NG Tube Feeding in Babies- Considerations While Doing It at Home

A nostalgic (NG) tube is a thin and long tube that is inserted in the nose. It passes through the throat and then reaches the stomach. The main purpose of NG tube is feeding the babies who are not able to take food through the mouth due to any health issue or in the case it is risky for them to take the food through the mouth. In that case, NG tube feeding is done to ensure proper nutrition intake for the babies.

However, the NG tubes can only be used to pass the liquid. And it depends on the physical condition and food requirements of a baby that whether the tube will be used for feeding the baby entirely or for giving her just a few extra calories.




Taking care of the tube

If your baby is on NG tube feeding, her nurse would teach you flushing the tube and performing proper skin care, especially around the nose. So, here are the steps you must follow:

Flushing the tube

You are recommended to flush the tube after every feeding.

• Wash your hands properly before giving a feed.
• When the feeding is finished, wash the tube by adding warm water with the help of a syringe.
• If the water does not pass through, try further by changing the positions or by using a plunger.
• Remove the syringe and close the cap of the tube. 

Taking care of the skin 

• Every time you feed the baby, clean her skin by using warm water and a washcloth. 
• Use mineral oil or any other lubricant to loosen the bandage when dressing. 
• In the case you notice irritation or redness in baby's nose, insert the tube into another nostril. If you don't know the procedure, you can call the nurse to do that. 

However, it is not only about the using the tube right way during NG tube feeding but you also need to pay attention that what is being given to the baby. If you are unaware of the right food choices, you can contact Nutrition4Kids (a trustworthy and expert guide for making nutritional food choice for babies) to know the healthiest feed options for your baby. To know more about them, you can visit http://www.nutrition4kids.com. 

TOP 5 FOOD ITEMS GLUTEN SENSITIVE KIDS SHOULD AVOID

If you have noticed that your child is not eating enough and has a very slow growth rate, then these could be symptoms of Celiac Disease. Other than these, you will also be able to notice skin rashes, constipation, anemia, fatigue, and bloating. Children affected by it cannot intake gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The tissues inside the body get damaged as soon as the gluten enters it. The small intestine is affected the most, as it does not receive enough nutrients.

To be sure, you can always take the child for celiac disease blood test. The most common one is a tTG-IgA test. If the test reports suggest celiac disease then the physician will carry out a test for the small intestine. The only treatment that can effectively combat celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. Here are some food items to avoid and the alternatives that are available easily in the market.

FOODS TO AVOID AND THE ALTERNATIVE

• Barley, Wheat, Rye: These are not gluten-free. The only way to treat celiac disease is to avoid eating anything with gluten. Barley, wheat, and rye contain the protein called gluten. Therefore, you should not give your child anything made out of these three. Barley malt is also not gluten-free. If you find anything with the word ‘malt’ in the ingredient list then you need to avoid it. 
• Blue Cheese: The milk used to make the blue cheese sometimes contains bread mold. This, in turn, contains gluten. Therefore, you need to avoid feeding the child blue cheese. These days you can find gluten-free blue cheese in the market easily. 
• Pasta: If you find that the pasta is made from wheat, wheat starch, barley or rye then this is not for your child. However, the good news is that gluten-free pasta is easily available these days. It is made of corn flour, rice flour, and quinoa. It will be exactly the same in taste and your child will love it. 
• Cake Flour: It is strongly recommended to avoid cake flour in case your child have celiac disease. But that does not mean the child cannot have delicious desserts.  For gluten-free baking, you can use amaranth flour, millet flour, cornmeal, groundnuts, potato flour and rice flour. For the binding agents, you can go for arrowroot powder. To top it up, you can use raisins and cranberries. There is no way the child will not love it. 
• French Fries: Yes, you heard it right. The child should not be given French fries if he/she is gluten sensitive. This happens because of the fryer; you should not be using the same fryer for gluten-based products and for gluten-free products. If you visit a restaurant then make sure they are too not using common fryers for both. If you are buying packaged fries from the grocery store then you need to be sure that they are “gluten-free.” To be on the safe side, always use a separate fryer for gluten based and gluten-free frying. 

To know more about celiac disease symptoms, foods to avoid and celiac disease blood test visit Nutrition4kids. Here you will find everything you need to know about diseases and conditions in children of every age group. All the information provided has been gathered and written by medical experts.

Visit the website http://www.nutrition4kids.com/ for more details. 

Top 4 Tips To Make The Life Of A Child Going Through Gastrostomy Easy

The G in the G-Tube stands for Gastronomy, which is an opening in the stomach. It is a hollow tube that is inserted into the stomach through the gastrostomy opening. The kids going through gastronomy can intake nutrition supplements easily through it. The kids can easily meet the caloric requirement through stomach tube insertion. It is recommended that the patient never skip the meals and also intakes snacks along. The insertion procedure does not take longer than 30 minutes and requires a maximum of 5 days stay at the hospital. 

Here are some tips, which can help children going through gastrostomy lead a normal life. 

