Osteopaths can play a significant role in helping children who are picky eaters by addressing underlying issues that affect their ability to enjoy a wider variety of foods. One common reason children may be selective with their food is that they find certain textures unpleasant or feel nauseous after eating. This can be a sign of an issue with the parasympathetic nerve supply to the gut, primarily managed by the vagus nerve. This can be irritated from a difficult birth or a head injury.  Osteopathic treatment, through gentle hands-on manipulation, can help improve vagal nerve function, allowing the child’s digestive system to work more smoothly, reducing nausea and discomfort.

Another common reason for picky eating is a heightened gag reflex, which can make certain foods difficult or unpleasant for the child to swallow. This reflex is controlled by the glossopharyngeal nerve, and osteopathic treatment can help reduce the hypersensitivity of this nerve. By relieving tension in the neck and cranial structures, skilled osteopaths can ease the child’s gag reflex, making eating a less daunting experience.

Some children also experience tummy pain after eating, which may be linked to food intolerances or irritation of the sympathetic nerves that connect the spine and the digestive system. This discomfort can be caused by past injury, stress, or anxiety, all of which can disrupt normal digestion and lead to selective eating habits. Osteopathic treatment can help alleviate this pain by improving nerve function and calming the body’s response to stress, encouraging healthier and more enjoyable eating habits in children.

There are some excellent downloadable resources on picky eating you can access here.

As always, if your child has eating issues, it can help to discuss this with your GP and rule out pathologies. In New Zealand, Registered Osteopaths are able to refer for Ultrasounds and Xrays, plus are trained in differential diagnosis.

The very skilled hands-on assessment and treatment that Osteopaths provide, can be a very helpful part in supporting the health of your children or loved ones. If you have any questions, contact us here and one of our paediatric osteopaths will call you back as soon as they are able.

Link here to Dr Melanie Young Reg Osteopath