Could Hidden Stress at Birth Be Linked to Your Child’s Picky Eating?
Are you feeling worn out by the daily struggles to get your picky eater to eat? If you’ve tried hiding veggies in smoothies, making sticker charts, or found yourself pleading for “just one more bite” at every meal, you’re definitely not alone. As a parent, these battles can leave you feeling frustrated, worried, and sometimes like you’re not doing a good job. Many of the families in our practice in Orland Park, IL experience the same challenges, so you are not alone!
But what if the reason your child is picky isn’t really about the food itself?
Looking Deeper: What Might Really Be Going On
Studies show that a good number of kids, up to 22%, are considered picky eaters, and for many (around 40%), this lasts for two years or more. While doctors often suggest waiting it out or trying different ways to encourage eating, they might be missing a key piece of the puzzle: how the nervous system is involved.
The truth is, picky eating often has less to do with a child being stubborn and more to do with their nervous system feeling overwhelmed.
Let me tell you about Leo, whose family had a tough time with his eating. There were many days he wouldn’t eat anything at all. His mom felt totally lost, especially when their doctor kept saying he’d “grow out of it.” They tried speech and feeding therapy but didn’t see much improvement.
Everything changed when they realized Leo’s nervous system was stressed. Once they helped calm his system down, his ability to handle different sensations got much better, his meltdowns decreased, and he started eating regularly. He went from a struggling picky eater to a happy, thriving little boy.
How the Nervous System Plays a Role
To really understand why some kids are picky eaters, we need to look closer at what’s happening in their bodies:
An Overactive “Fight or Flight” Response
Your child’s picky eating might be linked to their nervous system being stuck in a constant “fight or flight” mode. This can cause a few problems:
- Normal food textures, smells, and tastes can feel too intense or even scary because their senses are on high alert (aka sensory overload).
- A stressed nervous system can actually make the brain crave simple, sugary foods that give a quick burst of energy.
- What seems like a normal meal to you can feel like a battle for your child’s body and brain.
Three Possible Root Causes of Picky Eating
- Trouble Processing Sensory Information: When there’s stress or subluxation in the upper neck and the base of the brain, it can throw the nervous system off balance. This can make kids extra sensitive to how food feels, its temperature, and how it tastes. What feels like a normal food texture to you might feel really uncomfortable or even painful to your child. That soggy cereal or slightly lumpy yogurt isn’t just unappealing – it could be triggering a strong sensory reaction.
- Vagus Nerve Not Working Well: The vagus nerve is super important because it helps control digestion, hunger, and the connection between the gut and the brain. When this nerve isn’t working its best, it can mess up normal eating patterns. This can lead to tummy troubles, making kids connect eating with feeling bad. No wonder they get hesitant at mealtimes!
- Challenges with Mouth and Throat Coordination: Good nerve connections that affect the head and neck area are important for chewing and swallowing. When these aren’t working smoothly, kids often prefer soft foods that are easy to eat. Struggling with certain textures isn’t about being difficult – it’s a physical challenge that needs the right kind of support. When your child says they “can’t” eat something, they might really mean it.
Why Traditional Advice Often Isn’t Enough
Now you can see why just hiding vegetables, using rewards, or making strict mealtime rules often doesn’t lead to lasting change. These approaches focus on trying to change behavior without looking at the underlying physical reasons.
It’s like trying to teach someone to swim when they’re panicking in the water – they can’t learn until they feel safe.
A Different Way to Help: Supporting Your Child’s Nervous System
Understanding these connections in the body is the first step towards real, long-term improvement!
Remember Leo’s story? He didn’t change overnight, but by addressing the root cause – his nervous system being out of sync – made all the difference. His mom went from feeling helpless to feeling in control, and mealtimes went from stressful fights to enjoyable family time.
At Health From Within in Orland Park, IL, we use advanced INSiGHT scanning technology to find specific areas of stress in the nervous system that might be contributing to your child’s picky eating. Our gentle and precise adjustments help the nervous system work better, allowing your child’s natural desire to eat to come back. Don’t wait to call us today and set up a consultation for your child. If you don’t live near us, please check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you.
Don’t let another meal end in tears and frustration. With the right kind of help and understanding, your child can develop a healthier relationship with food, and your family can enjoy peaceful mealtimes together.