• Taking Care of the Tube: The tube is placed inside the stomach by stitching it around the skin. This helps keep it secure until the tract is well healed. Ask the doctor about the brand, length, size, and type of the tube. Knowing these factors will help you take better care of the tube. Before and after feeding and medications, you will have to flush the tube well. 
• Use 2-tablespoon water and unclog the tube. It is highly recommended not to use a wire to unclog the tube. Using a plastic brush tailor-made for the G-tube or water is recommended. To clean the ends of the PEG tube, use an alcohol pad and make sure the end of the tube does not touch anything. You need to crush the medications and mix it with water before letting it down the tube. 
• Taking Care of the Skin: When the child first gets the tube, do not remove the stitches that hold it to the skin. It is advised to clean the skin around the tube at least twice a day so that no redness or swelling appears. The skin around the tube should always be dry as infections may occur with moist skin. Also, apply an antibiotic cream around the tube when you are done cleaning. This way the child will be able to move freely and be comfortable. 
• The Child’s Psychological Perspective: You, as a parent, have to make sure that the child does not feel odd or feel something is wrong with him/her. Seeing a loved one depressed is the hardest situation to go through. Learn about the illness and take every step to understand the symptoms and treatment. This will help you understand what the child is feeling. The child might sometimes feel isolated even among children of his/her age. Give them companionship and spend quality time with them to understand them better. Try to validate their pain and show them they are accepted and loved.
• Side Effects: You, as a parent, should also be aware of the side effects of the stomach tube insertion before going through the procedure. Infection and bleeding occur at the spot of the tube insertion, which should be taken care of with regular care. The child may also go through skin irritation, anesthesia problem, aspiration, fever and chills, cough, constipation, nausea.  If the tube becomes clogged or the child faces any of these side effects then call your health practitioner immediately.

If you want to know more about gastrostomy tube insertion and the procedure visit Nutrition4kids. Here if you will find everything you need to know about diseases in children, healthy meals, and expert advice. They offer blogs and articles written by experienced medical and psychological professionals. 

Visit the website at http://www.nutrition4kids.com for more details.

Top 4 foods that might disturb your child's digestive system

Most people only appreciate their digestive health when it is gone. We are all different people with different digestive systems, microbiomes and food intolerances. But the type of food we eat has a direct impact on our digestive track. We feed either digestive problems or a healthy gut.

What you feed to your kids also has a big take on their digestive issues. If your child faces problems in digestion or has a considerable stomach ache most of the times, he/she might be facing with certain issues that might go unnoticed. At Nutrition 4 Kids, we bring you complete knowledge and assistance about your child's health. G-tube feeding nutrition is something that is directly linked to digestive issues. You can find complete information about it on our website.

In order to prevent digestive issues in your child, here are a few foods you should avoid in your child's diet.

1. Intake of gluten in the form of grains

Grains contain an abundance of amylose, sugars which are highly responsible for inflammation as well as anti-nutrients. These bind to the intestines and hinder the nutrient absorption in the body. It is highly recommended to remove all grains for a time and then slowly reintroduce them again to see the impact that they have on your digestive system.

2. Gut issues can be caused by dairy products

Cows might breed in an unhealthy environment and are often given hormones and antibiotics in dairy farms. The milk gained from them is then pasteurized and homogenized later. The fat that contains the beneficial fat-soluble vitamins is removed. If your child already suffers from digestive issues, dairy products should be removed for a while to let the digestivex system heal. Go for yogurt instead, which can be better tolerated and offers bacteria for microbiome.

3. Sugar can produce bad bacteria in your gut

The imbalance caused by bacteria can lead to negative effects on your child's metabolism as well as immune system. If the bacteria overgrow in number, they can cause aggravation and inflammation. When you feed your child with artificial sweeteners,  you are actually decreasing the good bacteria in their gut, which might lead to glucose intolerance.

4. Say no to foods that contain sorbitol

Avoid the foods that contain sorbitol. Candies, sodas, carbonated drinks, and gums are most likely to have a great quantity of sorbitol. Also, various nuts and seeds like sunflower and poppy are one of the main reasons behind soluble fiber and production of gas.

You can now get all your questions answered about the right nutrition for your kids as well as about G-tube Feeding Nutrition on our website by expert doctors and nurses.

Visit our website at www.nutrition4kids.com.

If you like this post, please also read my another post - Blood Test For Gluten Sensitivity

6 MAJOR SYMPTOMS THAT YOUR CHILD MAYBE GLUTEN INTOLERANT

Does your child often complain about feeling uneasy? You know that something is wrong, but the doctors are not able to figure it out? If this is the case, then you should consider your child getting tested for gluten sensitivity. Gluten can be found in wheat, oats, barley, rye and even processed foods. There is a high probability that your child may have been consuming a high amount of gluten and thus, develop gluten intolerance.  To know about Blood Test For Gluten Sensitivity and treatment, you can visit www.nutrition4kids.com.

In children, gluten sensitivity can be mild, average or even severe. If you have noticed the following symptoms in your child then it is time to consult a good practitioner and begin with the treatment.

1. Brain Fog

The child is likely to feel fatigued, moody and easily distracted. It is a result of all the processed and unhealthy food that we consume. The child may get easily tired and will face difficulty in focusing on studies or any other task.

