Moms, you might be one of the parents who have experienced a moment when your child has difficulty eating or has a reduced appetite. In fact, a complete nutrient intake is very important to support your little one’s growth and development. If your child’s appetite decreases, it’s possible that they will become less energetic and more vulnerable to illness.
There are several reasons behind a child’s loss of appetite, such as when they are sick and unwilling to eat, for example, having a sore throat, mouth sores, cough and cold, or a fever. If it’s not due to illness, your little one’s habit of snacking close to mealtime could also cause them to lose their appetite when it’s time to eat.
Actually, Moms don’t need to worry too much if your child’s appetite decreases, as long as they remain healthy and active. However, if you feel the need to boost your child’s appetite to make them eat heartily again, you can give them the following foods to help stimulate their appetite.
- Temulawak (Javanese turmeric)
Since ancient times, temulawak has been a solution for parents when their children have difficulty eating or their child’s weight isn’t increasing. Temulawak is believed to help increase a child’s appetite, even though there is no direct research showing the connection between this plant and its function in boosting a child’s appetite. In fact, many vitamins containing temulawak are now available in the market.
This is due to the active compound curcumin (the yellow-colored substance) in temulawak, which can increase digestive enzyme activity and, in turn, stimulate the child’s appetite. In addition, curcumin in temulawak has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These compounds act as protectors for the body, fighting various diseases.
- Ginger
Ginger not only helps warm the body and enhance the flavor of food but is also effective in boosting a child’s appetite. This is because ginger can help eliminate nausea, which could be the reason behind a child’s difficulty eating.
However, typically toddlers do not like the taste of ginger. Therefore, Moms should try mixing ginger with other food ingredients, for example, by combining it with honey or blending it with fruits to make juice.
- Nuts
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews are excellent sources of zinc. This mineral helps improve digestion and stimulate a child’s appetite. In addition, nuts are rich in nutrients that support a child’s growth.
However, you should check whether your little one has any allergies to nuts. If not, you can give them to enhance their appetite.
- Carrots
You can make carrot juice to serve to your child. A glass of fresh carrot juice before meals can stimulate your little one’s appetite because of its function in improving the digestive system. Additionally, carrots are proven to have numerous health benefits for your child’s body. -
Yogurt
Yogurt contains prebiotics, which function like plant fiber. Prebiotics balance the bacteria in the body, particularly the good bacteria. Furthermore, this food contains beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophiles. These good bacteria help maintain immunity, enhance nutrient absorption, and improve digestion.
