What foods should people with spina bifida avoid?

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Spina Bifida Association, individuals with spina bifida are at increased risk for obesity and related metabolic issues due to decreased mobility and reduced muscle mass. Navigating dietary choices is crucial for managing these concerns, which is why understanding what foods should people with spina bifida avoid is so important.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of dietary considerations for people with spina bifida, including foods to limit for weight management, constipation prevention, and managing specific risks like latex allergies and kidney issues. Healthy alternatives and strategies for improving overall nutrition are discussed.

Key Points

Manage Calorie Intake: Reduced mobility means lower energy needs, so limiting high-calorie, high-sugar, and high-fat foods helps prevent weight gain and secondary complications.
Prioritize Bowel Health: Avoid inadequate fluid intake and sudden, excessive fiber, which can worsen constipation and lead to bladder problems. A balanced approach is key.
Beware of Latex-Food Cross-Reactivity: Individuals with a latex allergy should avoid high-risk foods like bananas, kiwis, avocados, and chestnuts to prevent allergic reactions.
Address Kidney Health Needs: For those with kidney issues, strict restrictions on high-potassium, high-phosphorus, and high-sodium foods are often necessary.
Ensure Adequate Hydration: Plenty of water and non-caloric fluids are critical to prevent constipation and reduce the risk of bladder infections.
Be Mindful of Nutrient Density: Focus on whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to meet nutritional needs while managing calories.
Identify and Accommodate Food Sensitivities: Children with certain related conditions may have texture sensitivities requiring individualized dietary plans.

Navigating Calorie-Dense Foods for Weight Management

For many individuals with spina bifida, reduced mobility means they require fewer calories than their peers without the condition. A lower metabolic rate combined with a smaller lean body mass can lead to a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. Excess weight can exacerbate health issues like pressure injuries, bladder and bowel problems, and breathing difficulties. Therefore, limiting high-calorie, low-nutrient foods is a primary consideration.

High-Calorie Foods to Limit

Sweets and baked goods: Pastries, cookies, cakes, and other sugary desserts offer high calories with minimal nutritional value.
Sugary drinks: Sodas, fruit juices (including 100% juice), and sweetened sports beverages contribute to unnecessary calorie intake and should be limited.
Fried and fatty foods: Chips, french fries, and other fried snacks are high in fat and calories. Opt for grilled, baked, or steamed alternatives.
Fast food and takeaways: These are often packed with high fat, sugar, and sodium, and should be avoided or consumed very rarely.
Heavy sauces and dressings: Many store-bought sauces and creamy dressings are calorie-dense. Choose lighter options or make your own at home.

Avoiding Problematic Foods for Bowel and Bladder Health

Bowel and bladder management is a major concern for many with spina bifida. Poor dietary choices can lead to constipation, which can worsen bladder control issues and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Hydration is key, but so is avoiding certain foods that can irritate the bladder or disrupt bowel regularity.

Foods to Limit or Avoid for Bowel and Bladder Health

Inadequate fluid intake: Not a food, but a critical factor. Insufficient water makes fiber hard and ineffective, worsening constipation. Sugary or caffeinated drinks can also irritate the bladder.
Excessive fiber from a single source: While fiber is beneficial, adding too much too quickly can cause gas, cramping, and exacerbate constipation. A gradual increase with plenty of water is essential.
Spicy and acidic foods: For those with bladder sensitivity, extra-spicy or highly acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits may cause irritation.

Managing Latex-Food Syndrome

Some individuals with spina bifida develop a latex allergy due to repeated exposure during surgeries and medical procedures. This allergy can also lead to cross-reactions with certain foods that contain similar proteins, a condition known as latex-food syndrome.

High-Risk Latex-Reactive Foods to Avoid

Fruits: Bananas, kiwis, avocados.
Nuts: Chestnuts.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, potatoes, eggplants.
Other foods: Though less common, many other foods have been associated with latex cross-reactivity. It is crucial for those with a latex allergy to consult an allergist for personalized guidance.

