Julie has been complaining nearly everyday that she feels nauseus for some time now. There are no other symptoms and she usually gets on thru the day despite feeling this way. I am at a total loss as to what might be going on. Dh and I suspect that it might be some of the things she eats. She has a habit of eating paper sometimes, in fact she will eat other wierd things too. Whatever she eats at mealtimes she slathers it in salt (which we have had to seriously limit but I know when Im not looking she puts more on, sometimes), white pepper (loads of it), and vinegar. She puts these things on almost every, in fact every single savory thing she eats. Its one of those things that really annoys the rest of us (mostly because it totally reeks, vinegar.... swimming in it... and white pepper, yak). Im wondering if its possible that her nausea is to do with that or might it be something else I hadnt thought of. We decided to cut out those things we think might be irritating her stomach and see how it goes. Any other advice. I thought it might be her nerves. She is a very intense child, very much like I was. I would end up with a migraine at my own birthday party sleepovers, lol, with the excitement. Could it be something like that? You can tell Im at a loss. any advice?

tia,
gen

Awww, Gen, I'm sorry. (big hugs for Julie) Dairy does that to my girls. I would imagine too much acid from foods like vinegar could do it, too. Maybe try a very mild diet, free of the most common food allergens, and stick to it for a week or two, just to see if it's her diet.

Just a thought... Did her tummy pain start after going back to school? Could it be too much excitement from that major change?

I'll be praying for Julie, my friend, and I pray that God gives you wisdom.

Love you!

Joy

I would imagine too much acid from foods like vinegar could do it, too. Maybe try a very mild diet, free of the most common food allergens, and stick to it for a week or two, just to see if it's her diet.

Just a thought... Did her tummy pain start after going back to school? Could it be too much excitement from that major change?


Good thoughts!

It's so tough trying to figure these kind of things out. Sounds like you have some good ideas. I too would cut out the vinegar, pepper, etc. or cut down and see how that goes. And it sure could be nerves. I'll be praying for Julie and for Mom.

Just how long has it been going on? Sometimes they get a little bug too. I do hope you can figure it out. Throwing in her emotional tendency makes the waters muddier and harder to figure out what is the root cause. I will be praying. Hopefully she is open to eliminating one food at a time to see if it is the cause.

Also eating non food items is known as pika and can indicate a nutritional deficiency. Just FYI. Sure you already know that! I have boys who chew on things, but they don't actually ingest anything. Maybe she is just chewing and not ingesting! Praying!

is it her bowels? Is the going #2 regularly? My girls have stomachaches with dairy too. And I can't give them too much fiber and water. Praying for healing!

You guys have given me some things to think about. I knew there was a name for someone who eats non food items, just didnt know what it was. I hadnt thought about the dairy or other food allergens. Im going to look into that. Her bowels... hmmm, not sure there. She can get constipation from time to time, not too often. She has a 'weak bladder' and has for a long time. Well forever.

Just how long has it been going on? Sometimes they get a little bug too.

Leslie, its been going on since she started school.... Maybe on and off a bit before that but if Im honest, I think it did start at about the same time she started school at the end of last school year. That may cause one to come to the conclusion that that is it, and it might be. However, I think if it is the problem, that the drinking of the vinegar and eating a bit of food with her salt isnt helping. She also eats erasers and I dont know what else. She is such a sweetie, so much like me. I dont eat nonfood items but I suspect its her nerves that make her do it. chewing on her nails. The thing about it is that she loves school. Is it just too much pressure tho? Too much excitement? if it is then how do I help her? She is the type of girl who is always on the go. Sigh. The first thing Im going to do is eliminate vinegar, spicy foods (which she loves) and salt (the excess) and see how that goes. That and a nice relaxing time after school, just chilling out and giving massages. See how that goes.

gen

Aww Gen I'm sorry. Poor Julie. Certainly could be the spicy foods along with stress.

We didn't discover my oldest son was lactose intolerant until he was in maybe 3rd grade, gosh if I recall correctly. We thought is was always his nerves, but it was about the same time my husband realized he was lactose intolerant too so we just did the math there. I think you have the right idea cutting certain things out and seeing what the result is. If you still have a concern after a few weeks maybe talk to the childrens doctor to see their thoughts, ideas etc. Somtimes stomach bugs can last for weeks too. But if your gut tells you its something other than that follow it.

Are there any food allergies/intollerances in you or your husband?

I have a very nervous son, my 12 year old so I understand that leads to a lot of ailments too. My son is a migraine sufferer, complete with vomiting at times of high stress. Its realizing those "triggars" and avoiding them as much as possible or with just "life" that they can't get away from helping him learn to cope better, different coping techniques, breathing, talking....

It may take time but praying soon something clicks that you realize "yep that's what it is!" I love those moments, I can't sleep when things are wrong with the kids. Praying for you guys Gen, you and Julie will be in my prayers. Hang in there mom.

hugs

It might be a good idea to have some blood work done to check for vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Also, maybe you could have her allergy tested.
Just a thought... Does she sleep well? My stomach is a mess if I am having intense or extremely vivid dreams. I use an aroma therapy pillow spray from Bath and Body works to help me relax while I sleep. My little brother had weird eating habits while he had a sleep disorder too. (He was addicted to black pepper, salt, and ketchup - similar stuff, eh?) He is over it now, but I don't really remember what kind of treatment he had.

Wow Tricia, that is wierd about your brother! She seems to sleep alright tho. But those things, pepper, ketchup/vinegar, sugar could definately be related but effecting her in a different way? maybe. She's done alright without the salt, pepper etc. She honestly puts it on everything, eggs, pizza, yak. We've also cut down on dairy. They eat a bowl of oats nearly every morning, with milk, she will eat either oats or a wheat based cereal. Its been toast for the last few days for breakfast and she hasnt complained yet today. we shall see.