Does drinking too much juice contribute to loose stools?
User Ratings: 
I have a 2 ½-year-old boy, and either he drinks a lot of juice and eats very little or he gets loose bowels. Is watering down the juice my solution? Also, how do you build up a child's immune system so that he doesn't get sick so often? My son started preschool in September and has been sick at least three or four times.
Kids who drink too much of any fluid, such as milk, juice or soda, have a much smaller appetite for food. Additionally, drinking too much juice can cause loose stools because the types of sugars that naturally occur in juice, or get added, tend to be reactive in the gastrointestinal system. The non-absorbed sugars may lead to diarrhea, gas, bloating and stomachaches if consumed in excessive amounts. Parents should follow the American Academy of Pediatrics policy guidelines for juice consumption, which state that fruit juice should be limited to 4-6 ounces a day for children one to six years old and 8-12 ounces a day for children seven to 18 years old. Diluting the juice with water is fine because it helps to decrease the actual amount of juice consumed by the child and decreases sugar loads that may lead to loose stools.
Furthermore, the AAP guidelines differentiate between 100% fruit juice as opposed to fruit drinks, favoring the use of 100% fruit juice. The new Food Guide Pyramid at www.MyPyramid.gov recommends 100% fruit juice as a way to add a fruit option to a child's diet. Read nutrition labels, and look for 100% juices, such as NESTLÉ JUICY JUICE. Avoid words like "ade," "beverage," "cocktail" or "drink" in the name. These words indicate that a product is not 100% juice. For example, many "fruit juice drinks" contain only 10% fruit juice and have added sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives and artificial flavors.
As far as preventing illness, be aware that children who are in preschool may get one to two viruses a month, especially in the winter season. If your son recovers easily from these illnesses and is not getting serious infections like pneumonia, chronic ear infections or sinus infections, these viruses will actually help to improve his immune system. Here are things you can do to decrease the risk of getting some of these viruses:
- Teach your child to wash hands thoroughly before eating.
- Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep.
- Try a vitamin-mineral supplement, especially if your child is a picky eater.