Food refusal can be a disorder called selective eating disorder that usually develops in childhood when the child eats only the same foods, rejecting all other options out of their accepted pattern, having little appetite and disinterest for new foods. Thus, it is common for a child to enjoy eating the same foods at all times, rejecting new foods, and having difficulty eating at restaurants and at other people's homes.
Often this disorder is seen by the parents as a tantrum of a spoiled child or freshness to eat, but this may be a disorder, it is necessary that the child is evaluated by the pediatrician and a psychologist to make his diagnosis, so that with the treatment the child can have a more varied and nutritionally balanced diet.
Refusal to feed is common in children between the ages of 2 and 6, so parents are used to eating, trying to negotiate the food that will be eaten, getting up from the table during a meal, and pinching along the day. However, when the child presents this type of behavior constantly, always eats the same foods, besides this phase, an evaluation with a doctor and psychologist is indicated.
Signs and symptoms of selective eating disorder
To identify this disorder, be aware of the following symptoms:
- The child always eats the same foods, eating only 15 different foods or less;
- Avoid whole food groups, such as milk and dairy products or all fruits;
- Close your mouth tightly to avoid eating a different food anyway;
- Make tantrums at mealtimes, making the stressful time for the whole family;
- The child may experience nausea and vomiting when faced with the need to eat new foods;
- The child may prefer only cold or warm foods;
- The child may prefer soft-tasting foods such as light-colored foods such as milk, bread, pasta;
- In certain cases it is possible to observe preference for certain brands of food;
- The child may not tolerate the smell of a particular food, having to withdraw from the kitchen or living room, and present with vomiting
- Some children may be anxious about food especially if it is easy to get dirty, such as meats with sauces, due to the mother's childhood demands on the child not to get dirty.
These symptoms may persist into adulthood when the disease is not diagnosed properly, causing tension and constant fights in the family during meals.
The diagnosis of this eating disorder is based on the clinical history of the symptoms presented by the child, which should be taken to the pediatrician to evaluate the severity of food rejection. Making a food diary for 1 week, in addition to the feelings you feel when eating food, is a good way to begin to understand the problem.
In addition, the doctor will also check for other problems that may lead to dietary rejection, such as difficulties in chewing and swallowing, food allergies and gastrointestinal problems. Not always the child has low weight or developmental problems, but may have difficulty in school with poor school performance, in addition to dry skin and weak hair and nails, due to lack of nutrients due to little food.
What Causes Selective Eating Disorder
Excessive and persistent food refusal can be caused by psychological problems, social phobias, and palate changes like the 'super palate'. Difficulty chewing, swallowing or feeling stomach upset or tummy pain can also influence this disorder.
Treatment of selective eating disorder
The treatment for the child to eat everything is usually done with medical monitoring and psychological treatment, where strategies are made to improve the dining environment and encourage the child to try new foods through cognitive behavioral therapy. Some strategies that may help to vary infant feeding are:
- Reduce stress and fights during meals by promoting a calm and quiet environment and do not let the child punish him if he does not want to eat;
- Do not give up serving new foods for the child, but always put on the plate at least 1 food that she likes and eats naturally, which may have been chosen by her;
- Offer the same food by varying the preparation, presentation and texture. For example: offer roasted potatoes, potatoes cooked in slices or pieces washed with olive oil, not exactly the same as mashed potatoes;
- Offer new foods and eat these foods in front of the child showing how tasty they are, because this habit favors the child's acceptance;
- Rely on your child's choices and leave him free to eat as much as you want during meals;
- Show similar characteristics between some foods that the child accepts and new ones, to encourage them to try them, for example: pumpkin has the same color as the carrot, the taste of cabbage is similar to spinach ...
In addition, if the child presents problems in the development of chewing, speech, swallowing or gastrointestinal problems, follow-up with professionals such as speech therapist and occupational therapist will also be necessary because specific techniques will be implemented that can be used to improve the child's experience with foods.
Here are tips to encourage your child's food variety:
- How to make a child eat fruits and vegetables
- How to make your child eat everything
Warning signs to see a doctor as soon as possible
The selective feeding disorder can bring serious problems for the child, especially the delayed growth and development due to lack of adequate nutrients and calories. Thus, the child may be a little smaller and lighter than he should, although this is not always a feature that draws the attention of parents. Lack of vitamins and minerals can also lead to bleeding gums, weakness in the bones, dry eyes and skin problems.
In addition, too much of the same nutrient, obtained by excessive consumption of the same food, can also cause health problems such as itching, tiredness, weakness and joint pain. Therefore, if these symptoms are present it may be necessary to have a blood test to identify the deficiency or excess of some nutrient, which may need medication.
