Child Not Eating? A Parent's Guide to Loss of Appetite
Loss of Appetite in Kids – Possible reasons why your child is not eating and Remedies
5 min read
Miscellaneous
Loss of appetite is a common problem among kids and can be caused by various factors, such as viruses, constipation, stress, medication, lack of exercise, anemia, food allergies, and other medical conditions. In this article, we will discuss the reasons for the loss of appetite in children and remedies to improve their appetite.
Type and causes
There are various reasons such as social or psychological causes that’s why a child may lose their appetite and stop eating or only be able to take very few bites.
These are some of the reasons -
Virus or Intestinal worms: These are common causes of stomach and intestinal problems in children. They can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Constipation: This occurs when a child has difficulty passing stools or has infrequent bowel movements. It can be caused by dietary factors, dehydration, or medical conditions.
Stress: Stress can cause changes in a child's eating habits and digestion. It can lead to stomach pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
Prescription Medicines: Certain prescription medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Lack of exercise: Lack of physical activity can affect digestion and bowel movements, leading to constipation or other gastrointestinal issues.
Disturbance: This refers to any disruptions in the child's routine or environment, such as moving to a new house, changing schools, or a family crisis. These can cause stress and affect a child's eating habits.
Anemia: Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and digestive problems.
Eosinophilic esophagitis: This is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation of the esophagus, which can lead to difficulty swallowing and digestive issues.
Anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders: These are serious mental health conditions that can cause severe weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and digestive problems.
Food sensitivity: Some children may have allergies or sensitivities to certain foods, which can cause digestive problems.
Drink sugary fluids and juices: Consuming sugary fluids and juices in excess can lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and stomach pain.
Punishment: Punishing a child for not eating can cause stress and anxiety, which can affect their digestion and eating habits.
Depression: Depression can cause changes in appetite and digestion, leading to gastrointestinal problems.
Other major medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can affect digestion and cause gastrointestinal problems, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Treatment, Home Remedies, and Prevention - Loss of Appetite
Give small portions of food frequently:
Instead of large meals, try offering small portions of food throughout the day to make eating less overwhelming for the child.
Change the menu by serving fortified foods and colorful dishes:
Offer a variety of colorful, nutrient-dense foods to make meals more appealing to the child.
Avoid force-feeding:
Forcing a child to eat can cause anxiety and worsen their eating habits. Instead, encourage them to eat by making mealtime fun and enjoyable.
Involve the child in the kitchen:
Letting the child help with meal planning and preparation can make them more interested in eating and trying new foods.
Do not allow gadgets when eating and eat together as a family:
Encouraging family meals without distractions can create a positive and enjoyable environment for the child to eat in.
Ensure the child eats breakfast every day:
A nutritious breakfast can set the tone for the rest of the day and help regulate appetite.
Consider reducing the amount of milk the child drinks:
Excessive milk intake can lead to constipation and other gastrointestinal issues, so it may be helpful to limit the child's milk consumption.
What should parents do if their child is not hungry?
It's important to offer a variety of healthy foods and snacks, and to be patient and understanding if your child doesn't feel like eating. If loss of appetite is persistent, consult with a doctor.
Food that increases appetite in a child
Here are some healthy food options -
Yogurt is a healthy probiotic to support the digestive system and increases appetite because it provides B vitamins, calcium, and beneficial bacteria in the stomach.
Zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, cashews, wheat bran, and chicken reverse poor appetite in children by feeding them.
Peanuts are to boost metabolism, increase appetite, and keep the child chewing.
Fruits such as apple, blueberry, grapes,avocado, peaches, plums, and pomegranate increase appetite and are high in essential nutritional values.
Nuts such as almond or raisins, cashew, walnuts are ifor bite-sized meals.
Ajwain is very good for increasing appetite and improving digestion by adding them to parathas, making ajwain water infusions, or even including them in salads.
Basil is the perfect remedy to promote normal digestion if you are wondering how to increase appetite in young children.
Chavanprash is often used to treat poor appetite in children, an old Ayurveda remedy.
Ginger can be added by crushing ginger to sandwiches, salads, or soups to increase your child's appetite.
Thyme is best used in salads, soups, and sandwiches to eliminate loss of appetite in children.
Fenugreek Water helps increase appetite in children.
Curd with some mint leaves before serving to the kids is Ideal for children from 8 months to 9 months.
When should you go to the doctor?
If you have concerns about your baby's loss of appetite, it's always best to consult with a pediatrician. You should seek medical attention immediately if your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight, has signs of dehydration, or has other symptoms along with the loss of appetite.
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