a hot pack draped over their right side,” says Heather Bartos, M.D., medical director at be. Women’s Health & Wellness in Cross Roads, Texas. “Lying this way helps move painful trapped gas out, while heat relaxes crampy muscles,” says Dr. Bartos. After about 5 minutes, the kids roll on their backs and pull their knees to their chests. “This further helps the gas leave. Just beware of wayward toots!” she says. Fifteen minutes later, the kids are all better. “It feels really good—I actually do this myself when I my stomach bothers me from overdoing it,” says Dr. Bartos.

FOR A STOMACHACHE Peppermint tea

“It was difficult to pinpoint the cause of my son’s stomachaches last year, so I used my favorite home remedy: peppermint tea,” says mom-of-two Sonia Batra, M.D., a dermatologist and recurrent co-host of The Doctors. Mint relaxes stomach muscles and improves bile flow, which aids digestion. “It often helped soothe his stomach within an hour,” says Dr. Batra. And since the brew is caffeinefree, it won’t keep kids up at night. When Dr. Batra isn’t near a tea kettle, she offers organic peppermint candies instead. One we like: YumEarth Wild Peppermint Organic Hard Candies (YumEarth.com).