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  Most infants are ready to start solids around 6 months of age. It is now recommended to wait until 6 months, whereas it was previously common to start purees at 4 months. There are no nutritional or developmental benefits that have been found with feeding solids earlier. In fact earlier introduction may be associated…

Check out this article on people.com featuring recommendations by our own, Madden Wilson, RDN, LDN for plant based baby food! https://people.com/best-plant-based-baby-food-6746825

Going on three months since the infant formula shortage began, we are aware of the stress and concern this has caused families with young children. In recent days, President Biden invoked Defense Production Act, Nestle Nutrition ordered shipments of formula from other countries, and Abbott Nutrition has come to an agreement to restart production. While…

We are now offering cooking classes at GI for Kids! These classes are open to the community and all ages. You do not have to be a patient at GIFK to participate. Each class will include an interactive cooking demonstration and nutrition education. Call our office at 865-546-3998 or email mwilson@giforkids.com to sign up!   …

On April 21st, 2022, the CDC released a health advisory regarding a recent outbreak of acute hepatitis in pediatric patients in Alabama. Hepatitis, a term referring to inflammation of the liver, can occur in otherwise healthy children after developing a viral infection, especially by one of the hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, or E).…

Carbohydrate Digestion:   Carbohydrates are in many foods that we eat. Ultimately, carbohydrates are broken down to glucose and used for energy that allows our body to function and for you to do all your daily activities. Let’s take a look at the different types of carbohydrates and how we digest and absorb them:  …

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – Over the past few years, doctors have noticed an increase in the number of pediatric patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD, which is a chronic disorder characterized by autoimmune-related inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract including the colon and intestines, and includes both Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). The…

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a type of “dysautonomia”, a disorder involving a person’s autonomic nervous system. Your autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating the automatic functions of your body, actions that your body performs without you thinking of it. This includes breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and several other vital functions…

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)– When it comes to gastrointestinal disorders in children, every parent wants to know they are doing all they can when it comes to treating the issue and making their child feel better. Thankfully in the world of medicine there are now treatment options available that can give your child comfort and give…

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — In this ‘Wellness Wednesday,’ we introduce you to Dr. Youhanna Al-Tawil​​​​​​​​, Medical Director and Pediatric Gastroenterologist at GI for Kids. GI for Kids is the only freestanding independent pediatric GI facility in the area, offering an Infusion Center, Ultrasound, X-ray, Food Allergy Testing, Lab, Nutritional Counseling, Clinical Trials and Behavioral Counseling. The facility also…

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – This week in Wellness Wesnesday, our friends at GI for Kids in Knoxville are helping us talk about a common problem for children -constipation. They’re telling is all about the Constipation Clinic and why it’s such a good resource for parents.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — In this ‘Wellness Wednesday,’ we are back at GI for Kids, discussing what parents need to know about protecting their child’s liver, specifically from fatty liver disease.

Added Sugars in the Diet What are added sugars? Added sugars are sugars that don’t occur naturally in a food. For example, some sugar is naturally occurring in food like fruits and dairy products. Added sugars include sucrose, dextrose, table sugar, brown sugar, honey, syrups, fruit juice concentrate, and molasses to name the most common.…

Vaping has been an increasingly popular habit over the last 10-15 years, initially being advertised as a “healthy” alternative to smoking but now seen as something distinct from other tobacco/nicotine containing products. The popularity has especially surged amongst young people, primarily college aged students but also as young as high school and even middle school…

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — If your child has a gluten allergy, it can be difficult navigating their diet. In this “Wellness Wednesday,” Madden Wilson, a dietician at a GI for kids walks us through what you need to know about gluten free diets for your kids. She also discussed the many resources offered at GI for kids…

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Living East Tennessee has launched a new segment called Wellness Wednesday. This week we are catching up with our friends from GI for Kids to discuss lactose intolerance. Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Dr. Chad Thornhill explained what lactose is, what symptoms your child would experience if they are lactose intolerant, and options for treatment.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a serious condition that has recently been discovered in children 3-6 weeks following infection by COVID-19. Typically, COVID-19 in children causes mild symptoms like the flu, such as fever, fatigue, cough, and body aches. However, since the pandemic began, there have been reports of…

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) With the increased legalization of marijuana in various states throughout the U.S., we have experienced the most rapid growth of marijuana use since the 1960’s.  Along with the increase in use of this drug, we are also seeing patients with symptoms and complications related to daily marijuana use.  With the first…

GI for Kids is now offering vitamin D supplements in liquid or capsule form for all ages. Our Vitamin D supplements include Vitamin K to aid with absorption. They are manufactured by a reputable company that does independent studies on all supplements to ensure they are gluten free and free of dyes or other additives.…

The Mediterranean Diet   At GI for Kids, we sometimes encourage our patients to follow a Mediterranean Diet. This diet is high in fruits, vegetables, plant-based proteins, and healthy fats. A Mediterranean Diet can be prescribed for a specific condition, like constipation, or just as a general healthy diet.   A Mediterranean Diet includes many…

What is Kefir? Kefir is a fermented dairy product, similar to yogurt. Thinner than yogurt, kefir is typically consumed as a beverage. The fermentation process used to make kefir elevates the nutritional content.  Kefir is a good source of probiotics, protein, calcium and vitamin B12. The Turkic word, Kefir, means “feeling good”.     Nutrition…

What is the Low FODMAP Diet? The Low FODMAP diet is an elimination diet often used to manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). People with IBS have recurrent abdominal pain associated with a change in the frequency or type of stool. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, constipation and diarrhea. The Low FODMAP diet consists…

