Q. My child is prone to frequent stomach aches. Her doctor says she is healthy and he doesn’t have any concerns about her height or weight. I have pretty bad IBS myself and I worry about whether my daughter might have it too. I’ve heard that a low-FODMAP diet can help kids with IBS. Should I try a low-FODMAP diet with her?
A. Kids can certainly have IBS, but my advice is to avoid jumping to that conclusion.
Q. My child’s pediatrician has asked me to cut back on FODMAPs for her. Now that school has started, I’m really struggling to figure out what to put in her lunchbox for meals and snacks. Do you have some suggestions?
A. Here are some thoughts on putting together low-FODMAP lunchboxes that will please both kids and adults!
A FODMAP elimination diet is not the type of diet meant to help people lose weight. In fact, some people with IBS actually need to gain weight for one reason or another. Unintentional weight loss can happen if you've been ill or if you've been over-restricting your diet trying to find relief of your abdominal pain, bloating, excess gas, diarrhea or constipation.
High-FODMAP beverages may be part of your IBS problem. Soft drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup are only the beginning. Even folks who avoid that particular ingredient may drink beverages sweetened with honey, sugar alcohols or agave syrup. Today's post has some tips for drinking the IBS-friendly way, while following the program in The IBS Elimination Diet and Cookbook.
Q. Is it a good idea to take digestive enzymes during the FODMAP elimination diet process described in The IBS Elimination Diet and Cookbook?