2. Severe Headache

In adults, due to stress and everyday work, headache is common. But it is very unlikely that a child may complain of a severe headache every day. In case your child often grumbles about a headache, visit a good doctor to check for gluten sensitivity.

3. Joint Pain

Pain in the joints and feeling numb in the fingers, arms, and legs is a major sign of a health issue.  People with gluten sensitivity go through joint pains often.

4. Low Immunity

Children with gluten sensitivity get sick easily. The body defenses do not work effectively. The gluten intolerance majorly affects the small intestine. The child may experience bloating, diarrhea, skin irritation, and constipation.

5. Acne and Rashes

The child will feel itchy at the elbows, knees or the neck and back. This is also a sign of gluten sensitivity.

6. Dental Issues

A recent study found a strong connection between gluten sensitivity and mouth ulcers. The calcium levels drop significantly, which make the teeth and bones weak.

If you have noticed any of the above symptoms in your child, then visit your doctor for a gluten sensitivity test. The doctors carry out a blood test for gluten sensitivity - Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies (tTG-IgA) test.

To know more about gluten intolerance or any other conditions in children visit http://www.nutrition4kids.com.

What, How, Why and When of Nasogastric Tube Insertion in Children Simplified

• Does your child often complain about a sore throat? 
• Does your child have trouble in swallowing food?
• Is your child not getting enough nutrition through the diet?

If the answer to any of the above questions is a “Yes” then you need to consult a doctor for Nasogastric Tube Insertion.

What is Nasogastric Tube Insertion? 

The Nasogastric Tube is a thin tube, which is inserted into the child’s nostril through the food pipe and then into the stomach. Once the tube is placed, the child can easily intake food and medicines. The tube is also used to remove certain harmful substances from the stomach.

How to Insert Nasogastric –NG Tube (Procedure)

The procedure is very simple and the patient does not face any pain. The doctor will instruct the child to lay down on the bed with the head elevated. They will tell the child to move the head and the body at some angles while they try to insert the tube smoothly. These little movements will make the tube insertion easier and it will be placed in the correct position.


To check for the correct placement of the tube or for any discomfort, the child will be asked to swallow something or take a few sips of water. The doctors also secure the tube with a tape on the face. To make the process easier, try distracting your child or use some relaxation techniques.

How to Care for a Nasogastric Tube at Home?

• Always check the position of the tube before you put anything inside it.
• Brush the child’s teeth at least twice daily so that no unwanted substances can go inside.
• Change the Nasal tape when it gets loose.
• Clean the tube with water before taking medication.
• Crush the pills well before passing them into the tube.

When to call the doctor for assistance?

• If the child feels choked or has difficulty in breathing.
• If you are unable to unclog the tube.
• If you cannot make out whether the end of the tube is inside the stomach.
• If the child has symptoms of Diarrhoea or has constipation, dry mouth or dark urine.

To know more about Nasogastric tube insertion or how to insert Nasogastric- NG tube then visit Nutrition4Kids. They provide expert advice from the medical advisory board on various diseases in children, eating habits, advice for new and soon going to be mothers and much more. Visit them at http://www.nutrition4kids.com.

In case you missed my previous post about - Stomach Tube Insertion then click here..!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Does your child have salty sweat or skin? Or does the child is not gaining weight like the kids around? Is he /she has a cough and Diarrhoea every other day? Then you need to check with your Doctor for Cystic Fibrosis.

What is Cystic Fibrosis and what causes it?

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease, which affects more than 30,000 people in the US. It affects the cells in the body that make up the sweat, digestive fluids, and mucus. These are usually very thin and flowy but with Cystic Fibrosis, they become very thick and sticky and thus they block the tubes inside the body. The infected inherit a copy of the gene from their parents. If only one gene is inherited then there will be no symptoms but he/she will be a carrier of the disease. 

This disease affects the:

• Lungs
• Pancreas
• Liver
• Small and Large Intestine
• Bladder
• Kidneys
• Reproductive organs

You need to consult a doctor immediately if you detect the following Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms in your child:

Respiratory Symptoms

• Continuous cough with thick sputum
• Heavy breathing
• Lung Infection
• Easily tired after exercising
• Running and stuffy nose
• Wheezing

Digestive Symptoms

• No weight gain and growth
• Constipation
• Small and large intestine blockage
• Unpleasant smelling stool

The thick mucus blocks the passage in between the pancreas and small intestine. Therefore, without the digestive enzymes, the intestine cannot absorb all the nutrients from the food, which results in poor growth of the body. Parents should consult a specialist knowledgeable about Cystic Fibrosis.

Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis

Usually, doctors carry out a blood test to check for the disease and generic test checks whether the child has a defected CFTR gene. Other tests performed are

• Immunoreactive Trypsinogen (IRT) Test- This test checks for an abnormal level of IRT in the blood. The IRT should be low for no Cystic Fibrosis.
• Sweat Chloride Test- This checks for the level of salt in the sweat. A chemical is used which makes the skin sweat and then the sweat is collected on a paper for further analysis.
• Chest X-ray- This checks for swelling in the lungs.

You can get more details about various other diagnostic tests and medication and symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis and about many other diseases in children at Nutrition4kids. They offer expert guidance and advice about various disorders, eating habits, breastfeeding and much more. 

