Culinary Medicine
CHOC, part of Rady Children’s Health, is leading the way in pediatric integrative health — including culinary medicine — to advance healing, wellness, and nutrition-based therapies through clinical excellence, research, and education. Unlike many hospitals, holistic care is part of our standard for children with gastrointestinal conditions.
Culinary Medicine is a cornerstone of our Gastrointestinal Integrative Health Program, combining medical expertise, dietary strategies, nutrition education, and hands-on cooking skills to teach families how to use “food as medicine” in managing and preventing digestive disorders. Pediatric gastroenterologists, dietitians, and chefs collaborate to create practical nutrition guidance and intentional ingredient choices — tailored to each child and their family, restoring both nourishment and enjoyment to mealtime.
By uniting pediatric integrative health and culinary medicine, CHOC empowers families and creates the best environment for children to heal, grow, and thrive.
What we Treat
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Functional abdominal pain/ Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction (DGBI)
- Rumination Syndrome
Culinary Medicine Recipe Library
Health and healing start here. Find recipes based on your child’s specific symptoms or unique needs.
Our Culinary Medicine Team
This groundbreaking program is fueled by a team of expert clinicians, researchers, and Chinese medicine practitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pediatric culinary medicine?
Pediatric culinary medicine teaches families how to use food strategically to support digestive health, reduce symptoms, and improve overall well-being.
How does “food as medicine” help GI conditions in kids?
Using evidence-based nutrition strategies and cooking skills, children can reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and prevent symptom flare-ups.
Is culinary medicine the same as seeing a dietitian?
Dietitians are part of the team, but Culinary Medicine goes further by providing practical, hands-on cooking guidance that translates medical advice into everyday meals.
More from Gastrointestinal Integrative Health
Healthcare
CHOC receives donation to establish an integrative gastroenterology and culinary medicine program
A gift from Sherry and John Phelan will advance whole-child wellness by providing lifestyle, dietary and psychological support.
CHOC Inside