Nearly every kid exhibits picky eating habits at some point during childhood, and while it can be annoying, it’s typically nothing to worry about — and it’s a habit your child will outgrow. But sometimes, picky eating can be a sign of a more serious issue, or it can lead to problems like nutritional deficiencies. The key is knowing when to see your pediatrician for help.
At Nevada Pediatric Specialists, our team helps parents understand the difference between a picky-but-still-healthy eater and a child who needs additional intervention to prevent health problems. In this post, learn what’s behind picky eating, what problems it can cause, and when to contact our pediatricians.
Picky eating isn’t uncommon among kids, and it’s not unusual in many adults, either. Most people have preferences when it comes to flavors, textures, and even subtle differences, like colors, seasonings, and spices.
While there’s no consensus on what causes picky eating in kids, most researchers agree that it’s likely due to a number of factors that can vary widely from one child to another. Foods that are mushy, bitter tasting, or have a strong odor may simply be unpalatable to your child. Restrictive mealtime rules, like the command to clean their plate before certain foods are allowed, may play into pickiness.
Many kids grow out of their fussiness, while others may carry it throughout their adult years. These preferences typically don’t interfere with normal eating habits, nor do they pose health threats.
Picky eating can also be caused by reactions to food; for instance, if a food causes symptoms like belly pain, bloating, gas, or heartburn, it’s natural to want to avoid that food. In such cases, kids may be dealing with undiagnosed physical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies or sensitivities, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Pickiness can also be related to other underlying medical conditions, like autism, sensory disorders, or psychological conditions like anorexia nervosa or obsessive-compulsive disorder. In any case, if your child displays picky eating, it’s a good idea to discuss it with our team so we can determine if there’s a medical issue at play.
If your child balks at eating foods with a strong flavor, like brussels sprouts, cabbage, or pickled or spicy foods, but they’re fine eating most other foods, there’s likely nothing to worry about. In fact, plenty of adults — including presidents — maintain their dislike of specific foods. While this can certainly limit their menu, it probably won’t lead to nutritional problems.
However, there are some signs that may mean there’s more involved than personal preference. It’s a good idea to schedule a visit with our team if your child:
Many issues can play a role in picky eating behaviors, and while some may resolve on their own, others require medical attention, psychological counseling, or both.
It’s not always easy for parents to determine what’s normal when it comes to picky eating. Scheduling a physical exam is important for determining the cause of your child’s picky eating and for finding solutions that can help.
Depending on your child’s symptoms, their health history, their growth and development, and other factors, our team may order lab tests to look for nutritional deficiencies, order food allergy testing, or recommend other exams focused on uncovering the root cause of the issue.
In addition to providing treatments for underlying medical issues, we can teach you how to establish solid eating routines at home that can help you, your child, and your family relax and enjoy mealtimes.
Even though picky eating is often a normal consequence of childhood, it can cause nutritional deficiencies and sometimes may be a sign of something more serious. Having an evaluation is the best way to make sure your child stays healthy while providing you with greater peace of mind.
To schedule an appointment with the team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists in Henderson or Las Vegas, Nevada, call 702-457-5437 or book online today.
