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

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!

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.

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

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

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.