Visit the website http://www.nutrition4kids.com for more information.

In case you missed my previous post, read it here. Thanks!

All You Need to Know About Stomach Tube Insertion in Kids

Is your child experiencing a problem in feeding or swallowing food? Is He/she is unable to intake food or liquids properly? Then this may act as a hindrance in your child’s growth. In such cases, the doctors suggest inserting a Gastronomy tube also known as G-tube or an NG-tube through the abdomen to deliver the essential nutrients into the body. 

You might be thinking about the conditions that lead to Stomach Tube Insertion. Below are some of the common conditions that your child may require a G-tube:

1. Congenital problem- Problem in the mouth, stomach, intestine.

2. Swallowing issues- Mainly due to slow development, prematurity, brain injury.

3. Failure to thrive- Unable to gain weight and abnormal body growth.

4. Unable to take in medicines

5. Severe Abdominal pain

This insertion is a small procedure, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes and a max of 2-days stay at the hospital. The healing is fast and the kids can get back to their normal activities after the incision has healed.

How to take care of the tube and skin around after the procedure

The doctor will guide you on how to take care of the tube. Make sure to keep in mind these guidelines.

• Clean tube after and before use

This will help in the smooth flow of the food into the stomach and there will not be any blockage. Use 30 ml of water to clean the tube thoroughly.

• Unclog the tube immediately

If the tube gets clogged by any chance then immediately unclog it using 60 ml of warm water. Always use water or a soft brush to clear the passage. Never use a wire.

• Keep check on the length

Always check the length of the tube from the end till the point it goes into the body. If it gets longer, it may come out and if shorter then you should inform the doctor right away.

• Clean the skin around

Make sure to clean the skin around once every two days, there should not be any rashes or swelling around. Also, keep the skin around dry to prevent any infection.

• Use antibiotic  cream

Use an antibiotic cream as directed by your doctor around the tube area after you are done with cleaning.

• Do not remove stitches

The doctor will remove the band-aid and medical tape after the skin heals within 24 hours. Ask your doctor about when can the kid shower or bathe.

You can know more about Stomach tube insertion at Nutrition4kids. They have all that you need to know about G-tube, inserting NG- tube at home, symptoms, precautions and expert tips from the best pediatrician in the field. You can also know about various kids related health issues and the best solution.

 Visit the website http://www.nutrition4kids.com/ for more information.

In case you missed my previous post, read it here. Thanks!

Protect Your Child From Malnutrition with PEG Tube Feeding

A child’s nutrition is the top most priority on any parents list. Good nutrition ensures growth and health of a child. Some children make fuzz when they eat and mostly it leaves lesser options for parents to feed their child. Sometimes, it is that your child must be having some gastrointestinal problem which might have gone undetected. 

The worst thing that children are going through is malnutrition, which consequents to serious illness and high mortality rate in one’s country. When a child’s nutrition is not met by oral feeding due to problems in digestion, appetite, swallowing and other gastrointestinal problem, doctors recommend PEG tubes to nourish the body. You can find more information about this topic on www.nutrition4kids.com. 

What is PEG tube feeding?

PEG tube feeding is needed when other types of feeding fail and they are not able to eat or drink properly. When the body cannot be nourished through IV and N-tube, doctors go for PEG tube, which is a short form for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrotomy (PEG) tube. This tube is inserted through one's skin to the stomach and through this tube medical formula, medicines and water are given.

When does a child need PEG tube feeding?

There can be a variety of reasons. Some premature infants who are not developed and strong enough to suck and swallow might need PEG tube feeding. In other cases, children with the cardiac or respiratory issue may leave them with less energy to swallow. Some children have neurological problems that might hinder oral feeding. Hence, these children develop loss in appetite and it results in malnutrition.

How durable are PEG feeding tubes?

PEG feeding tubes are known to last for months or years. But one should always take care of the tube not to break down or get clogged over extended periods of time. The doctors would recommend when to get a replacement or get it removed.

Nutrition4Kids will always be there to guide you with your queries about your child’s development. You can always trust Nutrition4Kids to make an informed choice about your child’s nutrition. Find more information about PEG tube feeding on www.nutrition4kids.com. 

If you like this post, please also read my another post about Gluten Intolerant Test

Is your child Gluten intolerant? Find out with a Gluten Intolerant Test

What is Gluten?
Gluten is found in a variety of everyday food. It is a type of protein generally found in wheat, rye, and barley. It helps in retaining the shape of the food by acting as the adhesive substance that holds them together. Some people are intolerant to such protein. Hence, Gluten Intolerance Test will determine if your child has gluten intolerance or not.

What is Gluten Intolerance?
Gluten intolerance causes a person’s immunity to react against a kind of protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It starts showing symptoms right after ingesting any kind of gluten product. The symptoms include gastrointestinal problems to severe problems like anxiety, depression, etc. It is important to get a Gluten Intolerance Test and treat the problem rather than just symptoms.

Can Gluten intolerance be a serious issue?
It depends on the tolerance level. Most of the people are fine with gluten although it is proven to be bad for one’s health. For those who are intolerant to gluten may be prone to Celiac disease. Mostly, gluten insensitivity can act as one of the symptoms of other major diseases. It is important that you get your children a Gluten Intolerance Test before the problem becomes severe.

