Treating Reflux in Kids with Diet 

Even individuals who test negative for cow’s milk allergy may still experience hypersensitivity reactions to dairy products. Young children experiencing excessive spitting up and vomiting after meals may benefit from being placed on their left side, while always being positioned face-up to reduce the risk of crib death. Small, frequent feedings, thickened or alternative formulas, and eliminating cow’s milk and eggs from the mother’s diet may also help address reflux in children. Studies have shown that cow’s milk allergy can contribute to conditions such as diaper rash, chronic constipation, and anal fissures in infants. It can even lead to eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the esophagus. A comparative effectiveness trial found that cow’s milk elimination was just as effective as using steroids to manage esophageal inflammation in children. Additionally, intolerance of cow’s milk protein can contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome in adolescents and may also affect adults, contributing to symptoms such as acid regurgitation, reflux, and heartburn. Although lactose intolerance is common among adults, milk was found to be a leading culprit in a study of reflux patients using a leucocytotoxic test, suggesting food intolerance may play a role in adult reflux. To further explore the effects of maternal diets on breastfed babies and learn about the best formula options for infants, be sure to check out the related videos below!