FOOD INTOLERANCE IN KIDS

A food intolerance can range from being uncomfortable to very painful for a child. Here, we look at some common food intolerances, the symptoms and what to do.

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Food intolerances in children can be hard to identify unless you are aware of what to look for. If a food intolerance goes undiagnosed, this can cause some children to suffer unnecessarily. The good news is that once your child cuts down or stops eating the foods that hurt them, their discomfort can be avoided for good.

WHAT IS FOOD INTOLERANCE?

If the food you eat causes you to have a reaction, this is a food intolerance. There are a few reasons you might have a reaction. Either your system is aggravated by a certain chemical in the food or your body simply struggles to digest the food correctly. Some people can manage a small amount of the food that they have an intolerance to. It’s important to note that a food intolerance is different to a food allergy. Allergies involve an immune system reaction and tend to be more serious than an intolerance.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms to watch out for can be:

• Bloating

• Diarrhoea

• Headaches

• Mouth ulcers

• Stomach cramps and pain

Interestingly, there can often be a delay in the onset of food intolerance symptoms. Children can display issues up to two days after eating foods they are intolerant to. Make sure to speak with your doctor if you suspect your child has a food intolerance or if they show symptoms and you don’t know why.

COMMON FOOD INTOLERANCES