Can we avoid Gluten?
There is majority of products, which has gluten in it. It may not be specified in the ingredients of some products but it might be present in it. Food products like bread, soups, beer, baked goods, sauces, etc, contain gluten in their ingredients. Hence it is impossible to totally avoid gluten.

Are Gluten-free diets available?
Yes, it might not contain gluten. But one has to make sure that their diet must contain the nutrients that a gluten product may have. Since most of the food products have gluten in it, avoiding it may devoid your child of certain nutrients which is important for your child’s growth. Nutrition4kids will always guide you to maintain your child’s well being.

You can rely on Nutrition4kids to give you reliable information and expert advice on your child’s well-being. Gluten insensitivity or gluten intolerance can become a serious issue if it is not treated well. If a change in diet doesn’t surely indicate gluten intolerance, then you must get your child Gluten Intolerance Test to be sure about their medical issue and practice caution in their daily diet.

If you like this post, please also read my another post - SURVIVING THE STOMACH FLU 101

SURVIVING THE STOMACH FLU 101

Has your child been vomiting and feeling low lately? Then your child might be having the stomach flu. It is the second most common illness among children, first are the respiratory infections. Stomach flu is an illness known as gastroenteritis caused by viruses and bacteria like salmonella.

SYMPTOMS OF STOMACH FLU

It is not easy to spot the early signs among babies and toddlers. But do watch out for these red signals:

• High Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fussy behaviour
• Easily tired
• Reduction in appetite
• Dehydrated

Older children may also complain of a tummy ache, headache, and restlessness. Symptoms start to show generally after three days after the child has been exposed to the bug. Upset stomach can also make the child feel dehydrated.

Catching up the Flu

Kid’s stomach bugs are contagious; they spread from one child to another. Germs can stay over toys and clothes for days. So what can you do to stop the spreading of germs?

• Stress on Handwashing

This is the easiest and the most essential step to prevent germs from spreading. Make the kids wash hands before and after meals, after poop and when they come back home after playing. When kids come in contact with germs, they become infected by touching their face, nose, mouth with the contaminated hands. Hand-washing is the first defense you can take against gastroenteritis.

• Clean your home

Clean your home regularly to stop the breeding of germs.  Clean the house after the vomiting. Dusting, mopping, and vacuuming should be done regularly.

• Washing laundry

To wash the clothes and carpets use bleach and chlorine for maximum germ removal. Wear gloves while washing the laundry and also when transferring clothes from washer to dryer. Even after one thorough wash, the germs may live, so try to wash the clothes twice for better protection.

• Breastfeeding

Breastfeed little babies, the breast milk can help can help block the virus and protect the infants.

• Healthy diet

Follow a healthy diet routine for your kids. Keep them away from oily food, dairy, fiber, and spices. It is advisable to take BRAT diet during stomach infection which is Bananas, rice, applesauce, toast. These foods are easy to digest and provide energy.

• Drink lots of Fluids

The body gets dehydrated during stomach Flu because of vomiting, sweating, and diarrhea. Drinking water (10-12 glasses), ginger tea helps calm the stomach.

To know more about stomach infections and kids stomach bugs visit nutrition4kids.com. Expert advice about all your child’s health problems and medical issues. Visit the website to know more.

If you like this post, please also read my another post - Gluten sensitivity advice at Nutrition4kids

Gluten sensitivity advice at Nutrition4kids

Do you feel that something is not right with the health of your child? Have you been unable to figure it out? Is your child experiencing any of the following symptoms?

• Digestive issues such as constipation, gas, diarrhea.
• Feeling tired after eating a meal with gluten.
• Feeling dizzy often.
• Severe migraine headaches.
• Pain or swelling in joints.
• Mood swings, depression, anxiety.
• Craving for foods that are high in sugar.
• Weight loss
• Trouble in breathing

If your child is feeling the above symptoms then consult your doctor for gluten sensitivity.

What is Gluten sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity is a condition in which a person’s immune system reacts after consuming gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye). According to specialists, after removing wheat allergies, celiac diseases, and gluten ataxia, the gluten sensitivity should be diagnosed. Gluten allergy in adults and children is different. Parents should carefully monitor the diet of their child and the behavior if they suspect gluten allergy.

How to treat gluten sensitivity?

• Elimination Diet- Removal of foods containing gluten such as wheat, pasta from the diet and notice the changes.
• Blood test for Gluten Sensitivity- Blood test like “SPT, prick in prick test and lymphocyte activation” can identify the possibility of gluten allergy.
• Supplements and medication- Taking supplements such as calcium, folate, iron, vitamin-D and zinc.
• Consider a dietician-If your kid face difficulty in following gluten free diet, consult a dietitian. They can help you identify better food options.
• Avoid Restaurants- Avoid eating out and prepare the meals at home as often as possible.

You can get expert advice about gluten sensitivity and celiac diseases at nutrition4kids.com. Here you will find advice and blogs from professional doctors. Parents can get expert guidance about the health of their children.

They offer blogs about health and lifestyle of newborns and toddlers. Advice about supplements, breastfeeding, eating habits and much more.

