Tips to improve appetite in kids
Nearly all children become picky eater to some extent during their toddler years with an accompanying decrease in appetite. Long terms poor appetite or Anorexia can not only affect a child’s physical growth but also their emotional development. Therefore establishing good eating habits early will benefit children for the rest of their lives.
Reasons
Sometimes a medical condition such as iron deficiency anemia , thyroid conditions , even the common cold can affect your child’s appetite.
Due to Inadequate gaps between meals children do not feel hungry.
Whole grains can make the tummies of babies full for long time as it is rich in fiber.
Too much milk, juice , soda or other flavored liquids can fill your child up So your baby is not hungry at meals time.
Symptoms of
Anorexia ( lack of appetite) :-
Weight loss.
Pale Appearance.
Irregular bowl movements.
Very low immunity .
Unsettled sleep.
Stomach discomfort.
Skinny.
SSome home remedies to improve appetite :-
Mix mint leaves juice in yogurt. Mix just pinch of black pepper ( it helps in the secretion of gastric juices).Mint is also used to combat stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and colic in small children. Give it twice in a day.
During preparation of food for the children, one should always add a little of jeera, pepper, turmeric and pinch of hing . These spices help in the secretion of digestive juices.
Juice of green coriander leaves is very effective. Give it twice in a day.
Tulsi juice is as effective as coriander juice.
Soak 4-5 kismish at night . In the morning crush it in the soaked water and sieve it . Make your child drink this water once in a day.
Boil the ajwain (carom seeds) in water . Give it to your child and it will work as an excellent appetite booster. By adding ajwain with jiggery , also helps to de worm the child.
Gulkand ( rose jelly) helps to save kids from constipation and so help in boosting the appetite.
Raw tomatoes increase appetite and can cure anorexia.
According to Ayurveda ghee can be used to increase appetite .
Lime and ginger juice mixed with pinch of salt is very helpful.
Apples and oranges taken daily help to improve the anorexia.
Fresh pomegranate juice with honey works wonder.
Have very small amount of warm soup around meal times to support digestion.
Few suggestions :-
Let the child eat at proper prefixed timings.
Pleasant, stress free meal times can be the best way to encourage a healthy appetite.
Low fat diets are not recommended for toddlers as they may result in poor growth.
Encourage children to have more outdoor activity in the sunlight. Physical activity helps stimulate the appetite and bowel movements.
Be sure your child gets enough sleep
Note :- To rule out any other cause take your child and visit the doctor. When prescribed by doctor give vitamins to your child regularly.
If your child appears healthy and happy there is probably not a reason to be concerned about temporary slump in appetite.
Dr. Suman Setia