Food plays an important role in children's health, and many children experience symptoms of illness after eating certain foods. Nausea after eating a snack may indicate a mild condition such as overeating, or a more serious condition such as a food allergy. If your child regularly experiences symptoms that appear to be food-related, begin keeping a food journal to itemize your child's food intake and symptoms. Talk to your pediatrician to determine the symptoms' cause. Children who experience severe nausea and other symptoms should see a pediatrician immediately.
Overeating
Children have smaller stomachs than adults and therefore become full more quickly. Even healthy foods can induce nausea if your child eats too much. Avoid encouraging your child to "clean your plate," which might cause overeating and excessive fullness. Limit your child's consumption of snacks, especially sweets. If the symptoms go away, your child has simply been overeating.
Sugar
Sugar causes nausea in some children, and enough sugar can induce nausea in almost anyone. Processed sugars in foods such as cookies, candy and ice cream are especially bad for children. Encourage your child to eat healthier snacks, including fruits, yogurt and smoothies sweetened with honey.
Dehydration
Most parents know that nausea and vomiting cause dehydration, but dehydration can also cause nausea. Encourage your child to drink a glass of water when she has a snack to prevent dehydration. Very active children, children living in hot climates and children who eat lots of processed sugar or who drink lots of soda are especially prone to dehydration.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Food allergies cause a number of symptoms. Extreme food allergies can cause swelling, rashes, difficulty breathing and seizures. If your child exhibits any of these symptoms in conjunction with nausea, it is a medical emergency. Minor food allergies and sensitivities frequently cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Stop giving your child the offending food. If the symptoms go away, your child may have a food sensitivity.
Illness
Influenza and stomach viruses often cause nausea and vomiting. If your child has previously exhibited no symptoms, she is likely suffering from a virus or bacterial condition. Consult your pediatrician.
Psychological Symptoms
Some psychological problems cause nausea. Anxiety is particularly likely to upset a child's stomach. If your child has recently experienced a school change, trouble with friends or family difficulties, anxiety may be the culprit. Eating disorders may also cause children to become nauseous after eating. Bulimic and anorexic children and teens are frequently so resistant to eating that their bodies react by rejecting the food. If you suspect your child may have an eating disorder, ask your pediatrician for a referral to a childhood eating disorders specialist.
References
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; William Sears, et al.; 2011
- "Caring For Your Baby and Young Child, 5th Edition"; American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009
- "Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care, 8th Edition"; Benjamin Spock; 2004
- "Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child"; Lynn R. Marotz; 2011
