Digestive issues are common in kids. Symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramping, constipation, and even reflux are embarrassing for kids and teens. And, this can even lead to missed days of school, poor diet, weight loss, and long-term nutritional problems.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is often the underlying problem. Up to 75 percent of IBS symptoms are related to food sensitivities. And for kids, their symptoms are often triggered by their diet.
— Why Are Kids Foods Problematic? —
The most popular kids foods are dishes like pizza, hamburgers and french fries, grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese. All things that are highly processed and full of FODMAP carbs. Even healthy kids foods, like fruits, milk, and juice, are rich in these carbs.
— What Are FODMAPs? —
FODMAPs are types of carbohydrates, certain starches and sugars, that are fermented when we digest them. This causes gas and belching, stomach cramps and bloating, and diarrhea and constipation.
FODMAPs itself is an acronym standing for: Fermentable, Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols.
— What Can Your Child Do? —
If your child suffers from frequent IBS symptoms, we recommend you try a low-FODMAPs diet for two to six weeks. In this trial, you reduce the amount of high-FODMAP foods to see if their symptoms get better. Then, in some cases, they can add certain foods back and find out which ones are specific triggers for you.
Find out more about what living with IBS is like for kids
