Kids' diets affect their stomachs and intestinal tracts–and vice versa

By Maria Oliva-Hemker, MD and Kathleen Zelman, RDN

In this podcast episode, Kathleen hosts Dr. Maria Oliva-Hemker, Director of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins University, to discuss common gastrointestinal (GI) issues in children from infancy to their teen years.

Managing GI symptoms in children: What parents need to know

The conversation expands to address abdominal pain, detailing causes that range from viral infections to emotional stress and functional disorders. Dr. Oliva provides guidance on dietary changes, noting that while temporary removal of milk may help, long-term adjustments, especially for gluten, should be guided by medical advice and testing. Kathleen and Dr. Oliva discuss the importance of being cautious when altering a child's diet, especially with food sensitivities like lactose and gluten. Kathleen emphasizes the nutritional benefits of cow's milk and dairy products, urging parents to consult doctors before removing key foods. Dr. Oliva highlights the challenges in managing dietary changes for children, particularly those with poor eating habits, and stresses the need for a balanced approach.

Prevention and treatment tips for constipation in kids

They discuss the common issue of constipation in children, and what the causes are. Dr. Oliva explains what to do if constipation persists for more than a couple of weeks, including treatment options and what to increase in kids' diets as preventive measures.

How to help manage infant reflux in your baby

Their conversation also covers the topic of infant reflux, explaining why most babies spit up. They provide guidance on managing this issue, such as proper feeding positions and the use of thickened formulas if needed.

Listen to this Nutrition4Kids podcast episode to learn how you can help avoid GI issues in your kids, and how to manage symptoms as they arise, no matter what age your child is, from toddlers to teens.

Key takeaways

Vomiting, diarrhea common symptom of GI upset of all ages, tends to be viral and seasonal.

The main goal is rehydration in otherwise healthy children:

<1 year: continue breast or bottle or rehydration solution

>1 year: diluted 100% juice or sports drinks, popsicles, soup, watery foods just be careful not to give too much sugar

Rehydration guidelines for 3-5 year olds: about 4-5 cups liquid/day; older children 7-8 cups

Babies spitting up – all infants do it because a muscle that holds stomach contents is immature; usually over by 12 months

Don't over feed

Keep babies upright after feeding or place babies on stomach after feeding with supervison

Thickened formula of 1T/2oz formula can help

Constipation is a problem when it lasts several weeks

Avoid constipation with a diet high in fiber and fluids, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans

Take the child to the doctor if vomit is tinged green or yellow; stools have discoloration or blood; infants not wetting 6-8 diapers/day or dry mouth, dry tongue, no tears and very fussy 

About Maria Oliva-Hemker, MD

Dr. Maria Oliva-Hemker is Director of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM) in Baltimore, Maryland. She is also the Vice Dean for Faculty where she oversees an office that serves more than 5000 full-time and part-time SOM faculty. Dr. Oliva is the first Hispanic woman to rise through the academic ranks at JHUSOM to be promoted to tenured Professor. She is the inaugural Stermer Family Professor of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Mary Wallace Stanton Professor for Faculty Affairs. 

Dr. Oliva is a highly recognized clinician researcher with more than 110 peer-reviewed publications and more than 100 national and international invited talks. She has held leadership positions in multiple organizations including the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and has served on the editorial boards of high impact medical journals. She is an editor-in-chief of the book "Your Child with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Family Guide for Caregiving."

Dr. Oliva has received multiple honors including the AGA Pediatric Gastroenterology and Developmental Biology Section Research Mentor Award and the AAP Murray Davidson Award which recognizes an outstanding clinician, educator and scientist who has made a significant contribution to the field of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. She has received a "Top Doctor" designation by multiple organizations including US News & World Report and she was chosen for the cover of Baltimore Magazine's Top Doc issue.