Read various blogs and articles about gluten sensitivity, symptoms, blood test for gluten sensitivity from the best and trusted doctors. Visit the website for more information.

Understanding Gluten and its effect on your child’s health

Before we get into the symptoms of allergy from gluten, we shall clear what gluten is and where is it found. Gluten is a type of protein found in grains of wheat, rye, spelt and barley. Food items such as bread, pasta, cereal, sauce, soup, salad dressing, malt, beer, food coloring, etc contain gluten. It helps in maintaining the shape of such food items by acting as the glue, which sticks the food molecules together to retain its elasticity. Wheat is not only the source of gluten. Some variety of Oats and Triticale also contains gluten.

Not everyone is allergic to gluten. But the ones who are allergic to gluten often show symptoms related to Celiac disease, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome and/or other types of wheat allergies. If you find the following symptoms in your child, they may be intolerant to Gluten. The symptoms may start to show within minutes or an hour after consumption of such products.

• Unexplained Weight loss, Depression, Anxiety, Headache, Migraine, skin rashes, etc are the symptoms related to Celiac disease.
• Abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas and diarrhea are some of the symptoms related to Gluten allergy.

You should get your child checked if such problem persists regularly. Blood test and Biopsy from small intestine might help in diagnosing such problems because of Gluten attacks and affects small intestine. It is important to get tested for Celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes severe digestive disorder and other health problems.

It is difficult to go Gluten free because everything contains gluten in some amount or other. And going totally Gluten free will devoid your child of certain proteins that the food grain may contain which is essential for their body. Special attention should be given to their diet so that they don’t miss out on other nutrients that will help them in their growing period.

There are other substitutes that you can include in their diet and replace it from Gluten. Fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, legumes, nuts, potatoes, eggs, dairy products, oils and vinegar, rice, fish and lean beef, chicken and other seafood may help you to maintain a Gluten free diet.

Grains and food such as amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, cassava, millet, quinoa, rice, sorghum, soy, and tapioca are also Gluten free and can be consumed for a maintaining a Gluten free diet.

Nutrition4kids provides you with the best expert advice on your kid’s nutrition and how to prevent disorder. Visit our website today to find answers to your child’s health related queries.

If you like this post, please also read my another post - Gluten Allergy Symptoms: Things You Need to Know

Know About Cystic Fibrosis and Save your Kids

Even the slightest change in the behavior of your child could be an indication that something is potentially wrong with his/her body. Reading the signs of your child's body might be a difficult job. At times, things that seem normal to us might be symptoms of something very severe and fatal. We tend to ignore the changes and that's where we go wrong. 

Consistent coughing and shortness of breath should not be mistaken as a change in season or a regular change. Cystic Fibrosis symptoms are what you need to be aware of. Cystic Fibrosis is a slowly growing disease that leads to consistent lung infections and lowers the ability to breathe properly. 

The various symptoms of CF include:

1. Skin turning into very salty-tasting
2. Coughing continuously, even with phlegm
3. Being highly prone to lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
4. Shortness of breath
5. Not being able to grow your body or not being able to lose weight, despite a good diet
6. Difficulty with bowel movements
7. Infertility in males

What causes Cystic Fibrosis?

1. It is a genetic disease
2. For a person to have CF, he should receive 2 copies of defective CF gene from his parents
3. If a person has only one defective CF gene then he/she is not prone to the disease but can certainly forward it if matched to another defected CF gene person.
4. People with only one defective CF gene are known as carriers
5. When two people with defected CF genes have their child the chances are as follows:

There is a 25% chance that their child will have Cystic Fibrosis

There is a 50% chance that the child will become a carrier but not have CF

There is a 25% chance that the child will come out absolutely clean

 More than 70,000 people have been living with this disease worldwide with approximately 1000 new cases diagnosed every year. Cystic Fibrosis symptoms and severity varies from person to person making it a complex disease. There are breakthrough treatments available which add years to the lives of people suffering from CF. A number of treatments are available but there has not been a permanent cure found yet. 

With Nutrition 4 Kids get aware of the slightest change in your ward's body by our qualified expert's advice. Our mission is to lead parents create a healthy lifestyle for their kids.

Like this post, please also read - Top 5 Tips for Living with Cystic Fibrosis

Top 5 Sugar Substitutes You Need to Know

A sugar substitute is a food additive that provides sugar like sweet taste; some of them are natural while others are made synthetically. Those that are not produced naturally are called artificial sweeteners. Sugar is an inseparable part of the food we consume. Some products that contain sugar substitute are diet soda, sugar-free syrup, gum, ice cream, fruit cups, yogurt, pudding and much more. Besides its benefits, it has been proven that artificial sweeteners prove out to be best in this case. 

In this guide we will discuss some of the best sugar substitutes:

1. Honey:

Raw honey is the best form of natural sweetener and is easily available al around the globe. It has been used as a sugar substitute for many centuries. It can be mixed with milk, lukewarm water or can be spread on bread for breakfast. For losing weight, you should drink or eat some amount of honey every morning. As honey is rich in antioxidants, so it proves out to be helpful in fighting a variety of diseases. 

