Nutrition comprises a vital component to pediatric visits, as good nutrition is essential to healthy physical and mental growth development. However, with the responsibilities and time constraints that come with being working parents, extra-curricular activities, and other obligations, nutritional value often becomes overlooked in the name of convenience. Starting with this article, and in subsequent articles, I’d like to review how nutrition is related to some different aspects of childhood growth and development, and offer ideas on how to improve your child’s nutrition.

Guide for Healthy Growth & Development

Stomachache and Stomach Pain is Common Reason We See Pediatric Patients

Stomachache is a common complaint that we see in the pediatric office, and constipation is often the cause for this. Many children suffer from constipation due to a diet that is inadequate in fiber and fluids. This can lead to stomachaches, pain with defecation, nausea, poor appetite, and soiling/incontinence. Some children may even withhold stools due to the pain associated with defecation, which worsens the cycle.

We typically tend to think of vegetables to be a main source of high-fiber foods, which seems to be an automatic deterrent to many children. Just the sight of something green on the plate would lead a child to say, “I don’t want that,” or “I don’t like that.” Did you know that certain fruits are helpful in providing fiber to a constipated child as well? Apples, peaches and pears eaten with the skin on are great options. Beans and lentils, whole grain breads, cereals and pastas are also good sources. Have you tried hiding vegetables in your meals? One trick I like to recommend is using shredded or finely chopped vegetables and mixing them in with meatloaves and casseroles to make it harder for your child to detect the presence of vegetables. Attached is a meatloaf recipe that does just that!

Smoothies are Great For Your Child’s Diet

Another great option of incorporating fiber in your child’s diet – smoothies! Especially with summertime around the corner, this is a great way to quench thirst and add extra nutrition. A good cupful of fresh or frozen fruit, handful of spinach, water/milk, ice, and honey to taste, and you have yourself a green power smoothie (you can’t taste the spinach, promise)! Yogurt is a great optional ingredient to add some extra protein, calcium and probiotics!

Fluid Intake is Vital

One last thing to stress is fluid intake (non-caffeinated, preferably). Some children have a hard time drinking sufficient water on a regular basis; even if you feed your child enough fiber, if there’s not enough fluid in the intestines, their stools are still going to be hard and difficult to pass. The recommended amount of water intake per day varies based on a child’s age, weight, activity level, and surrounding temperature, but a rough average is about 6 to 8 cups per day. If water’s lack of taste is a deterrent for your child to drinking more of it, consider adding lemon/lime slices, orange slices, or fresh berries to flavor the water.

Veggie-packed Meatloaf Recipe:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/240747/mommas-healthy-meatloaf/

For more information, please visit:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Constipation.aspx

https://www.eatright.org/fitness/sports-and-performance/hydrate-right/water-go-with-the-flow

Nutrition for Healthy Growth & Development