Hello all,
My almost 2 yr old son just puked up his entire bowl of mac and cheese. He doesn't have it that often but he's puked it up more than once, just like he did today. The last time was months ago but I'm wondering why he would do this after eating mac and cheese in particular. He doesn't seem to have that reaction to anything else and when he's done this he seems completely fine in all other ways (has no sick symptoms whatsoever). Has anyone else experienced this before? Is there something in the mac and cheese that he could be allergic to or have and intolerance with?
I have with mac and cheese several times. It could be the food dye if its boxed or maybe its from msg but he wouldn't be able to tolerate other foods with msg. I have cut out for my son: Doritos, Cheetos or anything with a lot of flavoring on it.
Maybe the first time got sick on it has left an impression on his brain. He associates mac & cheese with getting sick, so that's what happens when he eats it. Our minds are VERY powerful things! I'm 32 years old and to this day I can't take Pepto or drink red Gatorade. I had the horrible flu when I was a kid and that's how my aunt treated it. Not that she did wrong or anything, but now I will forever associate Pepto and red Gatorade with throwing up. I tried a little Pepto about 2 years ago. It hit my stomach and came right back up. If I even smell red Gatorade, I start gagging.
Since he doesn't have any type of reaction to the stuff in the mac and cheese unless it's actual Mac and Cheese, I just wouldn't give it to him. If you really want him to have it, try a different kind. If you're using the stuff with the powder, try the stuff with the creamy cheese or make your own.
My son got sick on mac and cheese about that age. He still hates the stuff, and he's 16. His wasn't because of the mac and cheese, but the memory of that day is still with him.
You didn't mention whether this is the BOXED mac & cheese or the real stuff. Does he do this with both? If not, sounds like he might be allergic to the dye or preservatives in the boxed product. If he doesn't do it with other things, doesn't sound like he is lactose intolerant. Try whichever one he didn't eat before and see what the results are. That should help you narrow it down.
If this is the only food he reacts to this way I would say it is probably not an allergic reaction. If it was an allergic reaction I would think he would have it with other foods. For some reason kids tend to not chew mac and cheese well and they eat it way to fast. Also he might be just over eatting if he does not get it often and he really likes it.
Is he eating too fast? or too much?
does he like it when he is eating it?
Maybe he just doesn't like it.
I'm not a huge fan of eggs but will eat an omlette on occasion. Put a quiche in front of me I'll puke it up every single time. No reason, other than I just don't like quiche.
It's possible he's somewhat lactose intolerant. But also--is he chewing his food? One wee one that I babysat did this constantly with mac & cheese and it was because he ate it too fast and didn't chew properly. HTH
What kind of mac and cheese are you using? If it's in a box, it could any of the chemicals and dyes they use in it. Something organic (Annies has a great one) might be better.
Try making it from scratch instead. It's really pretty easy, and you can make a big batch and freeze it in servings for him.
Depends on the product. Was it the box kind or boiled noodles and cheese? It might be his body doesn't like the boxed powdered cheese. No harm, just buy pasta and shredded cheese and make your own.
Good luck!
Maybe he loves it so much he eats it too fast, doesnt chew it well, eats too much and then gets active and barfs it up cuz his intestines just arent into it?
The fact that he'll eat it again after barfing it up suggests that he doesnt become nauseated (usually you wont eat something that makes you "sick" for a long while after puking).
The pasta just might be a little too heavy for his digestive system just yet. Maybe try a different kind, or cook the noodles longer until they are softer?
Could be an allergy, but it would seem there would be other things that he wouldnt be able to tolerate as well..... and so far you have found none.
This is my guess..... tummy cant hang with it just yet.
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just a thought here....a co-worker of mine mentioned awhile back that her husband is allergic to yellow dye coloring #5 (I don't remember the number honestly) and that's what is used in mac n cheese, cheetos, etc.... I know you said he doesn't have any other reaction, but could it be his body realizes it and gets it out before a reaction can occur.... seems silly now that I've typed it...but you never know.