2. Date Sugar

The sugar made from different kinds of dates have a good glycemic index which provides it with antioxidant properties. It contains very small amount of calories, but its taste is same as that of normal sugar. Due to fewer calories present in date sugar, it is helpful in preventing us from various diseases like diabetes, obesity and much more, thus helps a person to remain healthy and fit. 

3. Maple syrup

Maple syrup is the boiled-down sap of the maple tree. It is two times sweeter than the original white sugar and also has a mouth-watering caramel taste in it. Maple syrup is one of the best sugar substitutes and is good for things like pancakes and waffles. Being one of the healthier substitutes, maple syrup has many benefits because of its higher antioxidant capacity.   

4. Coconut sugar

Coconut sugar can prove out to be the best replacement of white sugar. This sugar won't increase your weight but give you perfect sweet taste. When baking, you can use coconut sugar as a replacement.

5. Stevia

The sugar obtained from stevia plant is 200-300 times sweeter than white sugar. You can replace one and a half cup of white sugar with one-fourth cup of Stevia in any food recipe and enjoy the sweetness in your life. 

Sugar substitutes can help people to lose weight as they provide sweetness of sugar to foods and drinks without adding extra calories. It can also help in preventing dental decay and in maintaining sugar level in people suffering from diabetes. In other words, artificial sweetener allows people to stick to a good diet for a longer period of time. They are called as free food as they don’t count as a carbohydrate, fat or any other exchange. With the wide selection of sugar substitutes present in the market, you have to be very specific according to your needs. Choose the one which suits best according to your diet and health condition.     

For more details to Sugar Substitutes click here 

Specific Carbohydrate Diet: Things You Need to Know

Carbohydrates provide energy to the body, particularly through glucose, a simpler sugar that is found in many basic foods. It contains both soluble and insoluble elements; the insoluble part is known as fiber, which promotes regular bowel movement, regulates the rate of consumption of blood glucose and also helps in removing excess cholesterol from the body. But, regular consumption of carbohydrates creates many problems besides weight gain. It results in high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, high uric acid levels and blood clotting problems. So, it is always advised to take a specific carbohydrate diet, especially for kids. 

In this guide, we will discuss tips to raise kids with proper carbohydrate diet: 

1. Balanced carbohydrates in diet:

Childhood obesity is a huge problem today. Lots of parents wondering - how to raise children without feeding them excessive carbohydrates. Children should not be lying on sugars, grains and high carbohydrate snacks all the time. Going back to basics - meat, vegetables, low sugar fruits, seeds, nuts and healthy fat. Simple food is always healthy. The amount of carbohydrates in the diet should be balanced.

2. Why lower the Carbohydrates:

When children eat low Carbohydrate nutritious meals, they avoid high/low blood sugar, they avoid energy slumps and more importantly they avoid all the inflammatory elements in our modern diet. A limited amount of carbohydrates is sufficient for kids for their balanced diet. 

3. Fruits and Vegetables:

These should be the main source of carbohydrates for kids. There is a valuable source of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Fruits are highly rich in fructose, so choose low sugar fruits for a proper diet. 

4. Carbohydrate turns to fats:

Healthy fats are essential for hormone production, healthy brain function, tissue development, appetite control and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Choose healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, butter, oily fish, nuts, seeds, eggs, and meat. 

For a healthy future, encourage your children to eat more vegetables, meat, nuts, seeds and healthy fats. Help them develop a taste for real food. For a healthy and balanced diet, kids above the age of two years should be taking between 50-60% of specific carbohydrate diet. In case, you are worried about your child’s health or diet plan; you should consult Nutrition4Kids for the best advice and right food choices. 

To know more and to register, please visit: http://www.nutrition4kids.com 

Find it helpful? Just read my previous post - Predigested Formula

Things You Need To Know About Predigested Formula

Babies with milk protein and soy allergies may require an extensively hydrolyzed formula. These formulas contain cow’s milk protein that has been extensively broken down, so they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Within the world of hydrolyzed formula, you may have noticed several terms: Predigested formula, partially hydrolyzed, extensively hydrolyzed.

Predigested formula is further of two types as partially digested and completely digested formulas.

In this guide we will discuss some things you should know about predigested formula:

Partially digested formulas
                                        
1. The available formulas have a protein that is partially digested (hydrolyzed) leaving some of the protein intact, for the improvement of taste.

2. The formula has just whey protein, approximately 80% has been digested by trypsin, a pancreatic enzyme, while the other 20% of the enzyme is left intact.

3. As infants are allergic to lactose, thus reduction of lactose is done in this formula.

4. A partially hydrolyzed formula helps ease common behavior of digestive discomfort.

5. It contains moderate protein. Also, it contains easy to digest protein that is partially broken down. It’s known to provide complete nutrition.

Completely or Extensively Digested Formulas

1. Extensively hydrolyzed formulas are more complex and more expensive formulas made to be easily absorbed. They have a little chance of causing an allergy.

2. Here, the proteins are completely casein that is digested into small chains of amino acids by pancreatic enzymes. But, the extensive hydrolysis alters the taste as well.

3. The vitamins and minerals are again similar are again similar to the routine formulas, with the exception that calcium is increased because of lactose’s absence.

