Cause & Effect: Occasional Digestive Upset in Kids
As parents, we love to see our kids active, happy and healthy. But sometimes occasional tummy troubles get the best of them and they end up not feeling like themselves. It can be hard to pinpoint what it was, exactly, that made our kiddos not feel their best. We’ve broken down some causes and effects of occasional digestive upset in kids!
Causes of Occasional Digestive Upset
Before you can help your child, finding the root of the problem is first and foremost. Has your child complained of a sensitive belly? Diet is one of the main culprits for occasional digestive upset. Everyone’s body reacts differently to different foods. So while you may have no problem digesting certain foods, that doesn’t mean your child will react the same way. Here are a few foods that could be affecting your child’s digestive health1:
- Milk and dairy products
- Starchy foods like potatoes and pasta
- Wheat and oat bran
- Artificial sweeteners, such as those found in soda, gum and hard candy
- Bananas, peaches, apricots, pears and raw apples
- Corn, celery, asparagus and carrots
- Prunes and prune juice
Other issues like stress, inactivity and sleep patterns could also be causing your child to experience these symptoms of occasional digestive upset.2
The Effects of Occasional Digestive Upset
Now that we know the causes, let’s talk about the effects. These causes can have a big impact on your child’s digestive system, which may include occasional diarrhea.
Simple things, like a change in diet, more sleep, and making sure your child is active for a minimum of 30 minutes a day can help with occasional digestive issues.2