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Happy Tummy Expert

2 months ago

Dear Parent, thank you for the Question.

Ages 1-6 years witness gradual and continuous growth and development. During this period, it is important to take care of all nutritional needs and give children a nutritionally adequate & well-balanced diet, to ensure that growth and development is achieved optimally and prevent risks of malnutrition. 

Excess gas formation, flatulence can be a symptom of gastrointestinal digestive issues such as indigestion, constipation, IBS, intolerances etc., and/or due to an underlying health condition which requires medical attention

Certain food intolerances can cause bloating, flatulence and stomach pain after consuming specific foods. In lactose intolerance it is seen after consuming milk and milk products like cheese, paneer etc. And in gluten intolerance it is seen after consuming, wheat, rye, barley etc.

Here are a few dietary tips to help manage gastritis

• Make sure the child eats all his meals on regular intervals. Include small snacks in between throughout the day

• Ask the child to  eat slowly and chew the food well, try not to use straws for beverages to avoid swallowing extra air

• During gastritis, avoid sucking on ice or candy.

• Limit the intake of high fat foods, spices, acidic foods and try to avoid carbonated beverages etc., from his daily diet

• One of the dietary factors associated with bloating is the intake and poor absorption of short chain carbohydrates called FODMAP foods. Consumption of foods that as may lead to excess gas production and poor gas clearance. In case of severe bloating abdominal pain and/or IBS try to limit the intake of FODMAP containing foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, corn, turnips, onions, peas, wheat, dairy, radishes, lentils, apples, pears etc.

• Make him practice regular physical activity

For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional.

Here are a few dietary guidelines for children to be considered

• The diet should include a variety of foods and ensure inclusion of all food groups. As teaching the child to eat everything on his plate will help him enjoy optimal health.
• Make the plate colorful by including variety of fruits and vegetables
• Food should be slightly seasoned so that they taste better and the child takes it well.
• Child should never be forced to eat more than he/she can take.
• Food preference of the child should be taken into consideration by emphasizing on the child's likes and dislikes
• Foods like tea and coffee should be avoided as they may overstimulate the childs body system.
• Small foods that have risks of choking should be avoided.
• Ensure sufficient consumption of milk and milk products, but if your child suffers from lactose intolerance, you may consult a registered dietitian to understand the best suitable alternative sources of milk substitutes for the child that can be taken.
• Include energy dense foods, keeping in mind the daily needs. Some of the energy dense   foods include Whole wheat, multigrain millets, dairy products, nuts, colocasia leaves, banana, raisins, pulses/lentils etc.
• Try to increase the serving size and portion size gradually and systematically
• Include healthy fats from nuts and seeds.
• As the child to avoid lying down immediately after your meal consumption
• Keep a gap of minimum 2-3 hours between bedtime and your child’s last meal
• Encourage physical activity for optimal growth
• Ensure that the child follows a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and quality.

We request you to kindly contact a specialized health care professional such as a paediatrician for further treatment and management.

For more information and sustainable growth and for customised and personalised meal plan please contact a Health care professional and your child’s paediatrician

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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