Children's intense picky diet, actually a sign of "zinc deficiency"?

"I made it with nutrition in mind, but they didn't eat it at all."

"They only eat sweets, strong flavors, and certain ingredients..."

Every day's meal time, you may be swayed by children's picky eating, and your mind and body may become exhausted.

"I wonder if my cooking is not delicious?"

"Is the way of eating and discipline bad?"

There are many parents who blame themselves like that, but in fact, the reason why children refuse food. It may not be the fault of mom or dad, but the change in taste due to [zinc deficiency] in the body may be related.

This time, I will talk about the "surprising relationship between unbalanced diet and zinc" that will be important from the baby food period to the growth period.

🏺 eating less and less? The vicious cycle of picky eating

Zinc has many roles that are essential for growth, such as promoting healthy metabolism in children, maintaining immunity, and stabilizing mental health.

Among them, I would like to pay particular attention to the function of "keeping the sense of taste normal."

On the surface of our tongue, there are important taste sensors (cells) that sense taste. This sensor is constantly reborn into new cells in a short cycle of about 10 to 12 days.

However, when zinc is deficient in the body...

The update of the taste sensor stops and the taste becomes dull

You will not understand the gentle taste of the material and will only accept "specific strong taste" such as strong taste and sweetness

As a result, there will be even fewer things to eat and even more zinc shortages...

There are times when you fall into a "vicious cycle of unbalanced eating" that has nothing to do with your intention.

💡 don t blame yourself for my cooking.

You may be anxious, saying, "Why do I run out of food even though I cook it properly every day?"

However, please do not blame yourself. Zinc is a nutrient that cannot be made in the body. Moreover, it is said that only about 30% of the nutrients are actually absorbed by the body even if they are taken from meals.

As a child's body grows, the necessary amount increases rapidly, so even if you live normally, it is actually a delicate nutrient that is easily deficient without realizing it.

🥗 Tips to meet nutrition efficiently

In order to supplement zinc well, "combination (combination)" in daily meals holds a big key.

Compatibility ○ (Something that improves absorption)

Citric acid (lemon, vinegar, etc.), vitamin C (broccoli, strawberries, etc.), amino acids (meat, fish, eggs, etc.), vitamin A (carrots, pumpkins, etc.)

Compatibility × (Things that tend to interfere with absorption)

Carbonated water, processed meat (ham, sausage, etc.), brown rice, and too much dietary fiber

First of all, it is recommended to try small as possible, such as squeezing a little lemon on the usual meat or fish menu or adding green and yellow vegetables rich in vitamins.

👋 worry alone, step by step positively

If you can notice that your child also has a dull taste sensor, it is a big first step to solving unbalanced eating.

However, the reason for unbalanced eating is not only zinc, but also various factors such as timing and mood problems are intertwined.

If you are worried about growing up because you are extremely picky eaters or don't know what to start with, feel free to consult your pediatrician or nutritionist.

While borrowing professional advice and support such as blood tests, let's find ways to be positive so that the daily table is a pleasant and enjoyable time for parents and children!

# picky _ eating food education There are children# parenting # child