How to help children have a healthy digestive system and eat well

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Huynh Bao Toan - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

The digestive system has the function of turning food into the energy that the child's body needs for growth and development. Healthy Digestion - Eating well is key to good health, preventing childhood obesity and supporting the functioning of the immune system. So, how to make children eat well? Figuring out what's causing your child's loss of appetite, changing eating habits, changing meals, and creating consistency in mealtimes will help you get your child back to normal eating habits.

1. What is the cause of the child's loss of appetite?

Causes of loss of appetite in children are quite diverse. Your child may have anorexia due to the causes listed below:
Illnesses: If your child is suffering from flu, stomach problems, diarrhea or fever, he or she may not want to eat much. Stress: Arguing and fighting with siblings, being bullied, and dealing with unfortunate events like the death of a loved one can stress your child and lead to anorexia. Depression: Has your child suddenly stopped drawing and no longer want to touch a pencil or play his favorite games? You might mistake it for temporary sadness, but if it goes on for a long time, it could be depression. Decreasing Growth Rate: A child's growth and appetite will vary with age, energy levels, nutritious diet, and environment. Anorexia : Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder. Your child is obsessed with losing weight and will stop eating for a long time. Prescription medications: If your child is taking antibiotics or other prescription medications, their side effects may cause a decreased appetite. Constipation: Constipation is another factor that causes children to lose their appetite. You may need to adjust your child's diet and modify his or her lifestyle. Lack of exercise: If your child is afraid to go outside and is sedentary, they won't feel hungry at mealtimes. Snacking between meals: Parents often find their child hungry and may offer a quick snack or two. However, snacking between meals makes children feel fuller for longer. As a result, your child doesn't eat all of the food on his plate at mealtimes. Drinks and juices: Sugary drinks and fruit juices are high in calories. Drinking these beverages can lead to loss of appetite in children. Distractions: If your child watches TV or a smartphone while eating, he or she may be less interested in the food on his plate. Punishment: If parents frequently ask children to finish food even when they are not hungry, children may start to hate food. This gradually reduces cravings. Anemia: Anemia can be another reason for a child's loss of appetite. Children with anemia look weaker, tired, and irritable than others. Intestinal Worms: The presence of worms in your child's intestines can also cause him to eat less than usual. These worms can also lead to other problems such as intestinal bleeding.

2. How to make children eat well?

You can support your child's digestive system and prevent anorexia by following these tips:
Divide small meals: If your child can't eat much at one time, break up the three main meals into 5 - 6 small meals. Change up your diet: Eat fortified foods rich in B vitamins and whole grain products rich in iron, folic acid, and other nutrients. A bowl of fruit dessert and vegetable soup should also be provided for the child. Parents can feed their kids colorful and appealing foods like beets, carrots, cabbage and bell peppers. Don't force your child to eat: Allow your child to eat as much as he or she wants. Let your kids help in the kitchen: When you teach your kids about nutrition and let them help with the cooking, they automatically start to become more interested in food. Stay away from electronic devices: Be strict and say no to TV and video games during mealtime. All family members can dine together. Drink only after meals: Juices and drinks contain a lot of calories. Therefore, it is better to use them after your child has finished eating. Play with food: If your child enjoys it, he will eat it. Playing with the participation of dishes, arranging food in a way that is visually appealing to your child is also a way to enhance the child's taste. Encourage an active lifestyle: Enroll your child in sports classes like swimming or encourage him to hang out with friends in the park. Don't Allow Your Child To Skip Breakfast: Under no circumstances should you allow your child to go to school on an empty stomach. A hearty breakfast boosts the body's metabolism and increases appetite. Give your child water 30 minutes before mealtime: Encourage your child to drink a glass or two of water before mealtime. Make it a habit for them to drink water as soon as they wake up and before mealtime so they don't feel hungry anymore. Replace junk food with healthy alternatives: Junk foods are high in sugar and calories. They reduce cravings. Replace these unhealthy foods with healthier foods to snack on. Incorporate a variety of spices: Spices like oregano leaves, Italian herbs, coriander, and cinnamon add aroma and flavor to a meal. This makes the dishes more appealing to children. Some children do not like to eat foods with strong odors or tastes, such as garlic. Try eliminating such ingredients from your child's meals. Instead, you can use appetizing spices like oregano, cinnamon, and fennel seeds. Keep your home cool: Food cravings are reduced when the environment is too hot, sweaty or uncomfortable. Turning on the air-conditioner or opening the window helps to put children in a better mood and they will naturally want to eat again. Avoid stress: During mealtime, don't ask your child about homework or what happened at school. Instead, put on some music and put the child in a good mood.

Consider limiting milk: If your child is struggling with anorexia, it could be a problem related to her drinking too much milk. When children drink milk as an appetizer or snack, their stomach won't have enough room to eat main dishes. To help children increase their appetite when eating, parents should supplement children with foods with lysine ingredients and micro-minerals such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to fully meet their nutritional needs. young. Lysine is an essential amino acid necessary for development that the body cannot synthesize on its own. strengthen resistance, reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, flu,...
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your baby and the whole family.