This month we are all about herbs and spices! Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor to you food without getting added fats, sugar or sodium. They are versatile, easy to use, and generally have a long shelf life. Many also have added health benefits. Did you know there is technically a…

Is being stuck at home affecting your eating habits? Quarantine can make meal planning difficult! Some of you may feel overwhelmed having to prepare meals at home; while others may find they are eating more due to having stock piles of “Quarantine Snacks” or just out of pure boredom. Meal and Snack Tips at Home…

Chia Seeds Chia seeds are the edible seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant native to Central America. They are a small but mighty seed in the realm of nutrition. 1 ounce of Chia Seeds Calories: 137 Carbohydrate: 12.3g (4%) Dietary Fiber: 10.6g Total fat: 8.6g  (13%) Omega-3: 4915mg Protein: 4.4g (9%) Calcium: 18% Phosphorus: 27%…

Beets Serving size: 1 cup / Calories: 58.5 Total Carbohydrates: 13g / Total Fat: 0.2g / Protein 2.2g Dietary Fiber: 3.8g Beneficial for reducing constipation, promoting bowel movement regularity, and decreasing diverticulitis. Promotes overall better colon health. Vitamin C 11% Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron, formation of collagen, improved wound healing, and…

New Year, New Way to Set Goals!   Did you set a “New Year’s Resolution” for 2020? Have you already broken it? If so, you are not alone! According to Us News and World Report, 80% of New Year’s Resolutions fail by the second week of February; and only 8% of resolutions are kept through…

You have probably seen many gingerbread houses this season, but do you know some of the benefits of ginger along with different ways to cook with it in the kitchen? Ginger is a flowering plant and is used in many forms in the kitchen. It is native to southeastern Asia and was used by the…

Making You Own Baby Food Starting solids is an exciting time for parents. However, for some, it can be overwhelming. There are many options with trendy approaches such as homemade baby foods and Baby Led Weaning. Prepackaged baby foods can be a great option. But whether it be your preference, need for increased calories, or…

What is black strap molasses? When sugar cane is boiled down two things are produced: sugar crystals and liquid. After the sugar crystals are extracted, the liquid left is collected as molasses. Different types of molasses: There is a light and dark variety of molasses. The light molasses is produced after an initial boiling and…

Cranberries are packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals along with antioxidants. Take a look at their nutritional profile along with some recipes below!     Cranberries may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to the antioxidant proanthocyanidin. A UTI occurs due to bacteria lining the bladder and urinary tract. Proanthocyanidin prevents the…

It’s that time of year again! Soon enough kids will be carving pumpkins and setting them on the front porch to glow throughout the night. Although this food is commonly used for decoration, it can also be creatively nutritious in the kitchen! Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food. At only 49 calories per cup, pumpkin contains…

This month we are all about mushrooms! Mushrooms are a healthy addition to any diet. Although mushrooms are often categorized as vegetables they are actually a fungus. They do have many health benefits similar to vegetables being low calorie, high in fiber, and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Unlike most vegetables, mushrooms are a…

THE TRUTHS OF CONSTIPATION It may surprise you to learn that constipation is a very common problem for children. In fact, symptoms stemming from constipation account for around 20-25% of GI for Kids office visits each year. Treating constipation can be perplexing for parents since there are several possible causes, and a variety of treatments.  But in all…

August is Kids Eat Right Month™, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Academy Foundation’s chance to highlight the fight for our children’s healthy future. At GI for Kids we are dedicating to helping your kids learn how to eat right! As the Registered Dietitian for GI for Kids, I wanted to share some…

This month we are all about flaxseed! Flaxseed comes from the flax plant which is one of the oldest crops; known to have been cultivated in ancient Egypt and China. Full of omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans (antioxidants), flaxseed has many health benefits. It also contains significant vitamins and minerals. Fiber: The mixture…

  At some point in your life, you’ve looked into the toilet bowl and have been startled by the color of your poop.  Surely something must be wrong! In a panic, you’ve called the doctor, googled your symptoms, or just sat and worried over it.  After a bowel movement or two, the color usually returns…

In honor of May being Celiac Awareness Month, we wanted to give an overview of the disease including the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. 1 in 133 people in the United States have celiac disease and 83% of those people are undiagnosed. Celiac is an autoimmune disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Individuals with celiac disease should…

Enteral nutrition, commonly called tube feeding, has been used for hundreds of years. Over the centuries, a variety of methods have been used to provide nutrition for those who cannot eat by mouth. In recent decades, pre-packaged formulations of nutrients have been the standard approach. Recently, however, there has been increased interest among parents and…

Have you met Millie yet? Millie is currently in training to be the GI For Kids Therapy Dog 🙂Millie is a black double doodle (half goldendoodle / half labradoodle) and is as curly as they come! She joined the family at GI for Kids in December of 2018 at 9 weeks of age. Since, she has been in vigorous therapy dog training through Wendy’s Canine Training.

National Nutrition Month® 2019 March is National Nutrition Month®! This year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is celebrating the diverse ways in which people can thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition. This is fitting for us at GI for Kids because, we see how nutrition impacts our patients’ lives in so…

The holidays are such a fun time for kids! However, the festivities that come along this time of year can be cause of stress and disappointment for families with food allergies. The prevalence of food allergies among children is rising; the CDC reported a 50% increase from 1997-2011. Despite this, families with food allergies often…

We are excited to announce the GI For Kids Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition Center of Excellence in Knoxville will be coming in 2020. This 20,000+ square foot state of the art building will be located in West Knoxville at the Northshore Town Center. As a leader in Pediatric GI, this will be just another tool…