GI Disorders
Mealtime meltdowns and tummy troubles – I’m sure we’ve all been there as parents. GI disorders in children can be a real challenge, affecting everything from their mood to their appetite. The good news is that dietitians are here to help! With their expertise in nutrition and digestion, they can help with the ins and outs of managing these disorders. Let’s take a look at some of the most common digestive disorders in children and see how a dietitian may be able to help.
What are common digestive disorders in children?
We’re focusing on three of the most common digestive disorders seen in kids. Although there’s a long list of other potential digestive issues, we’ll keep things light and informative as we explore these key conditions.
Celiac Disease
For kids with celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response that can damage the lining of the small intestine, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. This GI disorder can develop at any time once gluten is introduced into the diet, generally around 6-9 months of age. It’s important to have your child tested if you have reason to suspect celiac
disease.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is another common digestive disorder that is often seen in kids, and it includes both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD causes chronic inflammation in the GI tract, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is when kids struggle to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Once again, this can lead to uncomfortable GI symptoms. Lactose intolerance in children raises concerns regarding calcium intake since dairy is a major source of this nutrient. Parents should make it a point to ensure their kids get calcium from non-dairy sources if they are lactose intolerant to promote optimal growth and development.
Can a dietitian help with digestive issues in children?
Dietitians are a great resource for addressing and managing digestive issues in kids. They have the ability to analyze your child’s current diet and pinpoint any foods that might be causing discomfort or triggering symptoms. From there, they can then develop a personalized plan of action, whether that be reimaging their diet or tweaking other lifestyle factors.
What’s even more promising is that many dietitians specialize in kid’s nutrition, known as pediatric nutrition. These experts are well-versed in the nutrient requirements your kid needs, which can be tricky to navigate alone when dealing with a digestive disorder. With a dietitian’s expertise and guidance, you can confidently support your child’s health and safety.
When should a child see a dietitian?
If you begin to notice a trend of symptoms related to the food your child eats, like abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bathroom habits, it’s probably a sign it’s time to talk with a dietitian. Even if you’re unsure on the severity of the symptoms, dietitians are also able to provide referrals to other healthcare experts.
While digestive issues in children can be challenging, you don’t have to navigate them alone. Dietitians are excellent resources and ready to help you uncover your child’s specific needs. Take the next step in supporting your child’s gut health and reach out to an expert!
Our kids sure keep our blood pressure high, don’t they?! Food allergies can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it’s manageable. Our pediatric dietitians provide guidance on identifying allergens, reading labels, and creating balanced, allergy-safe meals to make mealtimes less stressful for the whole family.
Pediatric digestive health and nutrition counseling with online and in-person appointments at Branz Nutrition Counseling.