4. It is effective in managing cow’s milk protein allergy for most babies.

5. It is made with very small protein parts that minimize the chances of the baby having an allergic reaction. It is designed to get allergic babies back on track as it is nutritionally complete.

Predigested formulas are excellent for babies with irritability and digestion problems. If you think your baby may have cow’s milk protein allergy because you’ve noticed hives, skin rashes, diarrhea, constipation, a chronic runny nose or long periods of crying, ask the pediatrician or consult a doctor. In this case, Nutrition4Kids is the best option for you.

To know more and to consult, please visit: www.nutrition4kids.com 

Top 5 Tips for Living with Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis, also known as CF, is a very serious genetic disorder that targets the mucus-secreting glands, namely lungs and digestive organs, and can be fatal if not treated properly. Generally, cystic fibrosis symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the disease. However, some of the common symptoms may include, wheezing, breathlessness, repeated lung infections, foul-smelling stools, low bone density among many others. In addition, people with cystic fibrosis also have a higher level of salt in their sweat than normal level.

While there is no permanent cure for cystic fibrosis yet, there are certain things you can do for reducing its severity and frequency. Read on to find out five tips for living with cystic fibrosis. 

1. Balanced diet- If your child is suffering from cystic fibrosis, make sure your kid eats a balanced diet. In addition to being well-balanced, the diet should also be much higher in calories and fat than a normal diet.

2. Workout plan- It goes without saying, that exercise is good for the overall health. Creating a workout plan and doing exercise will significantly help in reducing the severity of cystic fibrosis. Moreover, it will also help in loosening the mucus in the airways.

3. Support- When it comes to cystic fibrosis, it is best that your child gets involved with the support groups. Besides, support groups help your kid to connect with other cystic fibrosis patients who have faced similar symptoms and experiences.

4. Knowledge- Make sure you ask, watch and read everything about cystic fibrosis as much as you can. Moreover, you should also take notes, and try to learn various techniques and treatment options for cystic fibrosis.

5. Physical therapy- There are a number of special therapies that help in loosening the mucus in the lungs, thus enabling your kid to cough up all the mucus.

While these were some of the tips and tricks for living with cystic fibrosis, there are many others, such as planning, establishing a routine, avoiding illness among many others. However, if your child has any of the cystic fibrosis symptoms, make sure you visit your doctor. Want to learn more about cystic fibrosis? Well, then make sure you visit Nutrition4kids. They are a learning center and offer a broad range of articles and blogs on various medical conditions written by highly qualified medical professionals. In addition, they also provide info and community for those passionate about feeding their kids well. You can visit their website at nutrition4kids.com. 

Like this post, please also read Countering Gluten-free Disease

Countering Gluten-free Disease: Diagnosis and Treatments Options

Celiac disease or gluten free disease as it is commonly referred to, is the result of a weird kind of immune response of the body to gluten. It involves a reaction to gliding, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. There occurs an inflammation and destruction of the inner lining of the small intestine due to an allergic reaction to gluten present in the diet. This leads to an impaired absorption of minerals and nutrients. Although there is no cure for celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is the essential for its treatment.

Few symptoms of the disease include:

•       Abdominal cramps
•     Gas and bloating
•     Bone and joint pain
•     Depression
•     Easy bruising
•     Failure to thrive in children
•     Persistent hunger
•     Iron-deficiency anemia
•     Infertility
•     Panic attacks
•     Vertigo
•     Dermatitis  

 

The disease can sometimes get confused with diseases like Crohn's disease of the small intestine, irritation bowel syndrome and overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Two kinds of tests are performed for an accurate diagnosis including:

Blood tests: The blood tests for celiac disease include detection of antigliadin antibodies, endomysial antibodies (EmA), and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies. 

Small Intestinal Biopsy: This is considered as the most accurate test to detect celiac disease. Multiple samples of the intestinal lining are obtained in order to get a higher accuracy of results.

 The main treatment strategy for celiac disease includes consuming gluten-free diet for life. Patients who are suffering from the celiac disease should strictly avoid gluten. This would allow the intestines to heal. 

Guidelines for a Gluten-Free Diet

• One should have a diet restricted in foods made from enriched flour, wheat, rye, bran, bulgur, and barley.

• Strict prohibition should be applied to beer and grain-based alcohol.

• Avoid oats in the diet. Preparations made from oats may also be contaminated with wheat. In fact, food products may be manufactured in facilities producing gluten.

• Place a restriction on the use and consumption of processed foods like soups, salad dressings, soy sauce, seasonings, ice-creams, mustard, processed and canned meats and more.

• Restrict dairy products like milk containing lactose. Individuals suffering from celiac disease are also prone to lactose intolerance. After treatment, lactose should be introduced gradually into the diet.

• Products like corn, sorghum, millets, rice can be consumed by patients with the gluten free disease. One can also consume quinoa and buckwheat.

• Bananas, potatoes, tapioca, garbanzo beans can serve as the excellent sources of carbohydrates.

 

Besides, learning to substitute ingredients while modifying the cooking conditions like temperature and time, one can enjoy the best foods while avoiding deficiencies. You may visit Nutrition4Kids to find more about the gluten-free disease and the latest treatment options for this condition given by medical professionals.