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Giving children with IC foods that will not irritate their bladder and create pain while at school is critical. Here are a few ideas. If you have more, please share them with us below!
DRINKS
Following the IC diet will be trickier for middle and high school students than it is for elementary students if not just for status. Most teens want to be accepted and be cool, thus hanging out at Starbucks with a latte, or walking around campus with a soda or caffeine drink in hand are definitely the “in” thing among teens. Remember, though, that there are bladder friendly alter- natives even at Starbucks. They can get a Steamer, which is steamed milk with some flavoring (no coffee added) or a Creamer, which is milk blended with ice and some flavoring (no coffee added). Peppermint or chamomile herbal tea are also very bladder friendly and über cool. Fair warning – green tea drinks are very popular among teenagers but can be excruciating in a tender IC bladder. These should be avoided at all costs.
An IC bladder is also very sensitive to acidic fruit juices and sodas. Give them bladder friendly alternatives like pear juice, blueberry juice or a personal water bottle that contains diluted juices (i.e. like a baby apple juice). (Many schools do not allow stainless steel or solid bottles because they can be used to bring alcohol on campus. Ask for any water bottle policies).
Luckily, there are some very cool flavored waters that can work in a pinch. Hint Essence waters come in über cool bottles and taste great, without any added acids. You can find those in the ICN Shop.
Be wary of the highly acidic drinks that often come in little foil pouches. Look at the ingredients carefully!! If they contain citric acid or Vitamin C, they might make your child very uncomfortable.
Thankfully, milk is very IC friendly. When possible, let them buy milk at school instead (not chocolate milk, but plain milk).
SANDWICHES
For sandwiches, keep it simple. Preserved meats can contain a lot of chemicals and preservatives. Look for brands like BOARS HEAD that are preservative free. Make turkey, ham, chicken, beef or veggie sandwiches. Feel free to add a little mayo, mustard, lettuce and/or a slice of cheese (i.e. like American cheese) if they don’t bother your teenager. If considering peanut butter and jelly, try using a low acid jelly like those in the ICN Shop (blueberry, pear, peach, etc.). Almond butter is also a good substitute for peanut butter if necessary.
SNACKS
Your child deserves a good snack for going to school and working hard. Resist adding junk food and focus on fresher foods. How about a mild sweet apple (i.e. Gala or Fuji) that is naturally lower in acid? Pears and blueberries are good fruit options. Carrot and jicama sticks are popular favorites. How about home- made oatmeal or sugar cookies? An occasional small bag of potato chips, like plain LAY’s chips, should be more bladder friendly than doing a spicy chip, like BBQ or sour cream and onion. Because they can be salty and might irritate the bladder, keep the chips to once a week.
If your child misses chocolate, you can try the Goldie’s Carob bars as a special treat...just one section a day or you can send a carob honeymoon! We have several carob candies available in the ICN Shop at: http://www.icnsales.com.
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What do you think would be good additions to a school lunch box?? I'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions!
Jill
I've found answers...so can you...keep the hope.
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