What is physiological anorexia? Stages of physiological anorexia in children

Physiological anorexia is a common symptom of nutritional disorders in children. Anorexia can have an adverse effect on your baby’s mental and physical well-being. Let’s find out the stages of physiological anorexia together with Tnhelearning.edu.vn and measures to solve physiological anorexia!

What is physiological anorexia?

Anorexia in children is often divided into 3 types: psychological anorexia, pathological anorexia and physiological anorexia. The condition in which children suddenly lose their appetite or eat less than usual is called physiological anorexia.

Physiological anorexia will usually last from 1 to 2 days or 1 to 2 weeks depending on the stage. At the same time, physiological anorexia can occur many times or repeat in the development of children such as teething, weaning, talking, walking,…

Physiological anorexia in children

Signs of physiological anorexia in children

Some signs that a child is having anorexia physiological include:

Children suddenly anorexia

If the baby suddenly sucks less than usual, does not actively ask for or refuses to breastfeed, the baby may be anorexia. Children who are weaning with anorexia will have very little or almost no desire to eat anything, or only choose to eat certain foods to eat.

Children only suck on food and are lazy to swallow

Some children with other physiological anorexia have uncooperative attitudes such as holding food in their mouth for a long time, crying, refusing to swallow food, leading to a meal lasting many hours.

Children are naughty and do not pay attention to eating

During the stage of crawling and learning to walk, most children will be hyperactive and will not sit still during mealtimes. Some children may be so busy playing that they forget to eat, or ignore when their mother feeds them.

Signs that a child has anorexia physiological

In general, physiological anorexia does not cause serious consequences. Most of the time, after children adapt to the transition period, they will eat normally.

However, parents should note that if the child’s physiological anorexia lasts for more than 1 month, it will adversely affect health . At this time, parents need to monitor the child and give appropriate handling methods.

Stages of physiological anorexia in children

The stages of physiological anorexia of children can be divided into the following stages:

• Stage from 3 to 4 months old : This is the stage when babies begin to roll over, raise their heads and observe their surroundings.
• 6 months old: This is the period when babies start to transition to a new diet. At this time, the mother will train the baby to eat solids and gradually get used to many different foods.
• The period from 9 to 10 months old: At this stage, babies will begin to learn to crawl, stand, and walk , so they will be less attracted to food. At the same time, children also start teething, causing pain, swelling, fever, fatigue, discomfort and loss of appetite.
• 2 to 3 years old: This is the time when your baby starts going to kindergarten. At this time, children will be affected by the change of living environment as well as diet, so it is easy to lead to anorexia.

Physiological anorexia stage in children

Measures to solve physiological anorexia in children

Although physiological anorexia is a completely normal phenomenon in children , parents should apply some measures so that children can overcome the physiological anorexia period easily and without affecting health.

• Split meals: You can increase the number of meals a day while reducing the amount of food in each meal. This will ensure nutrition and make the child not feel like eating too much at each meal.
• Increase the amount of milk and snacks (if needed): If the child does not eat much in the main meal, the mother can give the child additional snacks such as cheese, yogurt, fruit, … to supplement nutrition. .

Measures to solve physiological changes in children

• Eat soft, liquid, easy-to-digest foods: You should give your baby foods such as soup, soup, porridge, … to be good for the intestines and digestive system of the child.
• Decorate food beautifully: The decoration of attractive dishes will help stimulate the taste buds, making children want to eat more.
• Focus your child’s attention on meals: You should not let your children watch TV or phones while eating, but help them focus on completing the meal for 30-40 minutes.
• Do not threaten, scold and force-feed : If the child is more uncooperative, the parents should be more patient and comfortable. Because coercive actions will make children afraid to eat and can lead to long-term psychological anorexia that is difficult to overcome.
• Besides, you can also add necessary micronutrients for children such as zinc, selenium, chromium, vitamins, … to improve taste, strengthen the immune system and resistance, thereby helping children develop better.

Overcoming physiological anorexia in children

Measures to prevent physiological anorexia for children

In addition to measures to solve anorexia in children, you can prevent physiological complications in children with the following methods:

• Give complementary foods to babies when they are just 6 months old.
• Feed your child with the amount and number of meals appropriate for the child’s age. Avoid overfeeding your child as it leads to anorexia.
• Offer your child a variety of foods to provide adequate minerals and nutrients.

• Let your child eat on time, on time and absolutely do not force the child to eat, do not scold, threaten or hit the child.
• Limit distraction when feeding children, do not let children eat while watching TV, phones, …
• Create a comfortable atmosphere when feeding and praise your child when needed.

Measures to prevent physiological anorexia for children

Above is information about physiological anorexia in young children and stages of physiological anorexia. Hope this article has provided you with more useful information.

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