Dietary Restrictions for Kidney Issues

Chronic kidney disease can be a complication for some people with spina bifida, often due to urinary tract issues. For those with compromised kidney function, dietary restrictions on minerals like potassium and phosphorus are necessary.

Foods to Avoid with Kidney Issues

High-Potassium Foods: Bananas, potatoes, oranges, tomatoes, dried fruits like dates and raisins.
High-Phosphorus Foods: Processed meats, dairy products, canned foods, whole-grain bread, and many packaged foods.
High-Sodium Foods: Canned foods, processed meats, and salty snacks like chips and crackers.
Dark-colored sodas: These often contain high levels of phosphorus additives.

Comparison of Food Choices


Concern	Avoid/Limit These Foods	Opt for These Healthy Alternatives
Weight Gain	Sugary snacks (cookies, candy), high-fat fast food, sugary drinks (soda, juice)	Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, water
Constipation	Dehydrating beverages (caffeine, alcohol), low-fiber refined grains, and sudden large increases in fiber	A balanced intake of varied fiber (legumes, whole grains, produce), and ample water
Latex Allergy	Bananas, kiwis, avocados, chestnuts	Most other fruits and vegetables, following personalized allergist advice
Kidney Issues	High-potassium fruits (bananas, oranges), high-phosphorus dairy/processed foods, high-sodium items	Low-potassium fruits (apples, cranberries), fresh vegetables, healthy fats, controlled protein

Other Considerations and Best Practices

Texture Sensitivities

Some children with spina bifida, particularly those with Chiari malformations, may experience a sensitivity to certain food textures. Caregivers should be mindful of a child's preferences and aversions, working with a healthcare provider to ensure a balanced diet is still achieved.

Nutrient Density

Since many individuals with spina bifida need to manage their caloric intake, choosing foods that are nutrient-dense is critical. This means prioritizing vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains to ensure they get enough vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin D for bone health.

The Importance of Hydration

Drinking enough fluids is arguably one of the most important dietary habits for a person with spina bifida, particularly water. Proper hydration works with fiber to prevent constipation and helps reduce the risk of bladder and kidney infections. A dietitian can provide specific fluid intake recommendations.

Conclusion

While a single diet does not fit all, understanding the potential impact of certain foods is vital for those with spina bifida. Key areas to focus on include managing weight by avoiding high-calorie snacks and sugary drinks, preventing constipation by ensuring adequate fiber and fluids, and being aware of specific allergies and comorbidities. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods and tailoring choices to individual needs, people with spina bifida can optimize their health and well-being. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes.

Consult a Professional

For personalized advice and comprehensive management of spina bifida-related nutritional concerns, it is best to seek the expertise of a medical professional, such as a dietitian. For further resources and information, consider visiting the Spina Bifida Association's resource section on nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

People with spina bifida are often less mobile and have less muscle mass, meaning their bodies burn fewer calories. This puts them at a higher risk for obesity, which can worsen other health issues like bladder control and pressure sores.

A diet that includes plenty of high-fiber foods from varied sources, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, is crucial for managing constipation. It is also essential to increase fluid intake, particularly water, alongside fiber to prevent stools from becoming hard.

Many people with spina bifida have a latex allergy. A phenomenon known as 'latex-food syndrome' means they can have allergic reactions to certain foods that contain proteins similar to those in natural rubber latex, such as bananas, avocados, and chestnuts.

Yes. If kidney function is compromised, it is vital to avoid foods high in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. These can include certain fruits and vegetables, processed meats, dairy products, and salty packaged snacks.

Hydration is extremely important. Proper fluid intake, especially water, helps keep the digestive system regular, preventing constipation. It also helps to flush the bladder, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.

While fresh fruits are a vital part of a healthy diet, fruit juices, including those labeled 100% fruit juice, are often high in sugar and calories. It is best to limit these and encourage water and whole fruits instead.

For children with texture sensitivities, particularly those with Chiari malformations, it's best to work with a healthcare provider or dietitian. They can help ensure the child receives adequate nutrition while accommodating their aversions. Start by introducing new foods gradually and in different preparations.